Diagnose me (tmi)

[hamster]

I realize this one is probably going to need a doctor more advanced than MM, but I'm just trying to figure out what could be going on. I've now had three separate episodes of some sort of gastrointestinal issue. Had just finished my period.

Episode 1: Beginning on August. Night after a Bachelorette Party. I had an english muffin for breakfast, pizza for lunch, went wine tasting, had a cupcake, went to dinner and had spicy thai noodles and calamari for dinner. Lots of beer, wine, and cocktails over the day. Woke up at about 6:30, went to the bathroom. Not good. Went again 20 minutes later. Eventually threw up nothingness a couple hours later. Very bad stomach cramps. Even after the other issues subsided, around 2 p.m. Stomach was tender feeling for days. I know my body enough to know this was NOT a hangover.

Episode 2: End of August. Mom had been in hospital, so I wasn't eating much. I know I had an english muffin and grilled cheese in the hospital, and popcorn later that night. I can't entirely recall what I had on Sunday. I believe a bagel, and some butcher block jerky we later attributed my stomach ailment too. I woke up Monday around 3:30 a.m. Went to the bathroom around 4:30 or 5. Again, not good. Threw up twice this time, still not really anything there to throw up. Went to the bathroom a couple more times. Symptoms gone around noon, but stomach still very crampy and sore. Lingering tenderness didn't last as long this time. Period was supposed to start that day. Don't remember if it did or not.

Episode 3: Today. I had a mini milky way, lara bar, two soft tacos left over from dinner, pizza and popcorn. Woke up again at 3:30 with cramps, and after 5 minutes I knew I was in trouble. Was at least able to go back to sleep for a bit on the couch. Went to the bathroom around 5. Not as bad. Had been nauseous, but never threw up. My stomach is still crampy, but I think I'm stable. Period comes next Monday.

So, MM...wtf is up with my stomach? The cramps have traditionally been the double you over kind, and they are pretty high up. I eat all of these foods on a regular enough basis that I know I can't say "pizza causes it." Best I could do is "pizza causes it sometimes." I don't think it's period related, but, hey, might as well include that in here.

I need to start keeping a food journal, but what else should I be factoring in? Any guesses?

[megstoo]

DH went through similar - sounds like too much of the fatty foods. I'd start keeping a food journal and how you feel after each meal for a little before going to see the gastroentologist.

How do you feel after eating healthier foods? (non processed stuff).

[thatgirl2478]

Dairy? Wheat? Foods with small, un-digestible bits (ie sees or popcorn kernels / hulls)?

Could be an allergy. Or it could be a Diverticulitis issue.

Or it could be stress...

[MamaMaui24]

gallbladder?

[Deleted]

If I ate all that my tummy would be screaming at me too.

Back off the heavily processed stuff. If you're concerned keep a food journal to see if you can identify trigger foods/drinks. If it keeps up, call your doctor and get it checked out.

I'd go easy today and stick to bland, easy to digest foods. Probiotics help me when my tummy is acting up.

Feel better!

[hamster]

I haven't noticed any issues after healthy foods. Or even after bad foods. I ate panda express for lunch a couple weeks ago and was totally fine. I eat healthy, but I eat a lot of crap too.

Our initial thought was maybe a slight gluten intolerance or something. Where my normal amounts are totally fine, but when I go overboard it flares up.

Stress is not out of the realm of possibilities either. I've had a lot going on these days.

[Deleted]

DH has similar stomach problems. Sometimes (not always) when he eats foods that contain a lot of oil, butter, or cheese (all of these items are on your list) he wakes up in the middle of the night with bad stomach cramps and diarrhea (sorry, tmi). Ice cream and pizza are the worst but cookies made with real butter, anything fried, too much popcorn, etc. can also set him off. The best they can figure is that he has an intolerance to these items and does not process them well. It is especially bad when he is under stress. His body has to work harder to process them and when he is stressed his body just can't do it.

It was suggested to try a pill for lactose intolerance, pepto, or to try to avoid these when possible. He still eats them but is aware of the consequences. I am cooking healthier so that helps. It doesn't always bother him, so he can't predict the time or meal that will set it off, but he isn't surprised when it happens.

