I wont go into all the hairy details, but basically for about the past year now, ive had bowel issues, and theyre slowly getting worse. I had a history of bowel obstructions, but after surgery about 8 years ago, I didnt have any other problems. Now, every 3 months im in the hospital for bowel issues, and the docs always say im "FOS" (full of s**t)... but after a clean out, a week later, i get stomach pain again. EVERY TIME I EAT, i get stomach aches. Im taking my enzymes with every meal, i almost never miss, and Im doing every thing else they're telling me to, but for some reason, the pain comes back. My question is, can pancreatic enzymes just, stop working? The Docs aren't even looking into WHY its happening, they're just giving me golightly and saying "there we fixed it". Im started to get really f***ing frustrated and im wondering if anyone has any other ideas, or know of enzymes not working...??? any advice, im seriously starting to go crazy.
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Can Enzymes stop working?
- Thread starter Milly
- Start date
I wont go into all the hairy details, but basically for about the past year now, ive had bowel issues, and theyre slowly getting worse. I had a history of bowel obstructions, but after surgery about 8 years ago, I didnt have any other problems. Now, every 3 months im in the hospital for bowel issues, and the docs always say im "FOS" (full of s**t)... but after a clean out, a week later, i get stomach pain again. EVERY TIME I EAT, i get stomach aches. Im taking my enzymes with every meal, i almost never miss, and Im doing every thing else they're telling me to, but for some reason, the pain comes back. My question is, can pancreatic enzymes just, stop working? The Docs aren't even looking into WHY its happening, they're just giving me golightly and saying "there we fixed it". Im started to get really f***ing frustrated and im wondering if anyone has any other ideas, or know of enzymes not working...??? any advice, im seriously starting to go crazy.
I wont go into all the hairy details, but basically for about the past year now, ive had bowel issues, and theyre slowly getting worse. I had a history of bowel obstructions, but after surgery about 8 years ago, I didnt have any other problems. Now, every 3 months im in the hospital for bowel issues, and the docs always say im "FOS" (full of s**t)... but after a clean out, a week later, i get stomach pain again. EVERY TIME I EAT, i get stomach aches. Im taking my enzymes with every meal, i almost never miss, and Im doing every thing else they're telling me to, but for some reason, the pain comes back. My question is, can pancreatic enzymes just, stop working? The Docs aren't even looking into WHY its happening, they're just giving me golightly and saying "there we fixed it". Im started to get really f***ing frustrated and im wondering if anyone has any other ideas, or know of enzymes not working...??? any advice, im seriously starting to go crazy.
Maybe they need to up your dosage or try another brand? I've seen a lot of people say one brand works better for them than others. I've noticed sometimes after eating I get stomach pain but if I take my Prilosec consistently it doesn't happen. Idk if any of that helps, but good luck and hope you figure it out soon!
Maybe they need to up your dosage or try another brand? I've seen a lot of people say one brand works better for them than others. I've noticed sometimes after eating I get stomach pain but if I take my Prilosec consistently it doesn't happen. Idk if any of that helps, but good luck and hope you figure it out soon!
Maybe they need to up your dosage or try another brand? I've seen a lot of people say one brand works better for them than others. I've noticed sometimes after eating I get stomach pain but if I take my Prilosec consistently it doesn't happen. Idk if any of that helps, but good luck and hope you figure it out soon!
Hannah, you need to go to GI, if you haven't been. Have they done a fecal fat test? That is the only real way of deciding whether your enzymes are doing the job properly. But seriousely, if you haven't gone to GI, you need to go and persist with them to figure out what is going on. Be a pain in their arse, if they don't keep on top of figuring it out.
Hannah, you need to go to GI, if you haven't been. Have they done a fecal fat test? That is the only real way of deciding whether your enzymes are doing the job properly. But seriousely, if you haven't gone to GI, you need to go and persist with them to figure out what is going on. Be a pain in their arse, if they don't keep on top of figuring it out.
Hannah, you need to go to GI, if you haven't been. Have they done a fecal fat test? That is the only real way of deciding whether your enzymes are doing the job properly. But seriousely, if you haven't gone to GI, you need to go and persist with them to figure out what is going on. Be a pain in their arse, if they don't keep on top of figuring it out.
M
MCGrad2006
Guest
I was having a lot of similar issues about a year and a half ago. I was having SEVERE pain before a BM and even before passing gas...and oddly right before my period was the WORST. I told my doctor and he gave me a prescription for a stool softener, Lactulose. It helped, but then I noticed the pains were worse when I ate a lot of cheese or drank a lot of milk. I have since given up milk and had virtually none of that pain. Instead of regular milk, I drink Lactaid now. I can't give up cheese...it is my weakness, but if I eat less cheese the pain is also better.
