Question:
Do acidophilus capsules help with chronic stomach problems?

I'm almost a year out and have been having stomach pain that is only relieved by percocet and a heating pad. It's not constant, but sometimes it's every day, sometimes only once a week. The pain can start out as a burning, burring feeling, but not always. Many times it's gas pain, even though I'm so very careful about what and how I eat. I've had all sorts of tests, even a CT scan, but nothing is there! My chiropractor and several others asked me to try acidophilus because it was very helpful for them. I've been using it, but now my tummy has started swelling up like a balloon until it all comes out as gas and diarrhea. It's wearing me out and I'm so frustrated. I'm stuck home again tonight because of pain, swelling and my diahhrea, yet all my docs say there's nothing wrong. HELP! Anybody having similar problems? And did acidophilus help? Does anything help??????????????    — pollypat (posted on March 6, 2006)

March 6, 2006
Just a suggestion but have you kept a log of when the pain starts. You may have developed a food allergy. I have the same issues with milk as I have found I am lactose intolerant. I eat yogurt more than before and don't notice it as much which have live active cultures and I have started making my own so I can control the sugar. Another thing you may be allergic too would be flour and wheat products with our stomachs being so small and no able to pass gas as easy that could explain the pain. I would keep a log and see if certain foods cause the pain and symptoms.
   — 1968 Loser

March 6, 2006
You should see a Gastroenterologist for digestive problems. I had some of the same symtoms, such as gas,pain.cramping and bloating after eating. My stomach would swell like I was 9 months pregnant. I was told I had " Irrital Bowel Syndrome" and given a RX of Levsin 0.125 mg. I take 1 tablet 1/2 hour before each meal and 1 at bedtime.It is a digestive medication. This medicine has worked great for me. I hope this is helpful to you and wish you quick relief from your discomfort.
   — auntnanan04

March 6, 2006
Hello. Sorry to hear about this problem. Just from what you wrote I think you may be allergic to wheat and gluten. My son is allergic to all wheat, gluten and caesin (milk proteins) and when he has it, his stomach bloats up big and is very painful. There is nothing to relieve it until is comes out. A gastro- int. doctor would be able to order tests that will determine if you have a gluten allergy and/ or if there is something else going on like Crohn's disease or something else. Get a refferal for a gastro. doctor. If you wanted to do something now you could cut all gluten and wheat out of your diet and see if that helps. www.glutenfree.com or www.celiacdisease.com could help you out with more information about it. Cutting out gluten/wheat and any other food because of allergy is NOT easy but it is possible. Acidophilus does not help my son at all. Avoiding the foods that are causing this reaction is the ONLY way to help you feel better if you do have a food allergy. Hope you feel better soon. Hugs, Jenna
   — jstatkus

March 6, 2006
Don't know about the capsules, but might have an idea on your pain. I have had the same problem since about 6 months post op. At first the pain was only every now and then, then it became constant. I too do percocet and heating pads. Had every test under the sun and still nothing was found that would cause the pain. Then two weeks ago, I talked to a Mayo clinic bariatric surgeon. He says this is something that is more common then most know. It is a form of rejection. My body is rejecting the new arrangement in there. The only cure, undo the bypass. So in May I will be having my bypass reversed. People have suggested the acidophilus to me also but I have not tried it. I am actually loooking forward to my reversal because I am sick of being in pain all the time. I had my bypass 2.5 years ago and two year of it have been nothing but hell, in and out of the hospital, I did this to be healthier for my son, and it is sad when he has spent half his life with his mommy being ill all the time. I'm ready for it to be done. Bridget
   — Mini Gadget

March 7, 2006
I am not familar about those pills but, i have been taking papaya enzyme tablets for 2 years i did experience your problems. i went to the ed and had ex-rays found nothing wrong!! oh tammy you just have gas they would say. so one night i was in real bad pain hurting called the pharmacy in my town and he recommended papaya pills they are a God sent!! You can buy them at wal-mart in the vitamin section Spring Valley makes them you get 100 tablets in the bottle and you take four tablets daily with or following the meal of your choice. tablets must be chewed. They taste really good. They are wonderful. Try them, they have saved a lot of pain for me!! they are less than 3 dollars a bottle. oh yeah, the doctor in the ed did recommend me to drink the acidophilus milk??? It did not work. i tried all kinds of gas pills and even had a prescription for it. when i did take my first 4 pills, it sounded like the 4th of july in my living room. But, anyway try them, I pray they are helpful for you let me. taking percocet and heating pads is not fun. [email protected]
   — tammy32704