I need help!

I am 22 years old and when I was 20 I began to experience some severe digestion problems. After describing my symptoms to the Dr I was told I had GERD and took Prilosec OTC and it became more manageable. Well, its back with vengeance. My symptoms are as follows
- Occasional heartburn
- Constant belching
- noisy stomach/bowels (they will gurgle and groan)
- constant flatulence
- poor stool quality
- bouts of diarrhea
- bouts of constipation

Does this sound like GERD? Most of my problems are with the flatulence. I am constantly squirming and sweating. I took a semester off of college because I could no longer sit through classes. I have dating, job interviews, classes, etc. in my future and I HAVE to get this under control. I am currently trying digestive enzymes but I cant tell much of a difference. I should also note I have some severe anxieties because of this and that may be making the problem worse. Any help I can get would be much appreciate it.

Hi Loyd,

I agree with Ashley. The top 2 symptoms sound like GERD but the lower 5 sound just like IBS. I don't have it but I have a few friends who do. You should read up on it and ask your GI doc. I don't know for sure but I think there it 1 med you can take to help symptoms. Other than that, it's kind of like GERD in the way that you need to figure out what your triggers are (i.e. wheat gluten, dairy, etc.) and avoid them. The digestive enzymes are good but may I suggest a probiotic supplement. Those help populate good bacteria in the gut and can help lessen IBS symptoms.

Take care,

Liz