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What Causes Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain And Bloating After Eating While Having GERD?

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Posted on Wed, 8 Feb 2017
Question: I have very loose or watery bowel movements for a week. For three days I have abdominal pain, fullness after eating very little, severe bloating and can feel my pulse in my stomach. I had a total hysterectomy over 10 years ago, have fibromyalgia, diverticulosis, GERD and a hiatal hernia, but have never experienced this combination of symptoms. Any ideas of a possible diagnosis?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
fluid and electrolyte replacement, medication, probiotics, hold off solids

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Based on the symptoms of watery bowel movements, abdominal pain, bloating/fullness with meals , it is possible that you may have mild infection of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.

In addition to continuing the pantoprazole , you may want to consider: (1) holding off solid food till there is a 4 hour period of reduced or no symptoms

This give the bowel time to relax and repair.

When this 4 hour interval passes, start with small amounts of dry solid food eg bread, biscuits, plain rice

The BRAT diet can be used if you want.

(2)probiotics - these can be used on their own or in yogurts. Probiotics help to restore the normal bacterial flora and shorten the course of these types of symptoms

(3)make sure to use enough fluids to replace what you are losing, sports drinks or oral rehydration drinks would be best because you would get fluids and electrolytes

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (22 hours later)
The loose, watery bowel movements are not frequent. The most prominent symptom is the severe bloating and the fact that every time I eat even the smallest amount, my stomach really hurts. The pain is in my upper abdomen and it's annoying feeling my pulse in my stomach. I've also had a bad headache for a few days now. I've had gastroenteritis several times in my life, but this doesn't feel anything like that.

l also want to mention that I've gained about 8 pounds in three days.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
may need to be assessed to rule out ulceration in that case

Detailed Answer:
HI

Sorry about the delayed reply

Rapid weight gain is usually fluid or bloating/air as you mentioned

The upper abdomen is where the stomach is located and since the symptoms are not in keeping with infection to you, then you may need to consider seeing your doctor to rule out ulceration.
This is more likely in persons like yourself with a history of reflux implying that there may irritation of the stomach lining already.

Ulceration would also cause these symptoms.

IN general it is always best to be examined when there is a history of severe abdominal pain. It is necessary to rule out a surgical cause of the pain

the doctor needs to assess for tenderness, guarding when touched and rebound pain (pain after the hand is removed)

Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain And Bloating After Eating While Having GERD?

Brief Answer: fluid and electrolyte replacement, medication, probiotics, hold off solids Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Based on the symptoms of watery bowel movements, abdominal pain, bloating/fullness with meals , it is possible that you may have mild infection of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. In addition to continuing the pantoprazole , you may want to consider: (1) holding off solid food till there is a 4 hour period of reduced or no symptoms This give the bowel time to relax and repair. When this 4 hour interval passes, start with small amounts of dry solid food eg bread, biscuits, plain rice The BRAT diet can be used if you want. (2)probiotics - these can be used on their own or in yogurts. Probiotics help to restore the normal bacterial flora and shorten the course of these types of symptoms (3)make sure to use enough fluids to replace what you are losing, sports drinks or oral rehydration drinks would be best because you would get fluids and electrolytes I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions