Indigestion for months
July 30, 2015 12:32 AM Subscribe
A few months ago I was in a situation (detail within) where I had to eat a lot of heavy food (lots of meat etc) regularly for about a month. I developed GI symptoms that I choked up to indigestion. I've since resumed my normal healthy diet and lifestyle, but I continue to have stomach troubles. YANMD, I know, but any thoughts on what I could do?
I am in the middle of 12 months of traveling abroad for research. About 3-4 months ago I was with a group of people who were extremely hospitable and to whom food is an extremely important symbol of good will and relationship. They offered tons of food every meal, and I ate whatever that came my way because that was the socially appropriate thing to do. Towards the end of my month with them, I started having stomach issues.
Some days I am fine, but more often than not I feel full all the time (and would feel stuffed after a few bites), I get a sharp burning pain in/near my left rib cage for a few hours as soon as I start eating, acid reflux, occasional diarrhea and nausea. I am not especially averse to food, but I don't feel hungry and eating often causes pain, so I haven't been able to eat enough.
At first I thought this was indigestion--fully expected, as I was not used to the quantity and type of food served (I normally eat quite healthfully, lots of vegetables, lean protein, brown rice, never eat junk food, only a little dairy, etc). But I've left that situation for several months now and resumed my normal diet, and the symptoms persist. I am beginning to feel the GI troubles taking a toll.
I am otherwise in excellent health, and frankly a bit of a health nut. I don't drink alcohol or smoke, I drink 1 cup of coffee per day, lots of water, exercise 4 times a week. I am not overweight (BMI=20). I got to see one doctor, and was tested negative H. Pylori so I don't think it's an ulcer. I am also not anemic. I know YANMD, hive mind, but until I get home to my own doctor, what do you think this could be? Does indigestion last this long? And more importantly, what are some easy ways to relieve my symptoms (I've tried Toms to no avail)?
p.s. I haven't been travelling in anywhere known for parasites or hepatitis
I am in the middle of 12 months of traveling abroad for research. About 3-4 months ago I was with a group of people who were extremely hospitable and to whom food is an extremely important symbol of good will and relationship. They offered tons of food every meal, and I ate whatever that came my way because that was the socially appropriate thing to do. Towards the end of my month with them, I started having stomach issues.
Some days I am fine, but more often than not I feel full all the time (and would feel stuffed after a few bites), I get a sharp burning pain in/near my left rib cage for a few hours as soon as I start eating, acid reflux, occasional diarrhea and nausea. I am not especially averse to food, but I don't feel hungry and eating often causes pain, so I haven't been able to eat enough.
At first I thought this was indigestion--fully expected, as I was not used to the quantity and type of food served (I normally eat quite healthfully, lots of vegetables, lean protein, brown rice, never eat junk food, only a little dairy, etc). But I've left that situation for several months now and resumed my normal diet, and the symptoms persist. I am beginning to feel the GI troubles taking a toll.
I am otherwise in excellent health, and frankly a bit of a health nut. I don't drink alcohol or smoke, I drink 1 cup of coffee per day, lots of water, exercise 4 times a week. I am not overweight (BMI=20). I got to see one doctor, and was tested negative H. Pylori so I don't think it's an ulcer. I am also not anemic. I know YANMD, hive mind, but until I get home to my own doctor, what do you think this could be? Does indigestion last this long? And more importantly, what are some easy ways to relieve my symptoms (I've tried Toms to no avail)?
p.s. I haven't been travelling in anywhere known for parasites or hepatitis
PPI. I take Aciphex. It's prescription only. As Joe above says, Prilosec is available OTC and is in the same class.
posted by persona au gratin at 1:15 AM on July 30, 2015
posted by persona au gratin at 1:15 AM on July 30, 2015
I'd suggest doing some research on probiotics. About a month ago I cut out dairy from my diet and started eating more meat. A week in I began having chronic bloating, constipation, heartburn, and sluggishness. I started taking acidophilus a couple days ago and my system is already starting to relax. As always, check with your doctor first, but I'd recommend looking into it.
posted by E3 at 1:29 AM on July 30, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by E3 at 1:29 AM on July 30, 2015 [3 favorites]
I second the probiotics suggestion. It's the only thing that solved my acid reflux issue. Prilosec and all those other antacids cut back your body's natural digestive juices, and can cause digestive issues down the road. Probiotics give your body what it needs to level everything out.
I would still have a doctor check you out, as well as your poop. Parasites can creep in no matter where you get your meat from.
posted by myselfasme at 1:39 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
I would still have a doctor check you out, as well as your poop. Parasites can creep in no matter where you get your meat from.
posted by myselfasme at 1:39 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: It also sounds to me that you have acid reflux. Essentially all that heavy eating caused acid to come up from your stomach and damage your esophagus.
Your esophagus is still damaged and so you have lingering effects. This will normally be the case until it heals.
