Stomach Healing Support

August 27, 2018

Cold compresses on my head when I have migraine actually makes migraine go away without pills. Cold compress on my torso/stomach area, well, it also helps but then, hot compress there helps too.

I will try to buy supplements that allow me to open the capsule in applasauce:)

October 8, 2018

Hey everyone! It looks like it's been a while since someone posted in this thread, but I can tell that it's helpful. I don't get on BB's a ton due to my time constraints. I've been on a miserable journey, to say the least. My signature gives the background. I haven't had a ton of GI issues until fairly recently. I think I've had about every other sx though! I went through so many things, but my last one really took me for a ride...testicle etc. pain!! Not fun. I thought that it couldn't possibly be withdrawal when my nuts started hurting gradually over time. Pee got a bit slower too, and a couple other things, but my research found that that situation has happened to other guys too. I finally broke down and went to a urologist and was totally freaked by the whole process. Turns out, all tests negative...urine tests, bladder tests, scrotum ultrasound, etc. Chalk it up to benzo withdrawal. Onwards I went. Enter GI stuff. Many months ago I noticed a feeling on my upper-right side of my abdomen just below my rib cage that felt like a tennis ball or something was in there. It came and went. Almost felt like a gas bubble. More recently (last week or so) it's much more noticeable in that it's more "here" than "there". Then this weekend I noticed a weird feeling in the majority of my stomach. I couldn't find a way to describe it until I read an earlier post here...someone said it felt like their stomach was "clenching". That's what it feels like to me too. Some bloating after I eat, feels like food just kind of sits there. Constipation was a huge issue for me for many years as I took the klonopin as well as the other cocktails of meds. Well over 21 years! I've been tapering over 3 years now (only med I'm on is klonopin now as far as psyh meds go). About a year ago I started coffee enemas and some benefiber or husk fiber, and things were helped in a great way. A major change happened about 4 months ago when I had to get another job due to severe financial stress. The job has been almost unbearable with stress. Person I work for is almost impossible to be around. Sx jumped way up as a result of all this. Possibly a connection there, but does anyone have any insight as far as the tennis ball feeling, clenching stomach feeling, and a bit of bloating? I'd really appreciate any input.

My best to all!!!

Jeff

October 9, 2018

Hey everyone! It looks like it's been a while since someone posted in this thread, but I can tell that it's helpful. I don't get on BB's a ton due to my time constraints. I've been on a miserable journey, to say the least. My signature gives the background. I haven't had a ton of GI issues until fairly recently. I think I've had about every other sx though! I went through so many things, but my last one really took me for a ride...testicle etc. pain!! Not fun. I thought that it couldn't possibly be withdrawal when my nuts started hurting gradually over time. Pee got a bit slower too, and a couple other things, but my research found that that situation has happened to other guys too. I finally broke down and went to a urologist and was totally freaked by the whole process. Turns out, all tests negative...urine tests, bladder tests, scrotum ultrasound, etc. Chalk it up to benzo withdrawal. Onwards I went. Enter GI stuff. Many months ago I noticed a feeling on my upper-right side of my abdomen just below my rib cage that felt like a tennis ball or something was in there. It came and went. Almost felt like a gas bubble. More recently (last week or so) it's much more noticeable in that it's more "here" than "there". Then this weekend I noticed a weird feeling in the majority of my stomach. I couldn't find a way to describe it until I read an earlier post here...someone said it felt like their stomach was "clenching". That's what it feels like to me too. Some bloating after I eat, feels like food just kind of sits there. Constipation was a huge issue for me for many years as I took the klonopin as well as the other cocktails of meds. Well over 21 years! I've been tapering over 3 years now (only med I'm on is klonopin now as far as psyh meds go). About a year ago I started coffee enemas and some benefiber or husk fiber, and things were helped in a great way. A major change happened about 4 months ago when I had to get another job due to severe financial stress. The job has been almost unbearable with stress. Person I work for is almost impossible to be around. Sx jumped way up as a result of all this. Possibly a connection there, but does anyone have any insight as far as the tennis ball feeling, clenching stomach feeling, and a bit of bloating? I'd really appreciate any input.

My best to all!!!

Jeff

Hey Jeff,

Simply put, It all sounds like the process of the body fighting to adjust... I recently have had an insane neuropathic itch of my nuts... I did have a sharp pain, but that didnt last so long..

I cant speak to the tennis ball, possibly an ultrasound, or some checking would pay, Though I have hear mention of similar as an sx...

My GI has been problematic... Peristalsis can become irregular, in my case non functional, but overactive and spastic.. Also my internal sphincters (mainly small intestine related) would not relax..

This determined my whole tapering speed, but is slowly improving..

I found Prucalopride to be a life saver, in an off lable use at low dose.. It helped re-regulate peristalsis.. (you would have to decide if it suited your situation though).. -lets hope it diesnt come to that...

Maybe it was me that mentioned clenching.. It fits.. -a throbbing pulsating clentching..

-also try deep belly breathing, and maybe laying on a pillow with the top folded over just under the rib cage.. and ofcourse, laying down to relax abdo muscles, even external sensation or stimulation changes can help me, like say a hot water bottle..

Its can be a bit of a process, but I hope you find your way through...

Best wishes...