[hamster]

I did think I was becoming slightly lactose intolerant a couple of years ago. Things with wheat and dairy (ie fettuccine alfredo) were pretty immediate reactions. I did begin taking probiotics and it eventually went away, although I don't take any now. I do have some though.

[emilyinchile]

I realize this isn't really what you're looking for, but I'd go to the doctor. To my untrained self it sounds like it could be sensitivity to one of several things, some issue with going outside your normal diet (eating more potentially gut bomb stuff times 1 & 3 and not eating enough time 2), or just random bad luck, whereas I feel like a doctor would quickly see only a few more likely possibilities and help you find treatment faster.

I also don't consider that stuff to necessarily be "heavily processed," FWIW. Well, the Milky Way is, and I don't know if Lara Bars are real ingredients or chemical ingredients, but depending on where all the other stuff came from it could be pretty natural. We don't know if you're eating from-scratch thin-crust pizza with quality ingredients or Pizza Hut.

[grk2012]

Sounds like how DH reacted when he'd eat bread/pastas. Turns out he has a wheat allergy.

[hamster]

Sept 12, 2013 10:29:08 GMT -5 emilyinchile said:

I also don't consider that stuff to necessarily be "heavily processed," FWIW. Well, the Milky Way is, and I don't know if Lara Bars are real ingredients or chemical ingredients, but depending on where all the other stuff came from it could be pretty natural. We don't know if you're eating from-scratch thin-crust pizza with quality ingredients or Pizza Hut.

Frankly I don't necessarily either. I ate more than normal, but I don't feel like I went all that overboard. I can see why I'd have issues after the party though! 

Lara Bars have like, three ingredients in them. None of which are considered processed. The pizza was from a high-end place in town. It's definitely between home made and Pizza Hut.

[chikastuff]

I have celiac disease and while I agree that it could be a sensitivity, I also suspect it could be something like an intestinal parasite or food poisoning.

Your initial post sounds a lot like food poisoning to me, especially the sore stomach after. Even once the bug is out of your system you can still have copycat symptoms because your system is very sensitive. So something like beef jerkey could have not sat well and triggered similar symptoms, and your attack today is relatively close to Attack 2. You might need an antibiotic to get anything left from Attack 1 out of your system. An intestinal parasite would also explain the severe but inconsistent symptoms.

But ditto the others, go see your doctor. You might also want to keep a food diary for the next week or so. If it's not a bug and you don't see patterns in your food diary then you could consider starting an elimination diet. I'd start with wheat and gluten and give it at least a month (it takes 2-4 weeks for all gluten to leave your system and for your system to settle). If that doesn't do anything then I'd cut out dairy.

*note, if you end up having CD (which you likely don't have given the sudden onset and severity) then you're likely also sensitive to lactose, eggs and soy, as the areas in the small intestines that is damaged by CD produces the enzymes needed to digest these compounds.

ETA: if you plan to ask for a blood test to rule out CD, then you need to be actively ingesting gluten in your diet.

[takeonyou]

Sounds crazy, but how is your water intake? My friend had the similar stomach pains, loose bowels, and dry heaves and it turns out that she was dehyddrating herself. The fatty and wheat foods she was eating were a factor, but once she switched to water instead of soda, tea or alcohol her stomach problems disappered. She takes probiotics daily and drinks a shitload of water. Problem solved.

[hamster]

Sept 12, 2013 10:42:43 GMT -5 takeonyou said:

Sounds crazy, but how is your water intake? My friend had the similar stomach pains, loose bowels, and dry heaves and it turns out that she was dehyddrating herself. The fatty and wheat foods she was eating were a factor, but once she switched to water instead of soda, tea or alcohol her stomach problems disappered. She takes probiotics daily and drinks a shitload of water. Problem solved.

It's terrible 

[Deleted]

I have major major issues when I mix wheat + dairy, like pizza, grilled cheese, alfredo.

Last night I had a white pizza with several cheeses, mushrooms, truffle oil and an egg. This morning... let's say I've gone to the bathroom 3 times since 4AM, the first incident woke me up out of a sound sleep and I NEVER wake up to go to the bathroom.