When this happened to me, my doctor told me to eat well (as you are), favor more lighter meals instead of bigger meals, don't eat too late and generally avoid very hot food or drink (including soups, hot tea or coffee) which might slow your healing. It took me a few months, but I did get better and eventually back to normal.
posted by vacapinta at 3:14 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
Your esophagus is still damaged and so you have lingering effects. This will normally be the case until it heals.
When this happened to me, my doctor told me to eat well (as you are), favor more lighter meals instead of bigger meals, don't eat too late and generally avoid very hot food or drink (including soups, hot tea or coffee) which might slow your healing. It took me a few months, but I did get better and eventually back to normal.
posted by vacapinta at 3:14 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
The diarrhoea is a bit unusual in heartburn - depending on where you've been travelling, it might be worth also getting checked out for giardia and other infectious diseases.
If it's heartburn, the PPI should cure it. If the PPI doesn't eradicate your symptoms within a couple of days, or if you need the PPI for more than six weeks, you should see your GP again. I don't know how old you are or what your other risk factors might be, but there are other causes of heartburn symptoms that would need to be ruled out. Negative h pylori serology doesn't exclude an ulcer. Also gallstones can present in weird and wonderful ways sometimes, and the pain is usually brought on by eating.
posted by tinkletown at 3:46 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
If it's heartburn, the PPI should cure it. If the PPI doesn't eradicate your symptoms within a couple of days, or if you need the PPI for more than six weeks, you should see your GP again. I don't know how old you are or what your other risk factors might be, but there are other causes of heartburn symptoms that would need to be ruled out. Negative h pylori serology doesn't exclude an ulcer. Also gallstones can present in weird and wonderful ways sometimes, and the pain is usually brought on by eating.
posted by tinkletown at 3:46 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
So this might be a little unorthodox, but I have spent a lot of my adult life with similar symptoms thanks to food allergies and a thyroid problem and the one thing that works to calm the problems is eating a green apple or two daily. It's my go-to fix these days whenever I get GI stuff and while I don't think it nullifies everything, it does make me feel much better. 🍏
posted by Hermione Granger at 4:12 AM on July 30, 2015
posted by Hermione Granger at 4:12 AM on July 30, 2015
When I was living abroad I had a bunch of similar symptoms occasionally. I thought it was heartburn, too. But I guess I hadn't really ever had heartburn before that, because it ended up being not heartburn at all, but rather gall bladder issues. I had the gall bladder taken out when I moved back to the states and symptoms had increased in both severity and frequency. So, are you sure it's heartburn?
posted by Stewriffic at 4:31 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Stewriffic at 4:31 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Sounds like gallstones. See your doc.
posted by pintapicasso at 5:00 AM on July 30, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by pintapicasso at 5:00 AM on July 30, 2015 [3 favorites]
Best answer: If you've got persistent stomach pains and diarrhea it could conceivably be the gradual onset of one or other kind of IBD. If it is that, it's not caused by diet or known environmental factors (it's part genetics, part unknown factors) and nothing you can do will really make much difference. And if the symptoms are mild or intermittent, it may be difficult to get an early diagnosis, as the doctors will be slow to go for a full colonoscopy (though medical culture on that might be different where you are, I don't know).
But yes, see a doctor when you can.
posted by Segundus at 5:09 AM on July 30, 2015
But yes, see a doctor when you can.
posted by Segundus at 5:09 AM on July 30, 2015
The position and nature of your pain sounded like gallbladder to me as well, although, y'know, IANAD.
It's also possible to just... mess your system up. They're not really sure why post-infectious IBS is a thing, but it is, and it's possible for things to take a while to reset.
I'd suggest cutting back on fat as much as you can (because of the potential gallbladder issue) and adding a probiotic, ideally a better-quality one if you can get your hands on them where you are. You want one of the ones that is refrigerated if possible. A food diary may also help you see the pattern, if there is one.
Also, if you have a family history of colon cancer, make sure you mention it to any doctors as that generally makes them take these symptoms more seriously. (I am not suggesting you HAVE colon cancer. But you'll be screened faster if there's a family history there.) Same goes for inflammatory bowel disease/Crohn's/celiac.
posted by pie ninja at 5:16 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
It's also possible to just... mess your system up. They're not really sure why post-infectious IBS is a thing, but it is, and it's possible for things to take a while to reset.
I'd suggest cutting back on fat as much as you can (because of the potential gallbladder issue) and adding a probiotic, ideally a better-quality one if you can get your hands on them where you are. You want one of the ones that is refrigerated if possible. A food diary may also help you see the pattern, if there is one.