October 10, 2018

Hey everyone! It looks like it's been a while since someone posted in this thread, but I can tell that it's helpful. I don't get on BB's a ton due to my time constraints. I've been on a miserable journey, to say the least. My signature gives the background. I haven't had a ton of GI issues until fairly recently. I think I've had about every other sx though! I went through so many things, but my last one really took me for a ride...testicle etc. pain!! Not fun. I thought that it couldn't possibly be withdrawal when my nuts started hurting gradually over time. Pee got a bit slower too, and a couple other things, but my research found that that situation has happened to other guys too. I finally broke down and went to a urologist and was totally freaked by the whole process. Turns out, all tests negative...urine tests, bladder tests, scrotum ultrasound, etc. Chalk it up to benzo withdrawal. Onwards I went. Enter GI stuff. Many months ago I noticed a feeling on my upper-right side of my abdomen just below my rib cage that felt like a tennis ball or something was in there. It came and went. Almost felt like a gas bubble. More recently (last week or so) it's much more noticeable in that it's more "here" than "there". Then this weekend I noticed a weird feeling in the majority of my stomach. I couldn't find a way to describe it until I read an earlier post here...someone said it felt like their stomach was "clenching". That's what it feels like to me too. Some bloating after I eat, feels like food just kind of sits there. Constipation was a huge issue for me for many years as I took the klonopin as well as the other cocktails of meds. Well over 21 years! I've been tapering over 3 years now (only med I'm on is klonopin now as far as psyh meds go). About a year ago I started coffee enemas and some benefiber or husk fiber, and things were helped in a great way. A major change happened about 4 months ago when I had to get another job due to severe financial stress. The job has been almost unbearable with stress. Person I work for is almost impossible to be around. Sx jumped way up as a result of all this. Possibly a connection there, but does anyone have any insight as far as the tennis ball feeling, clenching stomach feeling, and a bit of bloating? I'd really appreciate any input.

My best to all!!!

Jeff

Hey Jeff,
Simply put, It all sounds like the process of the body fighting to adjust... I recently have had an insane neuropathic itch of my nuts... I did have a sharp pain, but that didnt last so long..

I cant speak to the tennis ball, possibly an ultrasound, or some checking would pay, Though I have hear mention of similar as an sx...

My GI has been problematic... Peristalsis can become irregular, in my case non functional, but overactive and spastic.. Also my internal sphincters (mainly small intestine related) would not relax..
This determined my whole tapering speed, but is slowly improving..
I found Prucalopride to be a life saver, in an off lable use at low dose.. It helped re-regulate peristalsis.. (you would have to decide if it suited your situation though).. -lets hope it diesnt come to that...
Maybe it was me that mentioned clenching.. It fits.. -a throbbing pulsating clentching..

-also try deep belly breathing, and maybe laying on a pillow with the top folded over just under the rib cage.. and ofcourse, laying down to relax abdo muscles, even external sensation or stimulation changes can help me, like say a hot water bottle..
Its can be a bit of a process, but I hope you find your way through...
Best wishes...

Man, that whole "nut journey" can be brutal!! Although, I guess an itch would be better than life-altering pain. The way some people described their man problems has been unreal. And thanks for the info on what to do with the GI fun. All makes sense. I know relaxation is key. I literally stay tight from head to toe when I'm work because it's a killer emotional environment. Plus, I'm trying to fake it like everything's alright when I'm actually dying inside. I have to stick with it due to our financial problems unless I can find something else in this area. Small beach-side community with not a lot of opportunity. I feel like every muscle in my body is contracted throughout the whole day at work. I try to relax and meditate at home, but not a whole lot has helped, but I'll sure try the pillow thing. My whole tennis ball thing is weird. I don't actually "feel" a ball of any kind...it's just a sensation that something is there just under my rib cage on the abdomen on the right side. No pain at all. Just weird.

Just curious, how did you learn that your sphincters wouldn't relax? I was wondering how a person learns of this.

My best to you! Thanks for the help!

Jeff

October 11, 2018

Hey everyone! It looks like it's been a while since someone posted in this thread, but I can tell that it's helpful. I don't get on BB's a ton due to my time constraints. I've been on a miserable journey, to say the least. My signature gives the background. I haven't had a ton of GI issues until fairly recently. I think I've had about every other sx though! I went through so many things, but my last one really took me for a ride...testicle etc. pain!! Not fun. I thought that it couldn't possibly be withdrawal when my nuts started hurting gradually over time. Pee got a bit slower too, and a couple other things, but my research found that that situation has happened to other guys too. I finally broke down and went to a urologist and was totally freaked by the whole process. Turns out, all tests negative...urine tests, bladder tests, scrotum ultrasound, etc. Chalk it up to benzo withdrawal. Onwards I went. Enter GI stuff. Many months ago I noticed a feeling on my upper-right side of my abdomen just below my rib cage that felt like a tennis ball or something was in there. It came and went. Almost felt like a gas bubble. More recently (last week or so) it's much more noticeable in that it's more "here" than "there". Then this weekend I noticed a weird feeling in the majority of my stomach. I couldn't find a way to describe it until I read an earlier post here...someone said it felt like their stomach was "clenching". That's what it feels like to me too. Some bloating after I eat, feels like food just kind of sits there. Constipation was a huge issue for me for many years as I took the klonopin as well as the other cocktails of meds. Well over 21 years! I've been tapering over 3 years now (only med I'm on is klonopin now as far as psyh meds go). About a year ago I started coffee enemas and some benefiber or husk fiber, and things were helped in a great way. A major change happened about 4 months ago when I had to get another job due to severe financial stress. The job has been almost unbearable with stress. Person I work for is almost impossible to be around. Sx jumped way up as a result of all this. Possibly a connection there, but does anyone have any insight as far as the tennis ball feeling, clenching stomach feeling, and a bit of bloating? I'd really appreciate any input.

