stomach problems every day

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2004
stomach problems every day
8
Thu, 11-10-2005 - 1:16pm

I am getting more an more annoyed by my body every day. There isn't one day that goes by where I don't have indigestion. Sometimes I don't have a bowel movement for 3 days straight, other days, I have them, but still have upset stomach, complete with gas, extended belly, gurgles, etc. I constantly feel bloated and unattractive and uncomfortable. It often times affects my intimate relationship with my boyfriend. My doctor told me to keep a food diary, and I still haven't come up with the culprit.
I am a marathon runner, and becuase I'm always hungry, I always eat. Perhaps this is the problem- but you wouldn't think it. I don't eat much dairy - a yogurt once in awhile. I have been drinking 4 cups of coffee every morning since at one time this seemed to be the only way to trigger a bowel movement.
I had bad diarrhea last night and i am not sure of why. but today, I haven't had a bowel movement yet, and my stomach feels ok, but a little bloated because I just ate my lunch, which consisted of a barley and rice pilaf, and some pork tenderloin with spinach. I eat very healthy at all times, occasionally splurging on chex mix.

My stomach problems seem to be more prevalent during the week. The weekends are nice because I sleep in, relax and have time to actually go to the bathroom. I am starting to think that perhaps the problem is due to a wierd work/stressful work schedule? Maybe being in my own home relaxed on the weekends allows my body "permission" mentally to poop ;P

Do I have to live with this? does anyone else have some similar issues and what has worked to eliviate? Pepto doesn't even work anymore.

Community Leader
Registered: 10-01-2002
Thu, 11-10-2005 - 8:38pm

I am not doctor

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Mon, 11-14-2005 - 9:16pm

HI and Welcome aboard.


Sorry to hear that you are having problems.

 
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2004
Tue, 11-15-2005 - 8:57am

Thank you for your reply!
My doctor has done nothing for me. But, that is only because I've only brought the situation up once - last year - at my annual exam.
I've always been quite embarrassed by the situation, and figured it was something that was my own fault. When you said that an upset stomach can be triggered by eating meals on an empty stomach started me thinking. Becuase, often times, I will Not eat for fear of getting problems in social situations. Perfect example was this past Saturday. I had a wedding to attend, and from experience, when my stomach acts up = I won't fit into my dress well. So - I didn't eat anything most of the day except for a banana early, with peanut butter and pretzels, and of course, coffee.
by the time dinner came around -I couldn't eat more than 5 bites of it without getting that gut rot feeling all over again. I thought to myself "what did i do wrong this time!!!!"
Work is very very, if not extrememly stressful. I walk in in the morning, and usually leave 12-14 hours later - because by the time i am supposed to go home (4pm) something comes up that requires me to stay. I am a graphic designer in a very highly unorganized and demanding company. I've considered quitting on many occasions, but - eh - i don't want to go into details.

Anyway- usually by the end of the day, is when my stomach bothers me bad enough to just be a complete B**ch to everyone. I force myself to work out -and when i'm done, it feels better.
I can't stand drinking water, because that seems to effect it also - so I've tried the flavored ones - and i'm bothered by the Splenda. I have my next appt. with my Gyn in Feb. Perhaps I should see a specialist?
or maybe just cut out the stress.

I have a 10-day trip to Hawaii in a few weeks, so i'm hoping that will be the cure for awhile!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-15-2005
Tue, 11-15-2005 - 1:59pm
One of my really good friends recently started having stomach problems and so when I saw this topic on the message board I thought I'd throw in my two-cents (in case it somehow could help). First she thoguht that maybe she was turning lactose intolerant but then she realized that it wasnt just milk products that was upsetting her stomach. I got really worried because she was barely eating anymore since it becamwe so uncomfortable for her. Then she started taking this vitamin powder stuff that is supposed to help your digestive system called All One and she seemed fine. Im not sure where yuo buy ALL ONE but I can ask her (she lives by it now!) or does anyone else know where you can get it? I can find out for you if youre interested in trying it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2004
Wed, 11-16-2005 - 11:37am

That may interest me. I will look into that ALL ONE stuff.

I currently don't take multi-vitamins because they give me an upset stomach as well, and I have issues with taking such a big pill. I saw a special on Dateline once about multi-vitamins and how much of the vitamin your body actually absorbes. They had an average woman take one of those Centrum deals and ex-rayed her stomach 24-48 hours later and it still hadn't fully dissolved. So, I'm a little weary. I'd feel better drinking my vitamins in liquid form, if they had that.

Anyway -It is now Wednesday, and I haven't had a normal BM since Saturday morning. I don't get it! I eat Salads, eat All Bran, peanut butter, apples, pears, whatever, and they don't trigger any type of movement whatsoever. I know I don't drink enough fluids, and perhaps that is the problem, but drinking water makes me feel nausious - and having to get up to pee every half hour is annoying.
What to do, what to do....

does anyone besides me have issues with salt? If I eat anything remotely salty (chex mix, pretzels) I wake up the next morning completely bloated. I don't put salt on anything, but eating that stuff really does a number on my face, especially. my eyes get all puffy and stuff. I hate it.

I have the most sensitive body, I swear.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-16-2005
Wed, 11-16-2005 - 1:03pm
Have you ever been tested for Celiacs Disease? It's a wheat/gluten intolerance--to anything containing wheat (breads, beer, etc).
It is marked by either digestive problems and/or skin rashes. It's genetic however a sibling of mine has it and no one else in the immediate family does, that we know of.
It can be tested for by blood or endoscopy (which is minor).
It's usually overlooked and upon diagnosis, can be controlled by diet.
Search the internet for Celiacs Disease-there's tons of info out there.
Good luck!
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-15-2005
Wed, 11-16-2005 - 1:08pm
I talked to my friend Jenn and she said that ALL ONE are powder supplements that yuo put in juice. I guess the powder form makes it easier on your stomach and absorb into your system better. She takes the green formula and also their fiber stuff (I dont know if thats opwdered too or what). She said a lot of stores sell it but yuo can also buy it online. I think Im going to try it myself cuz I hate swallowing vitamins, theyre such a hassle and if they dont even absorb then whats the point. If you find the website or try any of them out, let me know.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2004
Wed, 11-16-2005 - 5:47pm

Thanks for the info on the All One. I'll check into that.

regarding the Celiacs Disease...
I did a little searching around for that - and symptoms. I guess I'd need to pay closer attention to what triggers my ailments to find out if it is a gluten problem. Fortunately, today - I have no issues, this is a first in many many many days. Weeks, even. I even had a wheat english muffin this morning, so I don't know if it's a gluten thing, but one never knows. I have in the past had an odd seizure type incident in a restaurant (pizza) where I passed out for no reason. I had just eaten and was sitting down calmly in a booth with some co-workers. I went to the ER and they did call types of tests on my heart. I do recall having indigestion pretty on that particular day, so the hospital deal was extremely uncomfortable with all the poking and prodding!

When my better insurance plan kicks in the first of the year, i am surely going to make an appt with a GI specialist. Only at least to ease my mind.

I started the birth control pill last night for the first time, and surprisingly today my stomach is fine. Go figure. Maybe the new horomones calmed it.