Abdominal Pain, Extreme Bloating, Painful Gas

If you have these symptoms, ask your doctor about small bowel bacterial overgrowth (or small intestine bacterial overgrowth).  These symptoms along with either diarrhea or constipation (in some) can be SBBO/SIBO.  It happens when more of the good bacteria is missing from the intestines and too much of the bad bacteria which tends to cause excessive amounts of gas in response to carbohydrates (sugars). The treatment for this?  Antibiotics in the short term or repeated as needed and daily probiotics. There are a couple of ways to test for this... some type of breathing test that measures hydrogen in your breath (given off by the bacteria) or an EGD that would go in and sample the intestines (which we aren't structured for anymore) - in lieu of testing most docs will treat without testing since the antibiotics and probiotics aren't invasive and if you respond to them - they then have a good idea. I had exploratory surgery after Christmas for bad pain.  Surgery closed the mesenteric defect so that if it was an internal hernia the loop of bowel near the open area wouldn't flop/twist in there and he removed an adhesion that had a hold on my intestines which he thought could be the problem but the pain continued.   Through other folks, I did some reading on SBBO and started taking probiotics and within a couple of days my symptoms are basically gone.  Just like that. I suspect there are many out there living with discomfort who suspect something structural when it is something lurking within the intestines. So, don't live with pain.  Ask your doctor.  Be your own advocate.  I'm making sure that my PCP and WL surgeon read up on this so that others can benefit. Be well all, Kathy

Very interesting Kathy. I've been dealing with similar symptoms to what you describe for the past 2wks and I've been telling my husband I just don't know what's wrong with me (and apologizing for the terrible smell throughtout the house). It just kind of came out of nowhere and hits especially bad after dinner/evening. I did pinpoint that carbs were making it worse, so I tried to limit them, but I do need to eat Fiber One daily so I don't get constipated so, gotta have some carbs.  So, my question is what are probiotics?? Is this like the Activia yogurt?? Something you can buy at the health food store??? Thanks in advance for your help!!!!!!!!

Hey, Tracy! I'm eating Activa light (no sugar) and taking 6 capsules a day of a probiotic that I got from a vitamin store (online).  The one I tried is from NSI called Friendly Fiber. (vitacost.com)  Got lots of bacteria in it.  You can get probiotics at the Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods and such. Someone else replied with a message about stuff from the refrigerated section of the store.  I'm gonig to stick with what I'm doing since it is working great for me! For me, also, time of day played into it.  I felt fine early in the a.m. and worse as the day wore on. Hope it helps you! Kathy

Thanks so much Kathy! I"m going to go to the health foods store and find something to take asap!

I had similar symptoms but found mine was caused by an allergy/reaction to some soy protein products.  I don't have the same type of reaction to whey protein but the soy makes be bloat and suffer from terrible backed up gas. 

I thought my whey protein was bothering me since that seemed to trigger things so I avoided it and dairy for a few days but I still had problems.  I think that whey does give me more gas then say a piece of chicken but normally it wasn't enough gas to notice until this problem surfaced.   Glad you found what your problem was! Kathy

Kathy, I'm so glad that you discovered the source of your pain.  Amazing how quickly the probiotics worked! I'm sure it's a sign that this year is going to be much better for you than last! Michele

Hey, Michele! I do hope the year is better but surgery #13 is lurking.... I'll probably be having a spinal fusion in May.  Oh boy!  But I need it.  I want my life back without tons of pain and restrictions.   Then I'll have the great year, 'kay?  I promise! ;-) Thanks, Kathy

I've taken probiotics for years. They are the good bacteria that should be in your intestine like Primadophilus Bifidus which is what I am taking right now. I was advised not to buy the same one twice in a row - better to mix it up. I'm sure you can get them at any health food store.  Usually they are in the cooler section. Yes you can get some in yogurt but any yogurt with any form of sugar in it will kill the bacteria put into it. Better to take a capsule - and yes they are special capsules that don't open until they get down into your intestines.  If you look up Candidiasis you will be able to get more information. Diona

Thanks for the info!  I appreciate it! Kathy