Gas/Constipation

[beck1965]

Hi. Two years post sigmoid colectomy. T1/N0/M0 so caught really early, very lucky, and no additional treatment other than blood tests and follow up colonoscopy. Lately I've had gas.........alot of it and it smells as if I have a sewer plant in my gut. Very "airy" BM's as well. Anyone tried any over the counter remedies that seemed to have helped them with similar issues? The gas pain does come with a little cramping as well. Follow up colonoscopy was clear and all blood tests have been good, next one is in late June. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[henry123]

Do get yourself tested for h pylori infection.

[beck1965]

I haven’t but funny you should mention that, my mom was just treated for that a month ago. If it persists, I will talk to my PCP. Thanks

[MissMolly]

Beck:
Your foul-smelling and excessive gas likely is due to bacterial overgrowth or imbalance of the necessary “good”/beneficial bacterial that constitutes the GI tract’s normal flora.

The bacterial flora of the digestive tract serves as the home base for the body’s immune system and immune response. The immune system is housed in the digestive tract.

Not all commercially available probiotics are equal.

I have had significant surgical altering of my digestiv tract, which has affected both my GI tract motility (frequent obstructions due to adhesions; hypermotility and rapid transit time; short guy syndrome) and the types of foods that I can eat/consume - all of which play havoc on maintaining a healthy bacterial flora. I have had consultations with any number of physicians, naturopaths, dietitians, and integrative medicine providers. Here’s what has benefitted me the most:

A. Kiefer. Kiefer is a drinkable yogurt that has a high concentration of “good”/beneficial bacteria.

B. Make a concentrated effort to reduce your intake of simple sugars and simple carbohydrates (table sugar, carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, white bread, cakes and cookies, saltine crackers, white potatoes, white pasta, breakfast cereals with more than 6 grams of sugar per serving, highly processed foods) and increase your intake of complex carbohydrates (whole grains products, Triscut crackers, steel cut oatmeal, shredded wheat cereal, whole wheat pasta, sweet potatoes).

Bacteria in the gut “feed” on simple sugars as their source of cellular energy. The foul smell and putrid odor of intestinal gas is owing to the metabolic byproducts/waste produced by the bacterial flora in the gut and is a sign of an imbalance of “good” and “less than good” bacteria. The goal to eliminating smelly gas is to repopulate the digestive tract with “good” bacteria.

C. Invest in a quality probiotic. My Palliative Care physician highly recommends the probiotic VSL #3, and I have been amazed by its benefits.

VSL #3 was available by prescription only until about a year ago.
It is a high potency probiotic. VSL#3 is the probiotic routinely used by individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (Chrone’s, ulcerative colitis) and individuals with malabsorption syndrome.

VSL #3 is now available over the counter without a prescription. Amazon carries VSL # 3 (where I purchase it) and has an informative written overview of VSL # 3 and its unique bacterial composite and targeted benefits.
- Karen -

[DarknessEmbraced]

I've never been able to do much for gas since my LAR in 2014. I use massage and heat for gas if it causes painful bloating or cramping. I hope you can find something that will help!*hugs*

[beck1965]

Thanks MissMolly for all the useful info. I may look into those probiotics.