(((Judy))) Count me in that club. Well, sort of. I don't have the diarrhea or incontinence. I do however have stomach issues. Although it doesn't happen all the time, I am on what I call the 3 bite diet, 3 bites and I am full. My stomach cramps up when I eat to the point you can actually see the outline of my stomach. I also experience nausea with it as well - not sure if that is pain related or because the stomach is freaking out.

Years ago I had an EGD done and the doctor said that all the nerve endings in my stomach were very sensitive. They thought I had an ulcer. Little did we know it was the MS.

During spinal lesion flares, this becomes much worse. The only thing that I can tolerate as far as eating is "smoothies." I make all sorts of smoothies. Some with fruit, some with veggies (cucumber smoothies are awesome). These are easy on my stomach.

On a regular basis, I have learned through experience what I can eat and what I can't. Basically, I eat things that are easier to digest.

Talk to your neuro about this. There are many medications out there that can help you. (I'm not on any). Hang in there and know that you are not alone on this one.

I've also had tummy troubles recently. Seems things that I once could eat with no problem are causing me pain. I never, ever used to have heartburn but I've had it several times in the past few weeks. I've also experienced things "going right through me" after I eat. That's never happened before unless I had a virus or something.

I'm trying to keep track of when it's happened and what I've eaten so I don't make the same mistake twice. So far, ice cream seems to be the culprit most of the time. I don't wanna give that up!

I hope you feel better soon, Judy. I agree with the others.....I hate this stupid disease more and more each day.

Jim has stomach issues too but he's controlling them with Nexium and stool softners. The bleeding is a concern since your on blood thinners. I'd call the doctor and suggest seeing a gastro to make sure everything checks out.

Judy, please do not assume this is from the MS as many conditions can cause what you are experiencing.

I had the bleeding and bad abdominal pain when eating certain foods (or even when not) and a colonscopy determined it was Ulcerative Colitis, way back in the 1980's. Last year I was having similar-type pain, but slightly different, so my doc checked it out and determined it was my gallbladder. I had that removed late last year, and those problems went away.

Cherie

The first thing that came to my mind reading the first post was gall bladder. I had mine removed 3 years ago.

Thank you sooo much good friends!!!! Wish I could click on the "thanks" button, but you know my ancient webtv....blah!! You came up with many good suggestions that I'm going to check out.

Cherie -- I was supposed to have a colonoscopy a few years ago, but I chickened out. Had one back in the '80's and vowed I'd never have another. Anyway, that's when the fissure was discovered, hence the bleeding. Yes, I know I should have another c. with my age, symptoms, etc. The main reason is my mother died from rectal cancer when she was only 56, but I've decided at this point I'm trusting the Lord to not let that be added on to the many "things" I have all ready. With so much daily pain, there's no way I could endure that.

Okay, "cog fog", I can't remember who said what so I'll just wing it! My gall bladder is a gonner, around six or so years ago so can rule that out. I'm already taking Prilosec (omeprazole) daily for acid reflux. This is a different kind of pain -- lower. The reference to the nerve endings in the stomach 'flaring' is interesting. Most of my lesions are on the spine so that's why my legs are so affected. Even though I'm spms, it seems with this lousy hot, humid, rainy weather, there is somewhat of a flare. The legs are worse, fatigue, depression, etc., so the nerve ending explanation sounds like a good possibility. I'll mention it to my neuro. It does go along with the central pain syndrome that effects the nerves in my body and causes extreme 24/7 pain.

Guess it will be more 'tiny' meals for me too!! You'd think I'd lose a pound or two.......no exercise.

I didn't mean to make you cry, Sally. Seems like I do enough of that lately for both of us.....frustration. Those hugs really made me feel better!!! (((((Sally))))) back to ya.

Many hugs and thank you's to everyone who answered and also to those who read it, but didn't have the energy to post.

You really need to get over your fears and have a colonoscopy. It may save your life as well as tell your doctor what is wrong so he can help you.

gmi

I'm so glad I read this thread...I've also been experiencing a "fullness"-type feeling the last month or so in my stomach...I don't feel like eating because of it, but I eat anyway.
Today I have intestinal "issues"...think I've lost 5 lbs in the last hour...LOL...it's not IBS, tho...but it is like waves...
I didn't know the digestive system could be affected by MS...
I see the neuro in early Sept...I guess this should go on the discussion list, huh?
I'm grateful for all the info here...