Enduring Pain for Over Fifteen Years
At 35 years old, I’m a Caucasian woman standing at 5’1” and weighing 115 lbs. Generally, my health is quite stable, and I enjoy an occasional drink, typically about three to four per week. I don’t smoke, but I do experience anxiety, for which I take Ativan on an as-needed basis, albeit rarely. My struggle with what I refer to as "stomach pains" began when I turned 20. These episodes occur roughly once or twice a month, occasionally striking just as I’m settling in for the night or even waking me from sleep. The discomfort presents itself subtly, starting just beneath my sternum and most frequently arises after I eat. On occasion, the pain shifts slightly to my left side. Over time, the intensity escalates, particularly when I lie down, sometimes leading to excruciating sensations that can persist for several hours. I’ve sought emergency care in the past for relief, though examinations yielded no conclusive findings. Interestingly, I tend to belch frequently when these pains occur. Eventually, the pain subsides completely, leaving me feeling normal. I've experimented with numerous antacids and even adhered to a daily acid-reducing regimen for 45 days—none provided any solace. Bowel movements do not alleviate the discomfort, whether I am able to relieve myself or even vomit. My bowel habits are typically healthy, and I generally have a bowel movement about once or twice daily. I have undergone a standard abdominal ultrasound, which appeared normal. My doctor speculated that my symptoms could be linked to anxiety, an idea that left me feeling frustrated, as I’ve had anxious stomach pains before, but this feels different. Additionally, my stool test for H. pylori came back negative. A gallbladder examination also returned normal results. Recently, a gastroenterologist suggested I may be experiencing atypical chest pains but could not provide further clarity on my situation. A stool analysis yielded the following results: - Low sIgA (a marker for immune function) - Evidence of dysbiosis - Borderline pancreatic elastase - Low levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) - Elevated beta-glucuronidase - No signs of parasites or major infections. For three months, I took various supplements with minimal improvement, including: - Digestive Enzymes with Betaine HCl - Proflora4R (a spore-based probiotic combined with gut-soothing herbs) - Liver-G.I. Detox - MegaMucosa. I’ve been advised to consider a SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) test next. I welcome any insights or advice, as I am eager for answers and, most importantly, relief from this ordeal.
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 12:31:07 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Persistent stomach pain for over 15 years can be complex, and while your previous tests were mostly normal, exploring conditions like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) may be a crucial next step. Managing your diet and maintaining a symptom diary could also help you better understand your triggers.
Explanation: Your long history of stomach pain, especially after eating and its nature as described, suggests that there might be underlying gastrointestinal issues at play. The fact that you experience belching along with these pains could indicate issues with digestion or gut health, especially considering your stool analysis pointed to dysbiosis and low levels of short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for gut health.
Your earlier attempts with medications and supplements haven’t provided relief, which is understandably frustrating. Since a SIBO test has been suggested, this could be a good avenue to explore. SIBO occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the number of bacteria in the small intestine, and it can lead to symptoms similar to what you’re experiencing.
Next Steps:
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Consider Testing for SIBO: If you haven't scheduled this test yet, doing so may provide valuable insights into your intestinal health and potentially guide treatment.
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Maintain a Symptom Diary: Keep track of what you eat, the timing of your meals, and when the pain occurs. Note if any specific foods seem to trigger or worsen your symptoms. This could help identify patterns or triggers.
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Trial of Dietary Changes:
- Consider trying a low-FODMAP diet temporarily, which may help identify food sensitivities and relieve symptoms associated with bloating and gut discomfort.
- Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats while avoiding high FODMAP foods like certain fruits, dairy, and grains.
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Hydration and Gentle Exercise: Ensure you are staying hydrated and consider incorporating daily light physical activity like walking, which can aid digestion and reduce stress.
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Consult with a Dietitian: Working with a healthcare professional, especially a dietitian specializing in gut health, could provide you with tailored dietary recommendations and help optimize your gut microbiome.
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Follow Up on Anxiety Considerations: While your symptoms feel different from typical anxiety-related stomach issues, managing overall stress and anxiety through mindfulness, therapy, or relaxation techniques may help improve your overall comfort.
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Keep Open Communication with Your Healthcare Providers: Share your ongoing symptoms, the results from your tests, and your concerns clearly, so they can support you in exploring further diagnostic options or treatments.
It’s understandable to seek clarity and relief after enduring these symptoms for so long. Taking these steps and continuing to advocate for yourself is essential in finding answers and feeling better. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further support.
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