My best to all!!!

Jeff

Hey Jeff,
Simply put, It all sounds like the process of the body fighting to adjust... I recently have had an insane neuropathic itch of my nuts... I did have a sharp pain, but that didnt last so long..

I cant speak to the tennis ball, possibly an ultrasound, or some checking would pay, Though I have hear mention of similar as an sx...

My GI has been problematic... Peristalsis can become irregular, in my case non functional, but overactive and spastic.. Also my internal sphincters (mainly small intestine related) would not relax..
This determined my whole tapering speed, but is slowly improving..
I found Prucalopride to be a life saver, in an off lable use at low dose.. It helped re-regulate peristalsis.. (you would have to decide if it suited your situation though).. -lets hope it diesnt come to that...
Maybe it was me that mentioned clenching.. It fits.. -a throbbing pulsating clentching..

-also try deep belly breathing, and maybe laying on a pillow with the top folded over just under the rib cage.. and ofcourse, laying down to relax abdo muscles, even external sensation or stimulation changes can help me, like say a hot water bottle..
Its can be a bit of a process, but I hope you find your way through...
Best wishes...

Man, that whole "nut journey" can be brutal!! Although, I guess an itch would be better than life-altering pain. The way some people described their man problems has been unreal. And thanks for the info on what to do with the GI fun. All makes sense. I know relaxation is key. I literally stay tight from head to toe when I'm work because it's a killer emotional environment. Plus, I'm trying to fake it like everything's alright when I'm actually dying inside. I have to stick with it due to our financial problems unless I can find something else in this area. Small beach-side community with not a lot of opportunity. I feel like every muscle in my body is contracted throughout the whole day at work. I try to relax and meditate at home, but not a whole lot has helped, but I'll sure try the pillow thing. My whole tennis ball thing is weird. I don't actually "feel" a ball of any kind...it's just a sensation that something is there just under my rib cage on the abdomen on the right side. No pain at all. Just weird.

Just curious, how did you learn that your sphincters wouldn't relax? I was wondering how a person learns of this.

My best to you! Thanks for the help!

Jeff

Jeff,

My original research was opiate related as was my SX, also some predisposition, if thats the right word, to a sensitive GI.. I was also starting my benzo tapering journey, so noted some correlation to benzos as I read..

I had no luck with the specialists who had not a clue (they were all FODMAP TYPE STUFF), but a great GP Dr who supported me by referring with requests of specific testing.. It was a process of elimination, -Endoscopies, Berium meals and enema, and digested radiological markers.. The next step for comfirmation was an EEG type thingie that mapped the smooth muscle contractions but I didnt bother, The penny had dropped.. And the Gastro clowns were talking of bagging me and removing my lower bowel..!! -I ran...

The tell tail for me was that I had no real lower/large bowel constipation, but had to manually force food through my SI, hence the folded pillow regime...

I wouldnt expect your situation to be this severe, or reflect mine too closely, my benzo aspect has been much milder (than a 36 day transit time!!), But I do note you have a fair medicine history..

This is a huge and individual subject, and while there is much research on Opiate Induced Bowel Syndrome (upper) or OIC etc, sadly there is not so much relating directly to benzos...

So pls just take what fits as a possible pointer in the right direction..

For me, one click on a citation changed my life.. Dont give up...

I hope you can feel better, and that helps with the work situation... Holding and a slow taper was a huge help... like I mentioned, my GI dictated my tapering, and will as I move on to my final meds...

Keep up the good work, Being benzo free is a huge prize..

October 11, 2018

Hey everyone! It looks like it's been a while since someone posted in this thread, but I can tell that it's helpful. I don't get on BB's a ton due to my time constraints. I've been on a miserable journey, to say the least. My signature gives the background. I haven't had a ton of GI issues until fairly recently. I think I've had about every other sx though! I went through so many things, but my last one really took me for a ride...testicle etc. pain!! Not fun. I thought that it couldn't possibly be withdrawal when my nuts started hurting gradually over time. Pee got a bit slower too, and a couple other things, but my research found that that situation has happened to other guys too. I finally broke down and went to a urologist and was totally freaked by the whole process. Turns out, all tests negative...urine tests, bladder tests, scrotum ultrasound, etc. Chalk it up to benzo withdrawal. Onwards I went. Enter GI stuff. Many months ago I noticed a feeling on my upper-right side of my abdomen just below my rib cage that felt like a tennis ball or something was in there. It came and went. Almost felt like a gas bubble. More recently (last week or so) it's much more noticeable in that it's more "here" than "there". Then this weekend I noticed a weird feeling in the majority of my stomach. I couldn't find a way to describe it until I read an earlier post here...someone said it felt like their stomach was "clenching". That's what it feels like to me too. Some bloating after I eat, feels like food just kind of sits there. Constipation was a huge issue for me for many years as I took the klonopin as well as the other cocktails of meds. Well over 21 years! I've been tapering over 3 years now (only med I'm on is klonopin now as far as psyh meds go). About a year ago I started coffee enemas and some benefiber or husk fiber, and things were helped in a great way. A major change happened about 4 months ago when I had to get another job due to severe financial stress. The job has been almost unbearable with stress. Person I work for is almost impossible to be around. Sx jumped way up as a result of all this. Possibly a connection there, but does anyone have any insight as far as the tennis ball feeling, clenching stomach feeling, and a bit of bloating? I'd really appreciate any input.

