Posted 6/9/2013 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
I have had stomach/intestinal issues on and off since my teens. Sometimes I could go quite a few years without any issues except minor problems. Then I would go through months of terrible stomach problems...pain, bloating, gas no matter what I ate. I haven't had a flare like this one (I am now 65) in more than five years...I get gassy, bloated and have misc pain and discomfort no matter what I eat. I've been taking Prilosec and probiotics for a month but nothing helps unless I eat practically nothing. I also have suffered anxiety and depression for years as well as hypochondria. And I also smoke which I am not proud of and know doesn't help but I don't seem to be able to quit. I'm sure now that I have colon cancer but too afraid to go to the doctor ?another fear I have). I want to be ok for my vacation with my family in two weeks but I'm afraid my fear of being sick will just keep me sick. I do have gall bladder symptoms too but this recent flare is affecting my left side in my stomach area. I take a low dose of Xanax and that helps a little but I don't want to start taking too much of that. So basically I'm curious when reading all your posts just how long do the flares last...are they something you always live with or are they temporary? Thanks for listening.