stomach pain when eating anything!

[mpflynn]

Hey everybody, so I have a friend (female, 20 years old) who has NOT been diagnosed with celiac and does not think she is allergic to wheat but is having severe tummy issues.

symptoms and factors:

shooting stomach pain immediately after eating anything

nausea and pain for almost 40 minutes after eating

unintentional weight loss (30 pounds in 1 month)

high stress environment

on medicine from doctor (to coat her stomach throughout the day)

long term, 8 months...

Whenever she eats anything, for almost 8 months now, she experiences nauseating shooting pains that go through her stomach immediately whenever she eats anything. Her doctor put her on a medicine that coats her stomach throughout the day, so she takes it every morning before she eats, and it is the only way she is currenty able to eat. Since this began she unintentionally lost 30 pounds in a month and continues to loose weight. She is in college and taking many hard classes so stress could be a factor. She has not had a scope to look at her stomach to check for ulcers because she can't afford it right now. I got her to start trying kefir and see if that helps. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions!? It would be super appreciated, any imput is really awesome! Thank you!!!!

[Maddi]

Hello,

It's very nice of you to be worried about your friend. However, I really think your friend should see a gastrointerologist. I know you said she saw a doctor so I don't know if that was a specialist but if she's worried about Celiac she should start off with a celiac panel (blood tests). I'm sure others will post about the specific blood tests required (there's about 4-5). Make sure she asks for the FULL panel that way she has a higher chance of the test being accurate (also make sure she doesn't get off gluten until all tests are done). If she's in such pain she really needs an endoscopy or a colonoscopy since it's impossible to diagnose over the Internet. It could be many things causing pain like IBS, crohn's, celiac, or small intestinal bacteria overgrowth.... or a lot more things! It would be a good start to request a celiac panel. Your friend seems lucky to have such a caring friend! 

[ravenwoodglass]

Your friend needs to see a GI ASAP. If money is an issue for more testing most hospitals will work with her for payment or in some circumstances may even cover the cost of testing in part or completely. 30 lbs in a month is a lot and she could have something very serious or even fatal. I hope she can get some help soon.

[lgregg]

Hey everybody, so I have a friend (female, 20 years old) who has NOT been diagnosed with celiac and does not think she is allergic to wheat but is having severe tummy issues.

symptoms and factors:

shooting stomach pain immediately after eating anything

nausea and pain for almost 40 minutes after eating

unintentional weight loss (30 pounds in 1 month)

high stress environment

on medicine from doctor (to coat her stomach throughout the day)

long term, 8 months...

Whenever she eats anything, for almost 8 months now, she experiences nauseating shooting pains that go through her stomach immediately whenever she eats anything. Her doctor put her on a medicine that coats her stomach throughout the day, so she takes it every morning before she eats, and it is the only way she is currenty able to eat. Since this began she unintentionally lost 30 pounds in a month and continues to loose weight. She is in college and taking many hard classes so stress could be a factor. She has not had a scope to look at her stomach to check for ulcers because she can't afford it right now. I got her to start trying kefir and see if that helps. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions!? It would be super appreciated, any imput is really awesome! Thank you!!!!

She needs to see an gastroenterologist asap! it sounds like she may have gallstones or an obstructed intestinal problem. I would not wait another moment, really.  I'd take her to the ER, she can pay out a bill.  Her health is the most important.  And if she does not want to go to the ER, make an appointment asap with a gastro.  Have them put her on a wait list. 

[Rebecca]

I agree with the others.  I have a teenage son with Celiac, but there are many other things that this could be.  Our daughter was recently told she has low B12 and is anemic.  She has been losing weight and although she tested negative for Celiac, she's been told to see a GI doctor.  The condition that her neurologist believes she has is called pernicious anemia.  It can cause some of the symptoms you mentioned. 

There are so many other things it could be and it is not a good idea to wait, especially when rapid weight loss is involved.  The doctor could decide to start with some simpler tests besides endoscopy.  Also, seeing the psychiatrist or psychologist at your school may be an eventual help (after medical help is sought).  College can be tremendously overwhelming and sometimes the stress can cause major health issues.  Seeing a professional will help your friend put things in perspective.  I currently have two children attending college and both have needed to seek counseling.  It is a sign of strength to know when to get input from a professional. Not getting help is neglecting one of the most important parts of our body - the part which is responsible for how we live and react to our environment and relationships in it.  

It's so caring of you to take time to help your friend.  As I said before, I have two college students and although they are wonderful people, I'm not sure either has a friend that would seek help for them.  Please keep us posted.