My best to all!!!

Jeff

Hey Jeff,
Simply put, It all sounds like the process of the body fighting to adjust... I recently have had an insane neuropathic itch of my nuts... I did have a sharp pain, but that didnt last so long..

I cant speak to the tennis ball, possibly an ultrasound, or some checking would pay, Though I have hear mention of similar as an sx...

My GI has been problematic... Peristalsis can become irregular, in my case non functional, but overactive and spastic.. Also my internal sphincters (mainly small intestine related) would not relax..
This determined my whole tapering speed, but is slowly improving..
I found Prucalopride to be a life saver, in an off lable use at low dose.. It helped re-regulate peristalsis.. (you would have to decide if it suited your situation though).. -lets hope it diesnt come to that...
Maybe it was me that mentioned clenching.. It fits.. -a throbbing pulsating clentching..

-also try deep belly breathing, and maybe laying on a pillow with the top folded over just under the rib cage.. and ofcourse, laying down to relax abdo muscles, even external sensation or stimulation changes can help me, like say a hot water bottle..
Its can be a bit of a process, but I hope you find your way through...
Best wishes...

Man, that whole "nut journey" can be brutal!! Although, I guess an itch would be better than life-altering pain. The way some people described their man problems has been unreal. And thanks for the info on what to do with the GI fun. All makes sense. I know relaxation is key. I literally stay tight from head to toe when I'm work because it's a killer emotional environment. Plus, I'm trying to fake it like everything's alright when I'm actually dying inside. I have to stick with it due to our financial problems unless I can find something else in this area. Small beach-side community with not a lot of opportunity. I feel like every muscle in my body is contracted throughout the whole day at work. I try to relax and meditate at home, but not a whole lot has helped, but I'll sure try the pillow thing. My whole tennis ball thing is weird. I don't actually "feel" a ball of any kind...it's just a sensation that something is there just under my rib cage on the abdomen on the right side. No pain at all. Just weird.

Just curious, how did you learn that your sphincters wouldn't relax? I was wondering how a person learns of this.

My best to you! Thanks for the help!

Jeff

Jeff,
My original research was opiate related as was my SX, also some predisposition, if thats the right word, to a sensitive GI.. I was also starting my benzo tapering journey, so noted some correlation to benzos as I read..
I had no luck with the specialists who had not a clue (they were all FODMAP TYPE STUFF), but a great GP Dr who supported me by referring with requests of specific testing.. It was a process of elimination, -Endoscopies, Berium meals and enema, and digested radiological markers.. The next step for comfirmation was an EEG type thingie that mapped the smooth muscle contractions but I didnt bother, The penny had dropped.. And the Gastro clowns were talking of bagging me and removing my lower bowel..!! -I ran...
The tell tail for me was that I had no real lower/large bowel constipation, but had to manually force food through my SI, hence the folded pillow regime...
I wouldnt expect your situation to be this severe, or reflect mine too closely, my benzo aspect has been much milder (than a 36 day transit time!!), But I do note you have a fair medicine history..
This is a huge and individual subject, and while there is much research on Opiate Induced Bowel Syndrome (upper) or OIC etc, sadly there is not so much relating directly to benzos...
So pls just take what fits as a possible pointer in the right direction..
For me, one click on a citation changed my life.. Dont give up...

I hope you can feel better, and that helps with the work situation... Holding and a slow taper was a huge help... like I mentioned, my GI dictated my tapering, and will as I move on to my final meds...

Keep up the good work, Being benzo free is a huge prize..

You're an inspiration for sure! You could write a book. It drives me crazy that people like you have to go through things like that. Thanks for being who you are, Cantfly

Bless ya!

Jeff

October 11, 2018

Thanks Jeff,

You know, I see far more positive from my accident than negative, which sure is a blessing...!!

You take care, and best wishes, sing out if ever you wish, and let us know how you go...

October 30, 2018

Thanks Jeff,
You know, I see far more positive from my accident than negative, which sure is a blessing...!!

You take care, and best wishes, sing out if ever you wish, and let us know how you go...

