Phil:

Are you going to an internist for this? The oncs really do not have a very good take on it since it is not their specialty. Are you taking any meds that could be causing it -- you mentioned that -- perhaps things for GvHD? I do have an overactive colon (is what I think they call it) -- but other than having to "go" (or being able to) about five times a day -- it is not diarrhea or anything like that ... its just there -- but not really an annoyance. We all know that our digestive systems were pretty much assaulted by the chemo -- and some of that might just be irreversible. My favorite friend now is GasX -- I have taken in for acid reflux and excess gas -- not real often -- I would say on average once a week. In most cases I can relate my problem to bad eating habits.

It might be interesting to those who have had transplants to know what meds you are currently on. I am chemo only and not on any meds right now other than some thryroid stuff I have been taking since I was a baby (age 40 or so) ... I am now 70.

Please keep us up on it -- dave

thank you Dave.. im on a list of meds, I actually went to a Gastro doc today and I have to have a colonoscopy this Wednesday. He said my bacteria in my stomach is all out of wack and I have to flush it all out and get good bacteria back in there at the correct level. I had a colonoscopy done last may shortly after my BMT and it came back good but the doc didn't give me anything to straighten my stomach out. I think it has to do with meds im taking, eating habits like you, and bacteria being out of wack in my stomach so I guess the gastro doc plans on basically flushing me out and starting over...

Hi Phil -
I've not had AML (I've been following this group because my father had AML, in case you are wondering why I am here!). Anyway, reading your post struck a chord with me. Your doctor mentioned that your stomach bacteria is all out of whack - did he/she mention that you possible have SIBO? Basically it's an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine and can cause a lot of the symptoms you mentioned. If this is the case, there is a special antibiotic for this bacteria - when ingested, it stays in the GI tract and doesn't affect the rest of the body. Essentially it resets the bacteria level back to normal in the GI tract. Anyway, just thought I would share what my doctor has explained to me. Hoping you find a quick and simple fix to your symptoms. Best always.

Phil -- I would be careful not to jump into anything radical. Whatever the solution is will probably take a while. Consider perhaps some natural probiotics -- I have heard that they can work -- have never tried any myself. I do have a good tablespoon of honey in my coffee every morning -- I understand that honey has some good bacteria for digestion. It would not hurt to try some of these natural things first and it fhey do not work, then go to the stronger meds.

I did have some problems in my early 40s that was extremely painful -- caused largely by stress, and solved by increasing my intake of fiber. Sometimes that is all it takes -- worth a try.

Good luck with it -- please keep us up -- dave

thank you everyone for the replies... im going for the procedure's in the morning. The gastro doc put me on flagyl and a fiber. Ill ask him about the SIBO. I know this is common for post transplant but this has been going on with me for over a year now and its just getting old and im hoping something can be figured out. I figure it wont hurt to have them take a look to make sure everything is ok and its a peace of mind for me as well.. ill keep everyone posted. thank you again and love you guys and gals :)

Phil -- yes, please do keep us up on how things will be resolved, because I am sure that they will, and it will help others who might be having this same problem. It is amazing the wide range of issues that chemo can trigger. Thanks -- dave

Had the procedures done this morning, doc found I had two esophageal hernia's, (been having trouble swallowing) diverticulosis, and removed a couple of polyps. Overall... everything was good and shouldn't have to be seen for 5 yrs. Hopefully all this will get my stomach straightened out.

Phil,

So glad to hear your doc may have identified the issues. I have had a hiatal hernia repair twice and have always felt so much better after the procedure. Praying that your symptoms alleviate after treatment.

Blessings,

Julie

thank you Julie.. before they repaired it what symptoms were you having ?

Phil,

At first diagnosis, I truly thought is was having a heart attack. Pain in the center of my chest to my back and severe gerd. It did affect my ability to swallow as well because food would come back up especially while prone. A few times I awoke with burning stomach acid coming up into my mouth. So sorry if this is too graphic. Hope it helps

Julie