Hi There Does anyone get gassy and bloated out of the blue? When I had my annual check up a few months ago, I told my doctor that I thought I had IBS and along w/that I was very gassy. He told me to watch what I was eating and to eat yogurt everyday. He said it was natural as we get older (I"m 50) to experience things like gassyness. I've noticed that it's listed on "THE LIST" of symptoms and was wondering how many of you get this feeling and what you might do to alleviate it. Have a great day EJ

I am also getting gas and bloating and IBS. Where is the list that this is posted on? Thanks Suri

Hi Suri The list is under Am I Starting Menopause? You'd be surprised at how many symptoms you'll wind up thinking you have. My gas and bloating is still there but it helps to know that it's related to this. Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving! EJ

Me too, and it's been getting worse over the past 6 months to a year. Just like the other symptoms that have increased in this time and the reason I looked for and thankfully found this site tonight. Maybe there's something better (I'm on the learning curve here) but the only recommendation I have is GasX.... Sorry to hear you've got it too...

Thanks for your replies. I feel good knowing that this will pass. At least I will get a healthy digestive system out of this. Suri

I have had IBS for many years, and its attacks have lessened the last few years so I know the difference, and I certainly have been having a newfound experience with bloating and (I believe the proper term is flatulence) gas that is not related to IBS. I just make sure I have plenty of any simethicone supplement, and keep my bowels regular and clean by eating high fiber foods and avoid anything that tends to make me umm-m, stinky. Which for me tends to be sweet, bread, pastry like things.

I can relate---- i have been having one of those phamtom periods which is like having pms real bad right before a period and u get very bloated and gassy etc. can,t wait for this to end.:o:o darling

Hi Ladies Well, I started this thread and I guess it's only fitting that I return to it with the same issues as before. I have major gas and bloating which occurs usually at the same time each day (around early eve). My most recent bout was preceded by major constipation. In order to alleviate that I started having a high fiber cereal each morning. Immediately thereafter, I started getting very gassy and bloated (think there's a connection?) Today is the first day w/out the fiber cereal so we'll see what happens. Instead of that, i have this feeling that I haven't finished going to the bathroom. Does this happen to any of you? If it does, what are you doing about it. (My doc does not think this fits IBS as I am not constipated by definition). Would love to hear from you. EJ

Hi ej, I've had a "cluster illness" of interstitial cystitis (constantly irritated bladder) IBS, migraines, etc., for about 10 years, so I understand the struggles you're having with your gut. First, have you been tested for lactose intolerance (trouble with milk)? It's an easy "breath" test. I was surprised to learn I was lactose intolerant, and cutting out milk products (oh, my beloved cheese!) has helped a lot. Also, have you been tested for celiac disease - trouble with gluten foods such as wheat? This can be done initially with a simple blood test. People assume gluten allergy would result in constant diarrhea, but in fact, constipation can also be a sign of it, and recent studies indicate it's more common than many people realize. You wouldn't need to see a specialist for these 2 tests; your regular M.D. could arrange them. IBS in and of itself is a total pain. There are lots of good websites that talk about it, things to try, etc. I recently noticed during a bout of flu, when I wasn't having my usual cup of DECAF coffee each morning, that my symptoms improved a lot. Now, I'm not about to give decaf up forever, but I am trying to cut back. My doc says that it's not necessarily the caffeine in coffee that's the culprit, but a particular kind of acid present in the bean itself. And of course, there's the stress connection, the gut being lined with the same kind of responsive nerves that are in the brain. IBS is extremely common, and requires patience in ferreting what may or may not help. Keep trying! - I'm a LOT better than I was in the early days.

Joliejacq Thanks for your response. My doc has not been inclined to think that I have IBS. When I complained about the gassiness in August, he attributed it to my "getting older" and dietary habits. After a few weeks, it had passed and I was feeling normal again. Now it's started up again. (Coincidentally, it started at about the time that my husband was scheduled for a colonoscopy...talk about sympathy pains:) I am taking an elimination approach of my food intake to try different things. I have cut my caffeine intake down to one Diet Coke in the a.m. (I'm not a coffee drinker) and the rest of the day I drink water! I just turned 50 and although I plan on having a colonoscopy this year, sometimes the mind can turn everything into a symptom (I'm sure you'been there!) Funny have a year ago I was fine and now I have experienced everything known to mankind. Peri is great:mad: I'll look into Celiac as I am sure that I have more wheat products than I realize. Take care, EJ

ej, Talk about sympathy pains - if others around me are nauseated, headachy, crampy, whatever - you can expect I'll be in the same shape within 24 hours. I am the world's biggest hypochondriac!

*giggles* Well if YOU are the world's biggest hypochondriac, I run a DARN CLOSE SECOND! Lately, that is! If I hear someone has something, virus, ailment, WHATEVER, I immediately start having the same symptoms! What does this fall under in the list of 34 possible menopause symptoms? NUTS???!!! Huggers! Kleeo

Kleeo And they say that these are the "golden years". I suppose if I am able to take a step back and look at the BIG PICTURE, everything is fine...day to day is a whole other story:o Good thing that we have each other.

Well, I thought I had my gas (mostly trapped) under control. My doc actually prescribed something for me but I didn't think I needed to take it since I was feeling okay. I've also been extremely careful with what I have been eating...except tonight. I had Chinese food and wham, about 5 minutes after eating I got so bloated and gassy. I'm drinking awful ginger tea right now. Hope it helps. I am also a week away from when I'm supposed to get my period although I haven't had it in 2 months. Has this happened to any of you? EJ

ej, Hi, yes it just happened to me last nite too! I have ibs and I'm very careful about what I eat - I also use metamucil everyday. But last nite I had chinese food - what was I thinking - gas/bloating - I feel better today so back to my usual routine. I too am 1 week away from my period. I've tried decaf teas (chamomile, green tea) and sometimes they help but I think it just has to run itself through so to speak. hope you're feeling better!

Hi Mindis I do feel better today, thanks for asking. Boy, I used to be able to eat w/out thinking how it would affect me. I haven't been officially diagnosed w/IBS. I will be scheduling an appt for a colonoscopy soon so I should know what it may or may not be after that. I'm just awed by the fact that since turning 50 a few months ago, I am having all of these problems. And as you say, this too shall pass:D Regards, EJ