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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/25/2010 Posts: 3
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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.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/10/2009 Posts: 653 Location: Notts
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Hi Kaytee and welcome. I think that a lot of the meds we take for RA do give you tummy trouble, with varying degrees of pain. I'm sorry you're having such trouble, and I think you should go back to your GP and tell him/her that you still have the problem and it's getting you down. You shouldn't have to suffer constantly with this problem. I know we often feel that we are always at the doc's, but it seems you need some more relief from this.
Hope you get some satisfaction.
Lyn
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 2,127 Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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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
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,582 Location: Oxfordshire
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Hi,
It could be a numebr of things but more likely the IBS or the meds you're on. I have coeliac disease since I was 15mths old so have grown up with tummy probs on/off for years.
The best and most gentle herb for easing tum problems is slippery em powder- powder form is best as it is most pure and gets into the system quickly. It can help allay all sorts of things like upset tum, constipation etc etc. You have to mix it with a drink as it tastes vile but is worth the pain! LOL
Love,
Amanda
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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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
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,689 Location: Durham
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Hi there, Just wanted to say welcome to the forum, and sorry you are having ongoing tummy troubles. I can`t add to what has already been said, but hope you get some answers and feel better soon. Kathleen x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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And welcome from me too!
I take Esomeprazole and find it very effective.
Looking forward to getting to know you.
Doreen xx
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Rank: Newbie  Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/23/2010 Posts: 7
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Hi Im new to this too!! I feel rotten most of the time as well i have bouts of IBS, i feel sick and headaches, apparently my body is getting use to be pumped with all this medication!! so thats what they tell me, is it me or do you get paranoid thinking there's more going on than just RA. I need to have a lung function test whats that about? Chin Up your not alone Clairex
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/29/2010 Posts: 4 Location: Essex
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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
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 561
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Hi Kaytee , i too suffer from ibs , i was on Naproxen for 13 years maximum dose , but it was not doing anything in the end so the consultant changed it to Etoricoxib which seems to work better , I also have the stomach and gut pain and dont dare eat any thing while im out ! Definitely thing long term drugs have caused this ,
Sophie x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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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
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,740
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Hi Kaytee I did have stomach pain,gripes to but omprezole has stopped that so guessing mine must been mild. i get ibs like sytpoms though not fully and thats linked tome having early stage 1 endometriois. once month large swelling stingy pain abdomen. i use peppermint tea,ginger and hot water bottle. hope you find solution as i can only imagine long term how uncomfy this must be. lv melly cuddly cats make my world seem so much more fun
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