Hey Cant,

What a ride! All of my stomach/abdominal stuff continued and with even more weirdness. I didn't know what the heck was going on. That feeling of a "ball" in my upper abdomen was just really strange. It was just a sensation that something was there (felt like a ball), but I couldn't actually feel anything when I dug my hand deep into my abdomen. I was thinking that maybe it was some kind of big tumor that was really deep inside. Of course, I was shoving my hand down there every other minute trying to feel something. Then, gurgling started in high fashion all over my stomach. After I ate, I really felt the ball sensation thing even more, and at times it even felt like it was a big gas bubble that increased until it sort of popped and went away for a while. I can't really explain it. My stomach was also clenching too. That eventually went away. My wife thought all of this was gall bladder related since things kicked into high gear when I ate. I looked at my cutting history and noticed that I had picked it up probably a bit more than I should have, but it's so slow that I didn't think too much about it. The massive amount of stress a this new job (4 months now) was just over the top, so I was hoping that that was it in addition to the cutting. I've been tapering 3 years and 5 months, so it's been killer slow since I'm so dang sensitive to anything in this world. I started at 5-6mg/day of klonopin and I'm at about .2650mg/day now. Throw in a couple of surgeries on my back, hurricane evacuations, and a killer stressful job, and it makes for a bad combination. All of that to say that I finally got in to see a gastroenterologist who my wife had used for a colonoscopy etc. He didn't have a clue about a benzo taper and didn't feel that that had anything to do with what I was experiencing. I tried to explain other people's experiences and the fact that I've had tons of other things happen that ended up being benign. I had to see a urologist about pain "down there", an optometrist about pain behind my eye, primary care doc about unexplainable flus, yada, yada, yada. He decided to do a full abdominal ultrasound and really get a good view of the area with the "ball". After that meeting, my stomach just started going crazy with the gurgling, and then I felt like I just had a really bad stomach virus. Upset stomach, low appetite, some chills, very mild fever, etc. I thought I was in for it. Everything came back clean as a whistle on the ultrasound, and my stomach is fine now. Who the heck knows!!?? Just such a wild ride. I never know when something is really wrong, or if it's just the crazy benzo withdrawals. The end of the road seems so far since I can barely cut now due to the job stress and butt-killer financial stress, but I'm hopeful. I hope you're doing super awesome at your end. You and I will just move ON TO THEN NEXT!!!!!

Take care,

Jeff

October 31, 2018

Thanks Jeff,
You know, I see far more positive from my accident than negative, which sure is a blessing...!!

You take care, and best wishes, sing out if ever you wish, and let us know how you go...

Hey Cant,

What a ride! All of my stomach/abdominal stuff continued and with even more weirdness. I didn't know what the heck was going on. That feeling of a "ball" in my upper abdomen was just really strange. It was just a sensation that something was there (felt like a ball), but I couldn't actually feel anything when I dug my hand deep into my abdomen. I was thinking that maybe it was some kind of big tumor that was really deep inside. Of course, I was shoving my hand down there every other minute trying to feel something. Then, gurgling started in high fashion all over my stomach. After I ate, I really felt the ball sensation thing even more, and at times it even felt like it was a big gas bubble that increased until it sort of popped and went away for a while. I can't really explain it. My stomach was also clenching too. That eventually went away. My wife thought all of this was gall bladder related since things kicked into high gear when I ate. I looked at my cutting history and noticed that I had picked it up probably a bit more than I should have, but it's so slow that I didn't think too much about it. The massive amount of stress a this new job (4 months now) was just over the top, so I was hoping that that was it in addition to the cutting. I've been tapering 3 years and 5 months, so it's been killer slow since I'm so dang sensitive to anything in this world. I started at 5-6mg/day of klonopin and I'm at about .2650mg/day now. Throw in a couple of surgeries on my back, hurricane evacuations, and a killer stressful job, and it makes for a bad combination. All of that to say that I finally got in to see a gastroenterologist who my wife had used for a colonoscopy etc. He didn't have a clue about a benzo taper and didn't feel that that had anything to do with what I was experiencing. I tried to explain other people's experiences and the fact that I've had tons of other things happen that ended up being benign. I had to see a urologist about pain "down there", an optometrist about pain behind my eye, primary care doc about unexplainable flus, yada, yada, yada. He decided to do a full abdominal ultrasound and really get a good view of the area with the "ball". After that meeting, my stomach just started going crazy with the gurgling, and then I felt like I just had a really bad stomach virus. Upset stomach, low appetite, some chills, very mild fever, etc. I thought I was in for it. Everything came back clean as a whistle on the ultrasound, and my stomach is fine now. Who the heck knows!!?? Just such a wild ride. I never know when something is really wrong, or if it's just the crazy benzo withdrawals. The end of the road seems so far since I can barely cut now due to the job stress and butt-killer financial stress, but I'm hopeful. I hope you're doing super awesome at your end. You and I will just move ON TO THEN NEXT!!!!!

Take care,

Jeff

Thanks Jeff..

Its been a journey for sure...!!

I do relate to a lot of what you describe... -Our GI is so complex..

Some sudden big stress and anxiety has been a killer for me... My GI just basicly went tight and stopped for a few weeks... Gas bubbles exploded their way through my insides (big pops), and eating gave me a fever and dropped me into bed for an hour or so to relax things...

Im so sorry you have the unavoidable stressors to contend with... That can make it very hard...

But your fighting on, and thats what counts the most...!!

Sending strength and hope for fast improvment...

October 31, 2018

Hi there,

Sorry to hear of so many suffering. GI issues are miserable! I have terrible bloating. Wondering anyone has tried licorice root,(DGL) it has apparently been used for stomach ailments for centuries. Coats your insides and heals it. I used it in my twenties and it worked really well. I couldn't stand the taste so I had to take capsules. I couldn't find any literature about interactions with valium. I just remember you weren't take supposed to take it for more than a month consecutively as it temporarily reduces pottasium levels.

I can't tolerate PPIs and they reduce magnesium and B12 which I am already low in which is why I am considering DGL

Also struggling with my weight gain (have a 7 mos pregnant looking hard tummy). Anyone else have chronic bloating and/or weight gain?