Maybe try taking out milk to start, then maybe cheese too? If it helps you can call that a remedy if not I would def look further. I know how uncomfortable it can be, I hope you feel better soon!
Maybe try taking out milk to start, then maybe cheese too? If it helps you can call that a remedy if not I would def look further. I know how uncomfortable it can be, I hope you feel better soon!
M
MCGrad2006
Guest
I was having a lot of similar issues about a year and a half ago. I was having SEVERE pain before a BM and even before passing gas...and oddly right before my period was the WORST. I told my doctor and he gave me a prescription for a stool softener, Lactulose. It helped, but then I noticed the pains were worse when I ate a lot of cheese or drank a lot of milk. I have since given up milk and had virtually none of that pain. Instead of regular milk, I drink Lactaid now. I can't give up cheese...it is my weakness, but if I eat less cheese the pain is also better.
Maybe try taking out milk to start, then maybe cheese too? If it helps you can call that a remedy if not I would def look further. I know how uncomfortable it can be, I hope you feel better soon!
Maybe try taking out milk to start, then maybe cheese too? If it helps you can call that a remedy if not I would def look further. I know how uncomfortable it can be, I hope you feel better soon!
M
MCGrad2006
Guest
I was having a lot of similar issues about a year and a half ago. I was having SEVERE pain before a BM and even before passing gas...and oddly right before my period was the WORST. I told my doctor and he gave me a prescription for a stool softener, Lactulose. It helped, but then I noticed the pains were worse when I ate a lot of cheese or drank a lot of milk. I have since given up milk and had virtually none of that pain. Instead of regular milk, I drink Lactaid now. I can't give up cheese...it is my weakness, but if I eat less cheese the pain is also better.
<br />
<br />Maybe try taking out milk to start, then maybe cheese too? If it helps you can call that a remedy if not I would def look further. I know how uncomfortable it can be, I hope you feel better soon!
<br />
<br />Maybe try taking out milk to start, then maybe cheese too? If it helps you can call that a remedy if not I would def look further. I know how uncomfortable it can be, I hope you feel better soon!
yes, i definitely have had similar problems and am so glad i read your post. all of my stuff started several years ago. to make a long story short-i had tremendous pain, extreme distention, wouldn't have a BM for days at a time (or i would being going regularly and the doctors would still tell me i was, as you put it FOS-funny by the way!). i had my appendix and gallbladder removed and was diagnosed with pancreatitis--to only continue to have problems.
the climax of my bowel issues occurred over the past year when i, too, spent time and time again being admitted to the hospital with bowel issues....the docs tried golightly (sometimes 12-20 liters in one hospital stay with no results), gastrograffin enemas, regular enemas, enzyme changes, etc, etc. the whole thing was a mess for several months. FINALLY it was determined that i have something called D.I.O.S. it stands for distal intestinal obstruction syndrome. according to the research (and there is very little) it only affect about 15-20% of cf adults and is still quite misunderstood and sometimes not even known by the cf and g.i. medical communities.
you are not crazy. it sounds as though your bowels are indeed having a difficult time...whether it is something you are eating, your enzyme type/dosage or something more serious i urge you to mention this post at your next doctor's visit. tell them to look it up. tell them about my case.
i will be honest with you, however. it continues to be an issue for me and it hasn't really 'gone away' (i'm told every person and case is different). i still have quite a bit of distention and pain that can last days at a time. i have to stay on top of my 'bowel regimen' (miralax, senna, drinking tonsssssss of water, taking my enzymes) and hope it is just less of a nuissance than it has already been.
on a side note, i did what Caitlin did regarding dairy. i have limited it quite a bit over the last 6-7 years and have noticed that it helps somewhat...
please pm me if you want to talk. i hope you get some relief soon.
the climax of my bowel issues occurred over the past year when i, too, spent time and time again being admitted to the hospital with bowel issues....the docs tried golightly (sometimes 12-20 liters in one hospital stay with no results), gastrograffin enemas, regular enemas, enzyme changes, etc, etc. the whole thing was a mess for several months. FINALLY it was determined that i have something called D.I.O.S. it stands for distal intestinal obstruction syndrome. according to the research (and there is very little) it only affect about 15-20% of cf adults and is still quite misunderstood and sometimes not even known by the cf and g.i. medical communities.
you are not crazy. it sounds as though your bowels are indeed having a difficult time...whether it is something you are eating, your enzyme type/dosage or something more serious i urge you to mention this post at your next doctor's visit. tell them to look it up. tell them about my case.
i will be honest with you, however. it continues to be an issue for me and it hasn't really 'gone away' (i'm told every person and case is different). i still have quite a bit of distention and pain that can last days at a time. i have to stay on top of my 'bowel regimen' (miralax, senna, drinking tonsssssss of water, taking my enzymes) and hope it is just less of a nuissance than it has already been.
