Burning Stomach, Loss of Appetite, Poor Digestion

Hi Marritt. I suffered for years with severe IBS type symptoms plus some, still do at times especially after alcohol or chocolate/sweet things. I had really bad digestion, burning stomach, stomach/back/hip pain (especially in mornings), frequent trips to the toilet, chest pain and got really run down. It came in cycles first but gradually became every day and got worse over time. I lost over 60lbs in 18 months, I couldn't eat because it made me sick. I was scared to eat too. I was told it was IBS but none of the IBS meds worked. I went through every test going and saw many specialists who all said it was severe IBS.I refused to believe it was anyway because the pain was so bad. Eventually every part of my body was aching. This is when I was finally diagnosed with FM. I've been on FM meds for a few months now and for the most part I feel great. I get the odd bad day but no stomach pain if I stay away from chocolate etc. i did find that slippery elm made like porridge (instead of a drink) and peppermint capsules helped ease digestion and the burning. I hope this helps you.

Sean

I agree with the others. Ask your dr. and get the test necessary. I found out I was lactose intolerant. Never would have guessed that by the amount of dairy I was having.

Alison

Hmm .. thank you to everyone for the tips.
I know I should find a gastro, but I've been avoiding it.

Sean, I think peppermint burns it worse, so I've been avoiding that. But, I can try the Slippery Elm.
The mastic gum I'm taking seems to be helping some. At least today was better than yesterday, and yesterday better than the day before.

Sherrine, I think I've had some bouts of gastroparesis -- usually a week before a migraine I'll get that, and after the migraine it resolves.
I'm not sure how much of this burning currently is gastroparesis-like symptoms or just perhaps inflamed stomach?

doodie, I love dairy!! It seems to help, at least temporarily, with the burning.
I checked around once and none of the local gastro docs did the lactose breath test.

Fox7, does your stomach make too much acid?
I read one can be low in HCL, and the symptoms are the same as being too high -- basically acid indigestion.
I haven't tried Pepto Bismol. I'll look into that.

My mother had stomach cancer, and I remember her saying things like, she felt so full, her food sat there like a rock, she had no appetite, and this was years before she got the cancer ... but I think she also had an undetected gluten problem, which was finally discovered years later. (Yes, she survived the stomach cancer with prayer and alternative dietary changes and supplements.) I already discovered I am gluten intolerant and do not eat it.

Thanks to everyone. I'll check around to see if I can find a good gastro and report back.