Topic: tried something new again for my stomach-its failing too
Nal
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Ok, I think I am done. I think I am just ready to completely give up and accept that my stomach will hurt for the rest of my life now and thats it.
My acupuncturist put me on a new med for my stomach. Its a tea. No, I don't know the name of it because it is all in Chinese.
Been taking it for a few days. No change. Still burning, cramping and severe nausea. Im so discouraged again!!!!!!
Is the PPI's causing this, is it the Lyme, is it stress, what?? I wish one friggin dr on the planet could just tell me!!!!!!!!!!
Anyone else get bad nausea too??? It was awful today. When my stomach burns it starts in the stomach and travels through the intestinal tract.
BTW, I have had this whole problem even before I ever tried ANY antibiotics for Lyme.
I fed up with all the crap.
I would try the Xango but I am so afraid of disappointment yet again.
Nancy
-------------------- Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond to it!
-Chuck Swindoll Posts: 1594 | From Colorado | Registered: Jan 2005
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Have you been tested for pancreatic insufficiency at all? I wonder if it isn't your stomach so much as your pancreas going wonky?
Have you ever tried pancreatin to see if it helps?
Posts: 369 | From Ohio | Registered: Mar 2002
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Jill E.
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Hi Nancy,
I'm so sorry to hear you are still suffering. I spent 20 years with major GI problems from various diseases - and that was before being bitten by the stupid tick!
Ginger is the only thing that works for me with nausea. I've been living on it this weekend - ginger tea, etc.
I second the idea about pancreatic insufficiency. Before I got Lyme, I was already involved in the Celiac Disease community. Many times, people posted on the celiac email lists about the improvement in GI pain using pancreatic supplements, getting tested, etc.
I hate to throw another thing on you during your misery, but have you ever been tested for Celiac Disease? Many people with Lyme go on to develop it or celiac-like symptoms. I had already gone gluten-free a couple of months before getting bitten, so at least I had the diet down pat.
It's cleared up or lessened a few of my GI ailments that doctors misdiagnosed for years. But it's a very limiting diet and takes a lot of homework reading every ingredient label, etc., so I'm throwing it out there only if you want to be tested first. The best lab for Celiac Disease is Prometheus Labs here in San Diego.
Take care - I'll be thinking of you when I have my next cup of ginger tea tonight.
Edited to add: I just read the post on here about Having a Lot of GI Problems. It brings up getting tested for H.Pylori. I assume you have been?
One last thing, have you ever been tested for Small Intestines Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)? I was being treated for that with antibiotics when I first had Lyme and didn't realize it. I did help a bit with my upper GI pain and burping. But then I abandoned it because I got so sick with Lyme and figured that the Lyme antitiobics would knock out the SIBO, too.
But I've gotten to know a wonderful woman who has Lyme and SIBO and is undergoing treatment for both. Just a thought - especially if your pain is more in the upper abdominal area, if you have bloating, burping, etc.
Jill
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
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Nal
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Thanks guys. They have tested my pancreas (ill double check, but I assume thats a blood test right??), have also had a couple of abdominal ultrasounds-normal.
I was tested for celiac disease. Im trying hard not to put gluten and wheat in my diet. Its miserable. However, I don't really notice a difference on it either.
They do say I have gastritis but it isn't always present. Example- an endoscope 6 mos ago showed gastritis. The one done last month-normal. No changes in anything either-figure that one out??
I hate all this!!
Nancy
-------------------- Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond to it!
-Chuck Swindoll Posts: 1594 | From Colorado | Registered: Jan 2005
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Jill E.
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Hey, Nancy,
I just edited my post to you to add the idea of Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth. Those additional paragraphs may have been added after you read my post.
Take care, Jill
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
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Nal
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posted
quote:Originally posted by Jill E.: Hey, Nancy,
I just edited my post to you to add the idea of Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth. Those additional paragraphs may have been added after you read my post.
Take care, Jill
How do they test for Sibo? Is it a blood test?
Nancy
-------------------- Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond to it!
-Chuck Swindoll Posts: 1594 | From Colorado | Registered: Jan 2005
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Aniek
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Have you talked to the acupuncturist about the tea since starting? Sometimes things get worse before they get better.
I just started Chlorella for toxin removal. I noticed in reading about it, that it is also supposed to help with all kinds of digestive issues and pain.
If you have the time, why don't you put together a list of every test you've had and every supplement/med/diet you have tried for your stomache and post it here. I know it is a massive task. But maybe if people could see everything you tried, they would notice something you missed.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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cantgiveupyet
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hey Nancy,
i just thought of something are you taking probiotics? could they somehow be upsetting your flora. just a thought.
im right there swimming along side you....
hang in there......there are answers out there for us both.
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
I just posted this for Mrs. Seibert. I know I reccommended this to you before, but don't know if you ever tried it.
One teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a half cup of water before meals.
Hope this helps, Jilly
Posts: 203 | From Jacksonville, FLorida | Registered: Oct 2005
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5dana8
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Hi Nal
I am so sorry you are still in so much stomach trouble. I am in the same boat-minus an ore.
here's a list of things that haven't helped so far: mastic gum aloe juice L-Glutamine slippery elm DGL licorice root super-cridical omega 7 no wheat at all no dairy at all
Here's a list of things that have helped me somewhat pheregan(promethazine)works great for nausea but makes me sleepie. carafate(somewhat) prilosec-40% better a combo tea: peppermint,chamile,a sliver of ginger root -seep- (I drink this after everyting I eat)**Too much ginger makes my stomach burn worse. eating small frequent meals-Even if I just have a little something chewing trident original flavor chewing gum homemade chicken broth yogurt
I just stopped the digestive enzynes for fear they may be buring my stomach. They where good for a while though.
*Lately had to go off my anti-yeast diet somewhat and find things that soak up acid like SF/yeast free waffles and yeast free breads and Kasha go lean Heart to heart cereal.(very low in sugar) is helping the stomach. I may have to pay for it in the yeast department later though.
I had some biospy's done and sent in to DML for lyme& co's. Won't know results July 6th.
Stupid question. Have you been treated for the co's? I don't think that's the whole answer . Neither is just acid production too.
I don't have anything more to add that I think you haven't thought about. But just wanted you to know I am there with you and hope and pray you can find some relief soon.
posted
?yeast
Posts: 293 | From healdsburg, ca , sonoma | Registered: Feb 2005
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Nal
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I have an appt on Thursday. I doubt that will help.
i was up half the night again with pain and nausea.
This just sucks so bad. I cant stop crying.
i wish everything would just end for me now. Im done.
Nancy
-------------------- Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond to it!
-Chuck Swindoll Posts: 1594 | From Colorado | Registered: Jan 2005
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luvs2ride
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Nal
What are you eating? It certainly sounds like leaky gut and if so you need to eat soft veggies and rice or potatoes. Soft foods that are well cooked and chew them very fine before swallowing.
No sugars, fried foods or processed foods with preservatives. No meat or dairy as these are hard to digest.
The good news is that the intestinal lining rejuvenates very quickly, so this really strict diet can be maintained for just a few weeks usually.
The bad news is leaky gut allows things into your body that were never meant to be there such as yeast, parasites and bacteria. These can make you very sick (think all your symptoms except the burn)and can be deadly. They take much longer to clean out of your system.
Antibiotics are certainly a culprit but so is longterm stress and a bad diet. Sugar is particularly bad and even if you don't eat a lot of sweets, remember that simple starches such as pastas, cakes, cookies, crackers, bread, etc convert quickly to sugar in your body.
If this is your problem, clearing it up may well clear up many or all of your symptoms.
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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luvs2ride
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ps: NO COLAS. Liquid poison!