on a side note, i did what Caitlin did regarding dairy. i have limited it quite a bit over the last 6-7 years and have noticed that it helps somewhat...
please pm me if you want to talk. i hope you get some relief soon.
yes, i definitely have had similar problems and am so glad i read your post. all of my stuff started several years ago. to make a long story short-i had tremendous pain, extreme distention, wouldn't have a BM for days at a time (or i would being going regularly and the doctors would still tell me i was, as you put it FOS-funny by the way!). i had my appendix and gallbladder removed and was diagnosed with pancreatitis--to only continue to have problems.
the climax of my bowel issues occurred over the past year when i, too, spent time and time again being admitted to the hospital with bowel issues....the docs tried golightly (sometimes 12-20 liters in one hospital stay with no results), gastrograffin enemas, regular enemas, enzyme changes, etc, etc. the whole thing was a mess for several months. FINALLY it was determined that i have something called D.I.O.S. it stands for distal intestinal obstruction syndrome. according to the research (and there is very little) it only affect about 15-20% of cf adults and is still quite misunderstood and sometimes not even known by the cf and g.i. medical communities.
you are not crazy. it sounds as though your bowels are indeed having a difficult time...whether it is something you are eating, your enzyme type/dosage or something more serious i urge you to mention this post at your next doctor's visit. tell them to look it up. tell them about my case.
i will be honest with you, however. it continues to be an issue for me and it hasn't really 'gone away' (i'm told every person and case is different). i still have quite a bit of distention and pain that can last days at a time. i have to stay on top of my 'bowel regimen' (miralax, senna, drinking tonsssssss of water, taking my enzymes) and hope it is just less of a nuissance than it has already been.
on a side note, i did what Caitlin did regarding dairy. i have limited it quite a bit over the last 6-7 years and have noticed that it helps somewhat...
please pm me if you want to talk. i hope you get some relief soon.
the climax of my bowel issues occurred over the past year when i, too, spent time and time again being admitted to the hospital with bowel issues....the docs tried golightly (sometimes 12-20 liters in one hospital stay with no results), gastrograffin enemas, regular enemas, enzyme changes, etc, etc. the whole thing was a mess for several months. FINALLY it was determined that i have something called D.I.O.S. it stands for distal intestinal obstruction syndrome. according to the research (and there is very little) it only affect about 15-20% of cf adults and is still quite misunderstood and sometimes not even known by the cf and g.i. medical communities.
you are not crazy. it sounds as though your bowels are indeed having a difficult time...whether it is something you are eating, your enzyme type/dosage or something more serious i urge you to mention this post at your next doctor's visit. tell them to look it up. tell them about my case.
i will be honest with you, however. it continues to be an issue for me and it hasn't really 'gone away' (i'm told every person and case is different). i still have quite a bit of distention and pain that can last days at a time. i have to stay on top of my 'bowel regimen' (miralax, senna, drinking tonsssssss of water, taking my enzymes) and hope it is just less of a nuissance than it has already been.
on a side note, i did what Caitlin did regarding dairy. i have limited it quite a bit over the last 6-7 years and have noticed that it helps somewhat...
please pm me if you want to talk. i hope you get some relief soon.
yes, i definitely have had similar problems and am so glad i read your post. all of my stuff started several years ago. to make a long story short-i had tremendous pain, extreme distention, wouldn't have a BM for days at a time (or i would being going regularly and the doctors would still tell me i was, as you put it FOS-funny by the way!). i had my appendix and gallbladder removed and was diagnosed with pancreatitis--to only continue to have problems.
<br />
<br />the climax of my bowel issues occurred over the past year when i, too, spent time and time again being admitted to the hospital with bowel issues....the docs tried golightly (sometimes 12-20 liters in one hospital stay with no results), gastrograffin enemas, regular enemas, enzyme changes, etc, etc. the whole thing was a mess for several months. FINALLY it was determined that i have something called D.I.O.S. it stands for distal intestinal obstruction syndrome. according to the research (and there is very little) it only affect about 15-20% of cf adults and is still quite misunderstood and sometimes not even known by the cf and g.i. medical communities.
<br />
<br />you are not crazy. it sounds as though your bowels are indeed having a difficult time...whether it is something you are eating, your enzyme type/dosage or something more serious i urge you to mention this post at your next doctor's visit. tell them to look it up. tell them about my case.
<br />
<br />i will be honest with you, however. it continues to be an issue for me and it hasn't really 'gone away' (i'm told every person and case is different). i still have quite a bit of distention and pain that can last days at a time. i have to stay on top of my 'bowel regimen' (miralax, senna, drinking tonsssssss of water, taking my enzymes) and hope it is just less of a nuissance than it has already been.