October 31, 2018

Just a thought: My stomach problems were bad under benzos and the other poly drug stuff I had going on. To me it seemed like the "reason" for my disability was my stomach. But it changes a lot once you begin to get off the drugs. The drugs just mess with you. I try to have one meal every day that is just "american" so to speak, meat, starch, and vegetable, and have greens much more often, say 3 or 4 times a week.

October 31, 2018

Thanks Jeff,
You know, I see far more positive from my accident than negative, which sure is a blessing...!!

You take care, and best wishes, sing out if ever you wish, and let us know how you go...

Hey Cant,

What a ride! All of my stomach/abdominal stuff continued and with even more weirdness. I didn't know what the heck was going on. That feeling of a "ball" in my upper abdomen was just really strange. It was just a sensation that something was there (felt like a ball), but I couldn't actually feel anything when I dug my hand deep into my abdomen. I was thinking that maybe it was some kind of big tumor that was really deep inside. Of course, I was shoving my hand down there every other minute trying to feel something. Then, gurgling started in high fashion all over my stomach. After I ate, I really felt the ball sensation thing even more, and at times it even felt like it was a big gas bubble that increased until it sort of popped and went away for a while. I can't really explain it. My stomach was also clenching too. That eventually went away. My wife thought all of this was gall bladder related since things kicked into high gear when I ate. I looked at my cutting history and noticed that I had picked it up probably a bit more than I should have, but it's so slow that I didn't think too much about it. The massive amount of stress a this new job (4 months now) was just over the top, so I was hoping that that was it in addition to the cutting. I've been tapering 3 years and 5 months, so it's been killer slow since I'm so dang sensitive to anything in this world. I started at 5-6mg/day of klonopin and I'm at about .2650mg/day now. Throw in a couple of surgeries on my back, hurricane evacuations, and a killer stressful job, and it makes for a bad combination. All of that to say that I finally got in to see a gastroenterologist who my wife had used for a colonoscopy etc. He didn't have a clue about a benzo taper and didn't feel that that had anything to do with what I was experiencing. I tried to explain other people's experiences and the fact that I've had tons of other things happen that ended up being benign. I had to see a urologist about pain "down there", an optometrist about pain behind my eye, primary care doc about unexplainable flus, yada, yada, yada. He decided to do a full abdominal ultrasound and really get a good view of the area with the "ball". After that meeting, my stomach just started going crazy with the gurgling, and then I felt like I just had a really bad stomach virus. Upset stomach, low appetite, some chills, very mild fever, etc. I thought I was in for it. Everything came back clean as a whistle on the ultrasound, and my stomach is fine now. Who the heck knows!!?? Just such a wild ride. I never know when something is really wrong, or if it's just the crazy benzo withdrawals. The end of the road seems so far since I can barely cut now due to the job stress and butt-killer financial stress, but I'm hopeful. I hope you're doing super awesome at your end. You and I will just move ON TO THEN NEXT!!!!!

Take care,

Jeff

Thanks Jeff..

Its been a journey for sure...!!

I do relate to a lot of what you describe... -Our GI is so complex..

Some sudden big stress and anxiety has been a killer for me... My GI just basicly went tight and stopped for a few weeks... Gas bubbles exploded their way through my insides (big pops), and eating gave me a fever and dropped me into bed for an hour or so to relax things...

Im so sorry you have the unavoidable stressors to contend with... That can make it very hard...
But your fighting on, and thats what counts the most...!!

Sending strength and hope for fast improvment...

I have it easy compared to you! Man, you've been through the mud, but thanks for your great attitude.

Here's to lifting you up.....

Jeff

October 31, 2018

Hi there,

Sorry to hear of so many suffering. GI issues are miserable! I have terrible bloating. Wondering anyone has tried licorice root,(DGL) it has apparently been used for stomach ailments for centuries. Coats your insides and heals it. I used it in my twenties and it worked really well. I couldn't stand the taste so I had to take capsules. I couldn't find any literature about interactions with valium. I just remember you weren't take supposed to take it for more than a month consecutively as it temporarily reduces pottasium levels.

I can't tolerate PPIs and they reduce magnesium and B12 which I am already low in which is why I am considering DGL

Also struggling with my weight gain (have a 7 mos pregnant looking hard tummy). Anyone else have chronic bloating and/or weight gain?

Yep, I've tried the DGL, but not a whole lot of help with that. My wife tried it too (she's not tapering), and it just didn't seem to help her either. We were really bummed because we had high hopes. Nothing is for everybody, I guess, but we're all hopeful!! Bloating is still an issue, but I do much better if I eat the bulk of my food during daylight hours and very little within about 5-6 hours of bed. Sleep....now THAT'S a whole different story there.

Keep hangin' in there!

Jeff

October 31, 2018

Hi there,

Sorry to hear of so many suffering. GI issues are miserable! I have terrible bloating. Wondering anyone has tried licorice root,(DGL) it has apparently been used for stomach ailments for centuries. Coats your insides and heals it. I used it in my twenties and it worked really well. I couldn't stand the taste so I had to take capsules. I couldn't find any literature about interactions with valium. I just remember you weren't take supposed to take it for more than a month consecutively as it temporarily reduces pottasium levels.