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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I feel for you, I too have chronic GI problems...although now I am thinking that they may be from the Lyme...when you think of it, there are more nervess in your GI tract than anywhere else in your body...except the brain of course. Its not out of the realm of possibilities that your stomach hurts because the nerves are going wacky.
What helps me:
anti anxiety meds-Buspar-helps keep stress at bay and therefore stomach **** from stress at bay
chicken soup-I eat this stuff as my main source of nutrition along with yogurt...very easy to digest...but make sure to eat the broth cause really thats where all the nutrients are
nexium-helps keep stomach acid way down-didn't want to go on it since Im freaked out about PPIs, but I couldn't take the burning anymore-it has helped.
and please please please take probiotics. My GI doc gave me some, FloraQ-they have freeze dried colony forming units. Ask your doc about getting them.
Posts: 594 | From NJ/NY | Registered: Jun 2006
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5dana8
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Hey Nal
Please don't give up hope. I know things are overwhelming right now and you sound like you are at the end of your rope.
Please hang in there. There is always hope. There are things you haven't tryed. Maybe something for stress might help.
Have you tryed those pro-biotic pearls? I just ordered some and hoping they will help. Have you been tested for yeast?
How about trying just one bottle of the xango juice?
My heart goes out to you and and I guess all I'll can say is
where there is life there is hope.
Sending you warm and healing thoughts your way today and hope you can fell better soon.
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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Nal
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Anyone know why Chinese meds (or even alternative meds for that matter) almost always make you feel worse before better???
Nancy
-------------------- Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond to it!
-Chuck Swindoll Posts: 1594 | From Colorado | Registered: Jan 2005
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5dana8
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Hey Nal
Herbs tend to upset my stomach. Not as bad as abx but upset non the less.
I don't know much about "chinese meds" but am thinking they may involve some herbs. I can handle the teas more easily than the pill form though.
It also be a herx reaction. If you have a lyme or co-infection problems in your stomach or vagus nerve logical assumption that that's where the die off would occur.
Just a thought
Hang in there
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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posted
really does sound lyme related...fact is, a PPI will stop the burning sensation in your tummy if it was gastritis or an ulcer or any other inflammatory response. PPIs cut off 90% of your stomach acid...so if you're on Prilosec, your tummy should def. not be in as much pain, unless the pain is from the nerves going wacky.
If your nerves are affected in your GI tract it could be causing your tummy to spasm, atrophy, etc..which could lead to gas, bloating, poor digestion, and the same burning, aching pain you get when any muscle in your body contracts or spasms.
Are you having any intestinal symptoms?
It sounds like what i'm dealing with. The reason i think mine is from Lyme:
when I'm having a bad reaction I'll take some of my fiance's kolopin-its a tough benzo drug-used for high anxiety and epileptics. Basically it supresses your central nervous system.
After I take it, I almost feel completely normal...including in my stomach. My apetite will come rushing back, my intestinal spasms will relax, my tummy will burn way less.
I don't recommend asking for a prescript. for klonopin or any other benzo-they are highly addictive and cause more harm then good,..I only take it once a week or so-when I'm feeling awful and need to eat.
I have also been to my GI doc-had 2 ab ultra sounds, pelvic ultra sound, colonoscopy, and abdomenal CT scan with contrast-all negative.
I know the pain isn't in my head, but its def. related to the Lyme.
Hope this helps.
Posts: 594 | From NJ/NY | Registered: Jun 2006
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Jill E.
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Nancy,
The SIBO test, I think, is done only at certain medical centers. I had it done at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles because the developers who found that SIBO was causing Irritable Bowel worked there. But I know it's available at least at a few other places.
You have to drink some stuff, then sit there for three hours as they take a breath test every 15 minutes to see if the wrong bacteria are in your small intestine (these are bacteria that should be in the large intestine but moved into the small intestine).
The treatment is a rotation of antibiotics - short courses (compared to Lyme) for about two weeks each.