<br />
<br />on a side note, i did what Caitlin did regarding dairy. i have limited it quite a bit over the last 6-7 years and have noticed that it helps somewhat...
<br />
<br />please pm me if you want to talk. i hope you get some relief soon.
<br />
<br />the climax of my bowel issues occurred over the past year when i, too, spent time and time again being admitted to the hospital with bowel issues....the docs tried golightly (sometimes 12-20 liters in one hospital stay with no results), gastrograffin enemas, regular enemas, enzyme changes, etc, etc. the whole thing was a mess for several months. FINALLY it was determined that i have something called D.I.O.S. it stands for distal intestinal obstruction syndrome. according to the research (and there is very little) it only affect about 15-20% of cf adults and is still quite misunderstood and sometimes not even known by the cf and g.i. medical communities.
<br />
<br />you are not crazy. it sounds as though your bowels are indeed having a difficult time...whether it is something you are eating, your enzyme type/dosage or something more serious i urge you to mention this post at your next doctor's visit. tell them to look it up. tell them about my case.
<br />
<br />i will be honest with you, however. it continues to be an issue for me and it hasn't really 'gone away' (i'm told every person and case is different). i still have quite a bit of distention and pain that can last days at a time. i have to stay on top of my 'bowel regimen' (miralax, senna, drinking tonsssssss of water, taking my enzymes) and hope it is just less of a nuissance than it has already been.
<br />
<br />on a side note, i did what Caitlin did regarding dairy. i have limited it quite a bit over the last 6-7 years and have noticed that it helps somewhat...
<br />
<br />please pm me if you want to talk. i hope you get some relief soon.
I once got a bad batch of enzymes. My doc didn't think it was a bad batch....he said it was unheard of....but I knew something changed suddenly and it coincided with my script. So, after a few days of yelling and insisting, they pushed through another script; same brand, but different batch. And guess what? No problems. It was a terrible few days and I sympathize with you. I would try switching brands and/or dose. I wouldn't do nothing. Good luck and I'm sorry...
I once got a bad batch of enzymes. My doc didn't think it was a bad batch....he said it was unheard of....but I knew something changed suddenly and it coincided with my script. So, after a few days of yelling and insisting, they pushed through another script; same brand, but different batch. And guess what? No problems. It was a terrible few days and I sympathize with you. I would try switching brands and/or dose. I wouldn't do nothing. Good luck and I'm sorry...
I once got a bad batch of enzymes. My doc didn't think it was a bad batch....he said it was unheard of....but I knew something changed suddenly and it coincided with my script. So, after a few days of yelling and insisting, they pushed through another script; same brand, but different batch. And guess what? No problems. It was a terrible few days and I sympathize with you. I would try switching brands and/or dose. I wouldn't do nothing. Good luck and I'm sorry...
I seem to recall a few years ago a couple people as well either getting an odd batch of enzymes -- they opened up the capsules and the beads looked discolored, misshapen. There were also a few cases in which people were prescribed generics and had issues, though I'm not so sure generics are available anymore with the latest FDA requirements.
IMO, get in to see the doctor to either get your enzymes changed, increased and add a laxative.
DS had issues in which he had adhesions, which were causing digestion to slow down and causing the enzymes not to get where they were supposed to. So you don't want to mess around with this and possibly deal with obstruction issues. Also, When he was a baby he had constipation issues and we'd have to use milk of mag to get him cleaned out.
IMO, get in to see the doctor to either get your enzymes changed, increased and add a laxative.
DS had issues in which he had adhesions, which were causing digestion to slow down and causing the enzymes not to get where they were supposed to. So you don't want to mess around with this and possibly deal with obstruction issues. Also, When he was a baby he had constipation issues and we'd have to use milk of mag to get him cleaned out.
I seem to recall a few years ago a couple people as well either getting an odd batch of enzymes -- they opened up the capsules and the beads looked discolored, misshapen. There were also a few cases in which people were prescribed generics and had issues, though I'm not so sure generics are available anymore with the latest FDA requirements.
IMO, get in to see the doctor to either get your enzymes changed, increased and add a laxative.
DS had issues in which he had adhesions, which were causing digestion to slow down and causing the enzymes not to get where they were supposed to. So you don't want to mess around with this and possibly deal with obstruction issues. Also, When he was a baby he had constipation issues and we'd have to use milk of mag to get him cleaned out.
IMO, get in to see the doctor to either get your enzymes changed, increased and add a laxative.
DS had issues in which he had adhesions, which were causing digestion to slow down and causing the enzymes not to get where they were supposed to. So you don't want to mess around with this and possibly deal with obstruction issues. Also, When he was a baby he had constipation issues and we'd have to use milk of mag to get him cleaned out.