Health issue

You state that the 'pancake feeling' is always present -- regardless of other symptoms. Has this always been the case -- or did it start out as an intermittent symptom?

Is the bloating constant or intermittent? If intermittent, is there any discernible pattern to its appearance -- such as time of day or after meals or after ingesting certain foods?

When the nausea occurs, is it always in the presence of bloating? does relief of the gas make the nausea go away?

Have you tried Gas-X (simethicone) for gas relief -- or Beano for gas prevention? If so, what were the results?

Can you pinpoint anything major or stressful that occurred with regard to your health or your life around the time these symptoms started?

Thanks in advance.

Steve


Edited by Oreport on August 9 2005 at 11:42pm

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Counselor /listener/collaborative problem solver. Thanks!

I found a great website that I think will be very helpful to your situation. Please feel free to check out the following:

http://www.dietsite.com/alternativenutrition/Ailments/gastrointestinal_disorders.htm

Gastrointestinal Disorders most commonly are caused by diet factors, stress, viral and bacterial infections, and food allergies. (Information taken from website)

This website lists the very same things that most doctors will recommend for your symptoms: beginning the BRAT diet, reducing intake of certain foods, increasing certain vitamins, etc. All of which can be found on the link I supplied.

In addition to those common things, it is possible that you've got some kind of viral or bacterial infection going on, so I would recommend that you contact your primary care physician to have a simple blood test done to check for infection.

Lastly, if the above solutions are not helpful for your situation, you may want to be reevaluated for ulcers or other possible illnesses are that are not as common.

I really believe from what you describe though that you are more likely to see improvement from a modification in diet & a blood test to rule out infection. Please don't allow yourself to feel shy about seeking out medical care though if your health problems continue. You are paying for that service and absolutely should not hesitate to keep on your Dr's case until he/she has been able to locate the cause or refer you to someone else that can help.

I hope that I was able to help and please know that all you need to do to complete this transaction is to click on the "Accept" button up above. Bonuses are always greatly appreciated when the client feels that he/she has received outstanding service, but are by no means required. Again, if I'm able to help answer additional questions, please feel free to let me know. I'm more then willing to help when I'm able.

Best wishes to you as you sort through things!

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Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I am more then happy to be of assistance.

Thank you for your questions -

Answers are:

ALmost always present

Bloating is constant though does worsen after eating or drinking fluid. I don't notice a difference after eating only certain foods.

Yes, relief of gas does make the occasional nausea go away

I have not tried gasx or beano

My dad was diagnosed with cancer around the same time, though my gut feeling is that it is not incredibly related as I have had a few upsetting/stressful things occur and had no symptoms other than emotional stress.

Thanks for responding to my questions.

In the absence of any worsening or additional symptoms, if I were in your situation I would, for now, act on the assumption that the symptoms are stress-induced.

I'm sure I don't have to tell you that having your dad be diagnosed with cancer is no ordinary stressor. Add to that your responsibilities as a parent, etc., etc. -- it's not hard to see that you may be feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

Especially when a parent or other close family member has a serious health challenge, it is not unusual to feel that we need to 'be strong on the outside' and 'hold everything in'. Often, this is not even a conscious decision.

Especially when we do not acknowledge stress, our bodies often will develop physical symptoms analogous to the load we are carrying (e.g. pain in the neck, back pain, or stomach in knots).

I strongly advise you to talk with someone about how your dad's diagnosis (and prognosis) makes you feel. I have no idea your dad or the rest of the family is coping with his diagnosis -- but if there is any denial going on, it is probably adding to your burden and may be adding to your dad's burden as well.

Not knowing your situation, there is no way for me to judge who you should talk with, or when, or what you should say. I am only pointing out possibilities, and recommending that -- while staying positive -- you deal with things as openly as possible -- taking into account personalities and relationship history.

Breathing Exercises may also help.

Additionally, you may want to try Gas-X and Beano to see if they provide you with any symptomatic relief.

Of course, if stress reduction has no effect on your symptoms -- or if they worsen, be sure to see your doctor.

Let me know if you need more input. If not, thanks for the opportunity to assist you... I would really appreciate your honoring my efforts by 'pushing the button' and Accepting this answer. Adding a bonus -- should you wish to do so -- is always warmly welcomed.

Good Luck!

Steve

Edited by Oreport on August 10 2005 at 3:39am

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Counselor /listener/collaborative problem solver. Thanks!

Thank you for these thoughts. I am trying the diet tips that another expert offered. Thank you