For those that can't take antibiotics, they have some liquid diet that is basically no sugar and starves the bacteria.
Also, back in the days that I had all sorts of GI problems (before Lyme, before I was glutenfree), my holistic MD put me on enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules. I had also read that the peppermint oil capsules were soothing for irritable bowel. Personally I think Irritable Bowel Syndrome is just a catch-all phrase when the ducks don't know what's wrong, but perhaps it might be soothing for you.
Years ago, (again, pre Lyme, pre gluten-free) I did have leaky gut and went through a long period of the L-Glutamine. My holistic MD thought it was due to candida. So I can only imagine what shape my gut is in with antibiotics.
Good luck! Jill
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
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Aniek
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quote:Originally posted by Nal: Anyone know why Chinese meds (or even alternative meds for that matter) almost always make you feel worse before better???
Nancy
Herx.
Many herbs and Chinese meds have antibacterial, antifungal or antiparasitic qualities. You herx just like from other meds that kill things in your system.
I've also noticed anything I try for detox seems to make things bad for a few days. I think the first step is getting the toxins out of hiding and that gets it into your system.
Finally, they may be activating your immune system.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
My daughter takes Phenergan for nausea - works really well, but makes her very sleepy. She was also prescribed Carafate which she takes once in the morning and once at night.
Posts: 40 | From Pasadena | Registered: Jun 2006
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WildCondor
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PPI's CAN make you sicker! That was the case for me, nexium, protonix, prevacid, aciphex all made my stomach worse. Phenegran and carafate do help. The pills themselves can make gastritis worse. if you have an infection in there, the PPI can make it worse. Could it be your colon? have you ben tested for yeast, dysbiosis, c.difficile, h.pylori? peppermint and ginger can initally make nausea worse, you have to take them enteric coated so they release in the intestine. if you have been taking oral antibiotics, that can mess up the GI system for sure. What tests have been done to check you?
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Nal
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It could be a herx. I was nauseated before I started it and now its worse. Today, my whole digestive system is "gurgling" and making all kinds of funky noises.
Plus, its still cramping and YUCK!
Would that be part of a herx?
Nancy
-------------------- Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond to it!
-Chuck Swindoll Posts: 1594 | From Colorado | Registered: Jan 2005
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5dana8
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Nal
Is there any way to call your practioner and see what's in the meds/teas you have been taking?
It could be a herx but than could be a reaction to the herbs too. Hard to know.
Stay hydrated and feel better soon
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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Aniek
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Nancy,
Years ago I had systemic yeast. The doctor treating me discovered I also had bad bacteria. I remember she put me on an antibiotic and I described it as a war going on in my stomach. Gurgling, cramps, nausea, etc.
When I told her, she said that was just the antibiotic working and killing bacteria in my stomach. So I think yes, it could be a herx.
Have you called the acupuncturist yet? I guess you might need to wait until Wed, he/she could give you the best answer on whether it's a herx.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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Nal
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yeah, Ill be giving him a call on Wed-they are closed till then for 4th of July.
Nancy
-------------------- Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond to it!
-Chuck Swindoll Posts: 1594 | From Colorado | Registered: Jan 2005
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Nal
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He asked me to stop the med's until i see him on Friday. He firmly believes the nausea and burning are coming from my spleen? Does that sound possible??
Good grief. I do have an appt with a regular duck dr tomorrow to see if they can give me ANY relief at all. My GI dr told me to up my prilosec to 40mg twice a day for a few days and see if that helps. I know, PPI's are bad but right now I don't want to be criticized for using them
I am doing my darndest to get off of them, but it just isn't working right now
Nancy
-------------------- Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond to it!
-Chuck Swindoll Posts: 1594 | From Colorado | Registered: Jan 2005
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posted
Nancy, If you have a gluten issue, even the littlest bit of gluten will make your GI tract scream!
A mild diet of soft cooked vegies, rice, and chicken or fish is very healing.