[takeonyou]

Sept 12, 2013 10:46:44 GMT -5 hamster said:

Sept 12, 2013 10:42:43 GMT -5 takeonyou said:

Sounds crazy, but how is your water intake? My friend had the similar stomach pains, loose bowels, and dry heaves and it turns out that she was dehyddrating herself. The fatty and wheat foods she was eating were a factor, but once she switched to water instead of soda, tea or alcohol her stomach problems disappered. She takes probiotics daily and drinks a shitload of water. Problem solved.

It's terrible 

I would stick to a really bland diet for a few days.  Lots of water, grilled lean meats, no dairy, no wheat, etc.  Lots of veggies and fruits.  Add in probiotics and DRINK WATER!  Mine used to be really bad too, once I started drinking it, I felt healthier and better everyday.  And my friend still drinks, but her doc said to drink liquor with fruit juice.  Sonds crazy, but it really helps her.  Her new favorite is a nice malibu Baybreeze, lol!  She also does one water for every alcoholic drink.  Helps her recover the next day. 

[dexteroni]

It could be any number of things - wheat, dairy, etc. But bad cramps, throwing up nothing, and stomach tenderness are all symptoms my mom experienced before she was diagnosed with diverticulitis, so that's worth exploring too.  I see popcorn mentioned in two of the three days, and that's a big diverticulitis trigger (as are any little nondigestible particles - nuts, seeds, etc). If it is diverticulitis, it's important to address it sooner rather than later; it could mean the difference between just changing your diet and needing surgery. If you want to try an elimination diet on your own, that's fine, but I think you should also see your doctor at the first available appointment.

Also, this is probably the last thing you want to hear, and I kind of hate to be the food police, but - eat some fresh fruit and vegetables! Are the three days you described just particularly grease- and carb-heavy for you, or are these typical? Even if fruit and vegetables don't affect the problem at hand, they're essential for your overall health.

And yes, water intake is important. Set an alarm on your phone for a few points in the day. When it goes off, drink a glass of water. Or just drink a full glass before each meal.

[Deleted]

Sept 12, 2013 10:49:27 GMT -5 @mrsspunky said:

I have major major issues when I mix wheat + dairy, like pizza, grilled cheese, alfredo.

Last night I had a white pizza with several cheeses, mushrooms, truffle oil and an egg. This morning... let's say I've gone to the bathroom 3 times since 4AM, the first incident woke me up out of a sound sleep and I NEVER wake up to go to the bathroom.

Nomad?

[jennistarr1]

I agree, it's going to take some exploration to figure this out,...things to consider are dehydration and dairy...also keep a calandar of incidents to see if they time with your cycle

[Deleted]

Sept 12, 2013 11:12:26 GMT -5 @bonsoirlune said:

Sept 12, 2013 10:49:27 GMT -5 @mrsspunky said:

I have major major issues when I mix wheat + dairy, like pizza, grilled cheese, alfredo.

Last night I had a white pizza with several cheeses, mushrooms, truffle oil and an egg. This morning... let's say I've gone to the bathroom 3 times since 4AM, the first incident woke me up out of a sound sleep and I NEVER wake up to go to the bathroom.

Nomad?

The Tartufo gets me every time. LOL. I love it, and my stomach hates it, and I still come back for more!

[hamster]

Sept 12, 2013 10:57:07 GMT -5 dexteroni said:

It could be any number of things - wheat, dairy, etc. But bad cramps, throwing up nothing, and stomach tenderness are all symptoms my mom experienced before she was diagnosed with diverticulitis, so that's worth exploring too.  I see popcorn mentioned in two of the three days, and that's a big diverticulitis trigger (as are any little nondigestible particles - nuts, seeds, etc). If it is diverticulitis, it's important to address it sooner rather than later; it could mean the difference between just changing your diet and needing surgery. If you want to try an elimination diet on your own, that's fine, but I think you should also see your doctor at the first available appointment.

Also, this is probably the last thing you want to hear, and I kind of hate to be the food police, but - eat some fresh fruit and vegetables! Are the three days you described just particularly grease- and carb-heavy for you, or are these typical? Even if fruit and vegetables don't affect the problem at hand, they're essential for your overall health.

And yes, water intake is important. Set an alarm on your phone for a few points in the day. When it goes off, drink a glass of water. Or just drink a full glass before each meal.