I can't tolerate PPIs and they reduce magnesium and B12 which I am already low in which is why I am considering DGL

Also struggling with my weight gain (have a 7 mos pregnant looking hard tummy). Anyone else have chronic bloating and/or weight gain?

Yep, I've tried the DGL, but not a whole lot of help with that. My wife tried it too (she's not tapering), and it just didn't seem to help her either. We were really bummed because we had high hopes. Nothing is for everybody, I guess, but we're all hopeful!! Bloating is still an issue, but I do much better if I eat the bulk of my food during daylight hours and very little within about 5-6 hours of bed. Sleep....now THAT'S a whole different story there.

Keep hangin' in there!

Jeff

Oh that is too bad about the DGL. I think I will try it when I am well off the valium. I am thinking that maybe at this point just time will heal things, frustrating though it is! The gut is supposed to be the second brain after all!

October 31, 2018

Hi there,

Sorry to hear of so many suffering. GI issues are miserable! I have terrible bloating. Wondering anyone has tried licorice root,(DGL) it has apparently been used for stomach ailments for centuries. Coats your insides and heals it. I used it in my twenties and it worked really well. I couldn't stand the taste so I had to take capsules. I couldn't find any literature about interactions with valium. I just remember you weren't take supposed to take it for more than a month consecutively as it temporarily reduces pottasium levels.

I can't tolerate PPIs and they reduce magnesium and B12 which I am already low in which is why I am considering DGL

Also struggling with my weight gain (have a 7 mos pregnant looking hard tummy). Anyone else have chronic bloating and/or weight gain?

Sorry if this has been discussed already. I've seen a lot of others post about weight loss and during w/d I lost weight but while on the benzos I gained a lot in addition to all the GI problems and hard bloated stomach. I've been exercising my butt off post w/d and I consume nowhere near the same amount of calories pre-taper but it's incredibly hard to lose weight and my "benzo belly" is still with me with absolutely no signs of going away. My belly is rock solid and big. I still have some constipation and diarrhea/IBS but that part has been slowly getting better.

November 1, 2018

Hi there,

Sorry to hear of so many suffering. GI issues are miserable! I have terrible bloating. Wondering anyone has tried licorice root,(DGL) it has apparently been used for stomach ailments for centuries. Coats your insides and heals it. I used it in my twenties and it worked really well. I couldn't stand the taste so I had to take capsules. I couldn't find any literature about interactions with valium. I just remember you weren't take supposed to take it for more than a month consecutively as it temporarily reduces pottasium levels.

I can't tolerate PPIs and they reduce magnesium and B12 which I am already low in which is why I am considering DGL

Also struggling with my weight gain (have a 7 mos pregnant looking hard tummy). Anyone else have chronic bloating and/or weight gain?

Sorry if this has been discussed already. I've seen a lot of others post about weight loss and during w/d I lost weight but while on the benzos I gained a lot in addition to all the GI problems and hard bloated stomach. I've been exercising my butt off post w/d and I consume nowhere near the same amount of calories pre-taper but it's incredibly hard to lose weight and my "benzo belly" is still with me with absolutely no signs of going away. My belly is rock solid and big. I still have some constipation and diarrhea/IBS but that part has been slowly getting better.

I have heard both - weight gain and loss. But I agree, I have heard more about weight loss too. I have had doctors say its because I am getting older, but that does not explain the hard bloated stomach - I just don't buy it. I have never gained weight in my life and pretty much as soon as I went on benzos - I gained 20 pounds.

November 5, 2018

Hi there,

Sorry to hear of so many suffering. GI issues are miserable! I have terrible bloating. Wondering anyone has tried licorice root,(DGL) it has apparently been used for stomach ailments for centuries. Coats your insides and heals it. I used it in my twenties and it worked really well. I couldn't stand the taste so I had to take capsules. I couldn't find any literature about interactions with valium. I just remember you weren't take supposed to take it for more than a month consecutively as it temporarily reduces pottasium levels.

I can't tolerate PPIs and they reduce magnesium and B12 which I am already low in which is why I am considering DGL

Also struggling with my weight gain (have a 7 mos pregnant looking hard tummy). Anyone else have chronic bloating and/or weight gain?

Sorry if this has been discussed already. I've seen a lot of others post about weight loss and during w/d I lost weight but while on the benzos I gained a lot in addition to all the GI problems and hard bloated stomach. I've been exercising my butt off post w/d and I consume nowhere near the same amount of calories pre-taper but it's incredibly hard to lose weight and my "benzo belly" is still with me with absolutely no signs of going away. My belly is rock solid and big. I still have some constipation and diarrhea/IBS but that part has been slowly getting better.

I have heard both - weight gain and loss. But I agree, I have heard more about weight loss too. I have had doctors say its because I am getting older, but that does not explain the hard bloated stomach - I just don't buy it. I have never gained weight in my life and pretty much as soon as I went on benzos - I gained 20 pounds.

I have the big bloated hard belly too! It's feels like a balloon when I press on it, like a lot of gas pressing against the wall. I don't get cramps of anything when I eat though, and I'm not following any particular diet. The good news is I've lost 20 lbs since I got off benzos, and my belly has gotten smaller with the weight loss. Now I only look six months pregnant instead of seven, lol.

I really wish there was a way to reduce the bloat though, at 145lbs and 5’6” tall, I'm not particularly overweight. But it's near impossible to find pants that fit my waist without being super baggy in the legs.