Also, if you have a family history of colon cancer, make sure you mention it to any doctors as that generally makes them take these symptoms more seriously. (I am not suggesting you HAVE colon cancer. But you'll be screened faster if there's a family history there.) Same goes for inflammatory bowel disease/Crohn's/celiac.
posted by pie ninja at 5:16 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
The gallbladder is on the right side, though, and the op describes the pain as being on the left.
posted by fancyoats at 5:32 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by fancyoats at 5:32 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
Have you tried fibre supplements? I take a medication which does my digestive system no favours, and swilling down Benefibre (inulin) and Metamucil (psyllium) helps a great deal. (Definitely drink extra liquids if trying this.) Googling will fetch up the idea that fibre is a laxative, but it is more a 'stool normalizer.'
posted by kmennie at 6:00 AM on July 30, 2015
posted by kmennie at 6:00 AM on July 30, 2015
Best answer: It sounds like GERD and/or a Hiatal hernia which is where a portion of your stomach is pinched by the diaphram, it'll cause that too full feeling after eating. Another reason for that sensation is your stomach isn't emptying fast enough for whatever reason and the food is just sitting there.
If you can get OTC Losec it might be worth trying, but the effects won't be immediate and youll need to give it time. Instead of Tums you might want to try Alka Seltzer (DIY version is lemon juice and baking soda in water) instead. Ginger has been helpful sometimes too. Until you know what's triggering it (assuming its GERD) small really bland meals that are easy to digest and really low fat would be the best bet.
posted by redindiaink at 6:41 AM on July 30, 2015
If you can get OTC Losec it might be worth trying, but the effects won't be immediate and youll need to give it time. Instead of Tums you might want to try Alka Seltzer (DIY version is lemon juice and baking soda in water) instead. Ginger has been helpful sometimes too. Until you know what's triggering it (assuming its GERD) small really bland meals that are easy to digest and really low fat would be the best bet.
posted by redindiaink at 6:41 AM on July 30, 2015
Had the same sintoms, down to the pain on the side. Turned out that, because I had changed diet by moving abroad, I was desperately constipated despite pooping regularly.
I was given a very bland laxative and ordered eat a lot of yogurt.
If you have diarrea do not take a laxative, obviously, but maybe look in to a diet that will help your guts along.
posted by thegirlwiththehat at 6:58 AM on July 30, 2015
I was given a very bland laxative and ordered eat a lot of yogurt.
If you have diarrea do not take a laxative, obviously, but maybe look in to a diet that will help your guts along.
posted by thegirlwiththehat at 6:58 AM on July 30, 2015
Find out if you have an infection first. Don't go on Omeprazole or any other proton pump inhibitor until you know about your real physical state.
posted by Oyéah at 7:41 AM on July 30, 2015
posted by Oyéah at 7:41 AM on July 30, 2015
Could be gallbladder problems (gallstones etc) even if the pain isn't on the right, the symptoms do fit.
posted by meepmeow at 10:31 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by meepmeow at 10:31 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
The gallbladder is on the right side, though, and the op describes the pain as being on the left.
My gallbladder pain was on the right.
posted by Stewriffic at 2:25 PM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
My gallbladder pain was on the right.
posted by Stewriffic at 2:25 PM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
My boyfriend developed what seemed like a number of unrelated symptoms over 2-3 years, including very severe acid reflux, bloating, nausea and diarrhea. As it turned out, he is gluten intolerant, and once he removed it from his diet all these problems disappeared. The timing in relation to your travels may be red herring - that said, when I lived in Japan, all the international workers developed "Japan sickness" within a few months of moving there due to the dramatic change in diet but we all got over it within three months.
posted by Wantok at 8:33 PM on July 30, 2015
posted by Wantok at 8:33 PM on July 30, 2015
Best answer: It's possible to have peptic ulcer disease without H pylori. I'd be in agreement with the point that your symptoms being on the left suggest something in the stomach, rather than the gallbladder. Also suggesting against gallbladder - the gallbladder generally kicks into gear (and causes pain, with gallstones) when one is digesting a fatty meal. It sounds like the OP gets these symptoms even despite a very low fat diet or even when eating meals with low to no fat content. Tums aren't very good for more than mild reflux. If you can't get to your doctor very soon you could try something like Maalox or Pepto Bismol. You can try a PPI like omeprazole but keep in mind it doesn't work quickly - take days to really be effective.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 10:54 PM on July 30, 2015
posted by treehorn+bunny at 10:54 PM on July 30, 2015
I have gastric reflux (GERD). My symptoms are identical to yours. I am not a doctor. And, FWIW, my doctor told me specifically not to use Tums/Rolaids/etc because they [insert medical stuff here] make things worse.
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 4:13 PM on July 31, 2015
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 4:13 PM on July 31, 2015
Nthing getting checked for gallstones. The pain can be referred to other areas of your body (mine manifested as upper back pain for years). Try eating no fat for a few days (there's a delay between when you eat and when the pain starts) and see if that helps and if it does go get your gallbladder ultrasounded.
posted by Jacqueline at 9:43 PM on July 31, 2015
posted by Jacqueline at 9:43 PM on July 31, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Joe in Australia at 1:03 AM on July 30, 2015