IBS is causing my GERD/reflux symptoms

I had my first symptoms in December 2011 with lump in throat, trouble swallowing, heartburn.  After having all the tests:  barium swallow, endoscopy, 24 h PH, manogramy and gastric emptying my GI referred me to a surgeon.  The surgeon told me that based on my mild symptoms 5 months later, April 2012, that I was a 2 on a scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being the worst GERD symptoms and not to have surgery at this time.  He told me to keep taking TUMS (Prilosec and other PPIS/H2 did not work)  TUMS was the only thing I was taking.

I then went for a 2nd opinion to a GI doctor who determined that he believes my symptoms:  mild heartburn an hour or so after eating, bloating, gas, lump in throat - are caused by IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) which in turn is causing my acid reflux.  He explained to me that IBS doesn't always involve diarrhea.  IBS can go up in the form of acid reflux which I have.

He prescribed hyoscyamine.  He said to try it for 10 days and see what happens.

It has only been 48 hours and I have substantial relief already.  The lump in my throat feeling that I would get daily is gone.  My heartburn seems to have eased up and I only had a mild episode.  The metalic taste in my mouth is also gone.  I also had a Rum drink last night and no effects from that which sometimes leaves me with heartburn or the lump feeling.  I also have not had 1 TUMS in the past 2 days.  Prior I would take anywhere from 3- 6 per day.

I will follow up with him this week but I just wanted to post my story and see if anyone else has this connection between IBS and acid reflux or has taken this mediction.  Dry mouth is one of the side effects but it's not too bad as long as I remember to drink enough water throughout the day.

Robyn

Hi Tzakaria, I'm not really sure I can offer you advice since it seems like you need to talk to a doctor. YOu have some of the symptoms I have but I never had a coating on my tongue or loose stool. When I stopped my PPI I had no reaction to stopping it. Sorry I can't be more help but I really think you need a medical opinion. Hope it works out for you.

I have been experiencing GERD-like symptoms since spring of this year.  All day my throat will burn, and after I eat, I have the sensation of acid splashing up my esophagus.  Nothing over-the-counter would help; I tried tums, rolaids, zantac, pepcid, maalox, etc. - even tried natural remedies like Limonene and Aloe juice.  My PCP put me on Prilosec, which helped minimally.  Now, on Nexium, I can go though my day without discomfort unless I drink coffee, have caffeine, foods with tomatoes or drink any alchohol.  I just had an endoscopy, and the specialist told me I don't have acid reflux; that perhaps I have IBS (He told me to follow up with my gastroenterologist to look into it further).  I have yet to follow-up with my gastroenterologist, but it sounds strange that all my symtoms are from the stomach up, and he thinks it's IBS.

Incidentally, this spring I was treated for a series of UTIs, with different antibiotics.  I suspect that my normal stomach flora (bacteria) is off balance.  Unfortunately, I am still on an antibiotic so I think taking a probiotic would be money down the drain at this point.  I'll see what my gastroenterologist days.  Good luck All!

Thanks Robyn,

It's good to know that your doctor says IBS can be upper GI.  I really wish I could get this treated so that I can eventually get back to eating my 'problem foods'. -At least a small coffee in the morning.  I'm of the belief that this can resolve, and I won't have to rely of medications.  I'm also under a lot of stress from my job, and I think once I'm not under constant stress (when I find a different job), my body will stop rebelling.  Just a year ago, I took no prescription drugs and now I'm on several.  Since last September, I've gotten this different (stressful) job, gotten married, moved into a new home, and have become a mom to two stepkids.  It can't be a coincidence that my health has declined.

I am usually on the GERD forum but a few months ago my GI also came to the conclusion that I have IBS. I removed gluten, reduced lactose and eliminated raw veggies and fruits (for now). I am doing better. Pains in my back and ribs occur after eating, I think they could be gas related. I am currently on an OTC PPI, but I am continuing to ween off to Pepcid (my GI thinks the PPI could also be upsetting my digestive system). As far as the GERD, no heartburn, occassional tight throat which goes away with chewing non mint gum.

Hi there. I am still new her but I just want tot ell you first of all I am glad the medication helped you.


For me apparently the IBS and GERD happened at once so probably that is why the doctors took years to finally figure things out.

O and I also had gallstones so 3 things all at once.
I felt much better after removing of my gallbladder but after a year the pain came back but now I could describe it much better.
Behind my breast and to my back. Doctor after a few examination told me I had GERD. So I said so I do not have ISB? Yes you also have ISB.

Well he put me on Amitriptyline and to my amazement it helped a lot and even better no side effects.

Not sure though but I also stopped eating wheat so in combination with those meds I felt so much better.

The symptoms you describe I always considered my GERD symptoms. The pain high in stomach and acid reflux so I have learned something today thanks to you.

O and yes ISB can also be that you have trouble going to the toilet that your stools are hard.