Noooo, not my popcorn! 

I promise I do normally eat better than these days reflect. I don't eat much fruit, but I eat a pretty good amount of vegetables. Perhaps not as much as normal lately, but I don't think it's an alarmingly low number either. We eat fresh, almost organic eggs, have a grass-fed cow in the freezer and eat game meat. Don't get my wrong, I like my crap food, but by and large it's not a large component of my diet. 

[heythere]

Any chance it could be cyclospora? Apparently there's been an outbreak recently.

[Deleted]

I know gallbladder problems are sometimes like this. The symptoms can be random and different for everyone.

[zelda25]

Sept 12, 2013 11:42:50 GMT -5 hamster said:

Sept 12, 2013 10:57:07 GMT -5 dexteroni said:

It could be any number of things - wheat, dairy, etc. But bad cramps, throwing up nothing, and stomach tenderness are all symptoms my mom experienced before she was diagnosed with diverticulitis, so that's worth exploring too.  I see popcorn mentioned in two of the three days, and that's a big diverticulitis trigger (as are any little nondigestible particles - nuts, seeds, etc). If it is diverticulitis, it's important to address it sooner rather than later; it could mean the difference between just changing your diet and needing surgery. If you want to try an elimination diet on your own, that's fine, but I think you should also see your doctor at the first available appointment.

Also, this is probably the last thing you want to hear, and I kind of hate to be the food police, but - eat some fresh fruit and vegetables! Are the three days you described just particularly grease- and carb-heavy for you, or are these typical? Even if fruit and vegetables don't affect the problem at hand, they're essential for your overall health.

And yes, water intake is important. Set an alarm on your phone for a few points in the day. When it goes off, drink a glass of water. Or just drink a full glass before each meal.

Noooo, not my popcorn! 

I promise I do normally eat better than these days reflect. I don't eat much fruit, but I eat a pretty good amount of vegetables. Perhaps not as much as normal lately, but I don't think it's an alarmingly low number either. We eat fresh, almost organic eggs, have a grass-fed cow in the freezer and eat game meat. Don't get my wrong, I like my crap food, but by and large it's not a large component of my diet. 

I've had diverticulitis (more than once) and it tends to get worse without treatment; it seems unlikely that it would come and go. It's also super-common to have pain and tenderness lower in the abdomen, usually on the left side. I think you should go to the doctor, but it seems more food-related than anything else.

I should also point out that the "no nuts and seeds" business with diverticulitis is pretty old-school; it turns out that there's zero evidence to support it.  So even if that is the diagnosis you end up with, no need to despair about that 

[Deleted]

food allergy, maybe dairy

[hamster]

Well, shit. Gallbladder sounds worse than a food allergy....

I should also note I feel otherwise fine. No fatigue, other aches, etc.

Gallbladder issues can be related to birth control right? Cause I've been on that for 9 years.

[hamster]

Is my pcp ok or do I need a specialist? My PvP is kinda dumb, as previously discussed in this weeks thryroid thread. Which I just read is also a cause.....

[mcsangel2]

Sept 12, 2013 15:07:45 GMT -5 hamster said:

Gallbladder issues can be related to birth control right? Cause I've been on that for 9 years.

Hamster, would you mind saying what brand of bc you are on? It might make a difference. And depending on what you are taking, there might be other information you should know.

[hamster]

Sept 12, 2013 16:25:33 GMT -5 mcsangel2 said:

Sept 12, 2013 15:07:45 GMT -5 hamster said:

Gallbladder issues can be related to birth control right? Cause I've been on that for 9 years.

Hamster, would you mind saying what brand of bc you are on? It might make a difference. And depending on what you are taking, there might be other information you should know.

I was on Desogen for the first few years, and then switched to Reclipsen, it's generic ever since.

[mcsangel2]

Sept 12, 2013 16:30:00 GMT -5 hamster said:

Sept 12, 2013 16:25:33 GMT -5 mcsangel2 said:

Hamster, would you mind saying what brand of bc you are on? It might make a difference. And depending on what you are taking, there might be other information you should know.

I was on Desogen for the first few years, and then switched to Reclipsen, it's generic ever since.

I am going to PM you.