November 5, 2018

Sorry if this has been discussed already. I've seen a lot of others post about weight loss and during w/d I lost weight but while on the benzos I gained a lot in addition to all the GI problems and hard bloated stomach. I've been exercising my butt off post w/d and I consume nowhere near the same amount of calories pre-taper but it's incredibly hard to lose weight and my "benzo belly" is still with me with absolutely no signs of going away. My belly is rock solid and big. I still have some constipation and diarrhea/IBS but that part has been slowly getting better.

I have heard both - weight gain and loss. But I agree, I have heard more about weight loss too. I have had doctors say its because I am getting older, but that does not explain the hard bloated stomach - I just don't buy it. I have never gained weight in my life and pretty much as soon as I went on benzos - I gained 20 pounds.

I have the big bloated hard belly too! It's feels like a balloon when I press on it, like a lot of gas pressing against the wall. I don't get cramps of anything when I eat though, and I'm not following any particular diet. The good news is I've lost 20 lbs since I got off benzos, and my belly has gotten smaller with the weight loss. Now I only look six months pregnant instead of seven, lol.

I really wish there was a way to reduce the bloat though, at 145lbs and 5’6” tall, I'm not particularly overweight. But it's near impossible to find pants that fit my waist without being super baggy in the legs.

Haha! I was considering getting maternity pants as I have the same problem!

I am 5'6" and 175lbs! I started off at 120lbs (I hadn't gained weight since high school). Then immediately gained 20-25 in the first year. I gained more when I switched to valium :'(

I was just packing up all my old clothing, and I went from a size 4 to a 14, I can't believe it. I don't even eat that much, no junk food. So depressing.

Encouraging to hear you lost 20lbs though! How long did it take? Did you have to watch what you ate, or did the weight just come off?

November 6, 2018

Sorry if this has been discussed already. I've seen a lot of others post about weight loss and during w/d I lost weight but while on the benzos I gained a lot in addition to all the GI problems and hard bloated stomach. I've been exercising my butt off post w/d and I consume nowhere near the same amount of calories pre-taper but it's incredibly hard to lose weight and my "benzo belly" is still with me with absolutely no signs of going away. My belly is rock solid and big. I still have some constipation and diarrhea/IBS but that part has been slowly getting better.

I have heard both - weight gain and loss. But I agree, I have heard more about weight loss too. I have had doctors say its because I am getting older, but that does not explain the hard bloated stomach - I just don't buy it. I have never gained weight in my life and pretty much as soon as I went on benzos - I gained 20 pounds.

I have the big bloated hard belly too! It's feels like a balloon when I press on it, like a lot of gas pressing against the wall. I don't get cramps of anything when I eat though, and I'm not following any particular diet. The good news is I've lost 20 lbs since I got off benzos, and my belly has gotten smaller with the weight loss. Now I only look six months pregnant instead of seven, lol.

I really wish there was a way to reduce the bloat though, at 145lbs and 5’6” tall, I'm not particularly overweight. But it's near impossible to find pants that fit my waist without being super baggy in the legs.

Haha! I was considering getting maternity pants as I have the same problem!

I am 5'6" and 175lbs! I started off at 120lbs (I hadn't gained weight since high school). Then immediately gained 20-25 in the first year. I gained more when I switched to valium :'(

I was just packing up all my old clothing, and I went from a size 4 to a 14, I can't believe it. I don't even eat that much, no junk food. So depressing.

Encouraging to hear you lost 20lbs though! How long did it take? Did you have to watch what you ate, or did the weight just come off?

I watched my diet a little bit. I cut down on the amount of food I ate, and made an effort to eat more salads and less junk, but I didn't eliminate anything. I also started slowly jogging several times a week, and walk 1-2 miles every day. One good thing after I got off Valium was my appetite went down. I wasn't nauseous or anything, I just felt full on less food.

The weight came off very slowly. I've been off 21 months now and didn't begin to lose weight until I had stopped. I was 162 lbs in August 2016, came off Valium Jan 2017, weighed 157 lbs August 2017, 148 lbs August 2018, and I've been hovering around 143 on my scale lately. Bear in mind I've only been making a mild effort at weight loss. I'm sure I would lose a lot more if I got serious about my diet, but I don't have a lot of willpower.

November 6, 2018

Fwiw, -I gained 50 pounds early on, then lost 50 pounds in 3 months early this year and im stable...

I didnt try to change anything in my diet, but I couldnt stand junk food all of a sudden, and lost the urge to eat so much... And my body now "wants" healthy food...

I was a bit more active, but that wasnt the change..

I guess I got a win for a change..!!

November 6, 2018

Sorry if this has been discussed already. I've seen a lot of others post about weight loss and during w/d I lost weight but while on the benzos I gained a lot in addition to all the GI problems and hard bloated stomach. I've been exercising my butt off post w/d and I consume nowhere near the same amount of calories pre-taper but it's incredibly hard to lose weight and my "benzo belly" is still with me with absolutely no signs of going away. My belly is rock solid and big. I still have some constipation and diarrhea/IBS but that part has been slowly getting better.

I have heard both - weight gain and loss. But I agree, I have heard more about weight loss too. I have had doctors say its because I am getting older, but that does not explain the hard bloated stomach - I just don't buy it. I have never gained weight in my life and pretty much as soon as I went on benzos - I gained 20 pounds.