Hi all,
New to posting so hi to all. Does anyone suffer from constant tummy trouble? I'm intersted to hear what people think about the food/diet/immune connection and if you've tried anything that seems to help. I'm sure it's immune system or meds related, or both, but I can't seem to get any relief. I've had every test going (bloods, ultrasound scan, endoscopy etc) for ulcers, ceoliac, gallstones the lot, and I'm on Lanzoprazole (which doesn't really seem to help and I'm not crazy about taking it as I'm not convinced it's good for overall digestive health). GP keeps saying it's just acid reflux (been many times with same complaint over the past few years) but I'm miserable and it seems I can't eat or drink anything without having pain. Incidentally I've always had a sensitive GI system even before RA, and I do eat healthily. I was diagnosed with IBS 25 years ago (which I still feel is what they said because they didn't really know what it was at the time and I don't really get those symptoms anymore, just chronic stomach/gut pain). Anyhow that's me just moaning, but I'd love to just have a tummy that doesn't complain all the time!! I'm busy enough coping with all the other delightful RA symptoms! Any advice would be gratefully received.

Hi Kaytee

Welcome to the forum but sorry to hear of the problems you are experiencing.

Are you taking any anti-inflammatories such as Naproxen? They are renowned for causing gastric ulcers, which are not so easily diagnosed but painfully felt by the recipients! I recently changed from lansoprazole to omeprazole which is taken twice daily rather than the once and find this helps with stomach issues. Many of the drugs we take are very toxic and it's inevitable that our digestive systems are affected by these. It is reassuring that the tests that have been done seem to be okay but not so good when you continue to experience pain. It does sound as though it may be meds related and perhaps a change is on the cards. Acid reflux is common and related to the drugs.

Definitely return to the doctor for further advice; you shouldn't have to live with pain whatever the cause. There are so many RA meds available I'm sure an alternative could be found at least as a trial to see if it makes a difference.

Hope you are able to sort something out soon.

Lyn x

Hello and Welcome

So sorry to hear that you have big problems with your 'tummy - Lyn advice above is correct
so I will not repeat. Someone will always give you advice on this forum. I have just
stopped naproxen as upset my tummy but apart from an occasion twinge I am free
from that AWFUL tummy feeling

Good luck

Rose

And welcome from me too!

I take Esomeprazole and find it very effective.

Looking forward to getting to know you.

Doreen xx

Hi and welcome
Personally I think there is alot in the anti-inflammatory diet theory. I had irritable bowel 2-3 years before diagnosis and think there is a relationship. I find dairy products upset me, so I eat rice milk with cereal, but have normal milk in tea (cant miss out on my normal brews). Reducing dairy has helped me, I no longer rush to the loo but do at times have gut ache still which I think is when I have had too much dairy. I guess its hard to know how much of its due to RA, as we are all so different with our symptoms, and maybe I was just always going to be prone to tummy aches.
I would recommend buying an anti-inflammatory diet book, and see if ruling certain foods out helps or you can go as far as following a specific diet for a while to see if it makes any difference for you.
All the best with it.
Louise xxx

I'm another IBS sufferer and have the same sort of probs. I have to say that nothing seems to stop it completely but I seem much worse if I eat oranges!

Love Jeanxxxx