When I went gluten free it took a few weeks minimum for the pain to subside, and a few months for the diareha to let up. Anytime I slipped and accidentally had gluten I would pay for a period of days.
I hope you get to the bottom of this and start feeling better soon.
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5dana8
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Nal
I was thinking of you today and wondered how your appointment went with your GI doc.
I had an appointment today with my GI duck today too.(She had duck wall paper that said the word duck on it)-made me smile.
Went in to discuss my endoscope results. Why I have nausea and stomach problems. All labs test/results normal. Got the I don't know what's wrong with you talk.
But on the way out she asked me if I chew sugar free gum or candies? I do chew peppermint sugar free gum . She said that sugar free products can cause nausea and stomach problems with or without gas or diarrhea.
Came home and threw out everything. Thought I was safe with the trident peppermint gum with xylitol. But on the package it says it also contains phenylketonurics.
Also in Sugar free products that can cause stomach problems are : maltitol,soribitol,asparatame.
Don't know if this pertains to you but thought to share just in case.
Take care and hope you can find some answers soon
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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posted
Ok, this may be a long shot, but worth a try. Try switching to Lactose-free. My Dad had severe IBS symptoms for at least 30 yrs that I remember. Last year, he finally decided to switch to soy milk for some other reason. And, WOW! His IBS symptoms disappeared. He eats/drinks strictly Lactose-free now and is finally well! (I also think he has Lyme, but he wont get tested). I hope you start getting some relief very soon! You take care!
-Tiffany
Posts: 28 | From NC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Oh Yes! Sugar free stuff can be H***!!! Stay away from all of them for at least a week or two. IF you have to have them later, only a little bit at a time!!
They also contribute to yeast, believe it or not!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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GiGi
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Remember parasites cannot maintain themselves without a home base in the gut. They are living in and about your colon.
After doing a www.drnatura.com colon cleanse recently, I am reminding even my own doctor that he should remind all his patients that they do this cleanse, of course if they are at least in condition to tolerate it. It is the easiest cleanse I have ever done and even living a fairly healthy diet life, it is amazing what one can collect in just a few years. I can't imagine what a person on a Western diet collects without every doing a cleanse like this.
It's 2-4 pills in AM, followed by a fiber drink a few minutes later. You eat and drink your normal way throughout the day. Before you go to bed, you drink this very tasty cup of tea. That's it. You will get your first "deliveries" a day or two later, and as the week goes on you will get more and more surprises.
This should move anyone at least one third toward wellness. Believe me, it is incredible.
It might just help you too, Nal.
If you then attempt a parasite treatment afterward, you get rid of so many inhabitants, most of them you never knew, only felt - most the time in not in a positive way.
Dr. K. tells me that our body grows yeast as a protective covering for worse toxins. It does not originate with of because of sugar. Our body covers up heavy metals and other infidels that would otherwise kill us. The same reason it produces more cholesterol. Wrap up. We have a very smart housekeeping mechanism. What's bad about that - is that yeast also is a living organism that puts out different toxins - and if it goes on long enough, the body finally caves in alltogether. And of course with cholesterol deposits, our blood delivery is stressed.
Get rid of all neurotoxins. If you don't know exactly what is classified as neurotoxin, go to www.neuraltherapy.com/articles and read "A comprehensive Review of Heavy Metal Detoxification and Clinical Pearls from 30 Years of Medical Practice". Dr. K. lists them in the order of importance.
Many food allergies have an underlying cause - and often, once the underlying cause is removed, the allergies disappear. Wheat and Dairy are probably an exception and are more difficult to treat. Often there is an emotional connection - there are emotional allergies - as well as immunological and also allergies as a biochemical consequence; and the 4th one that has to do with the ANS (autonomic nervous system). All of them are treatable with ART.
This just for general info and not necessarily related to your GI problems. But you yourself can tell best and see what might help.
Take care.
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