Hi Mandy,

I'm 36 and over the last 18 months to 2 years I have experienced terrible problems with GERD and IBS type symptoms, I have no proof or diagnosis of this being directly linked to our CP but given that several of us here have suffered similar symptoms its probably a reasonable assumption. Sorry to hear you have been suffering with this as it's one of the first times my condition has got me seriously down as it's so hard to plan to do anything when you're suffering with these symptoms. Hang in there though after a while you kinda get used to it like everything else we go through, put it on the tab :)

hi karl,

thanks for responding! I definitely feel your pain, im very scared of this sudden change as I never had much issues before. How are you dealing with all of this?

Hi Mandy,

Apologies for the delay in responding I only have intermittent web access at the moment unfortunately.

Yeah it's tough dealing with the onset of these new problems as we get a bit older, as I mentioned on another post I was fully convinced I had MS or something more sinister such was the increase in spasms, pins and needles and just general aches and pains but apparently this is pretty normal for people with "mild" CP as we reach into our thirties and the Digestive issues seem to be just another treat.

As regards coping for the physical pains I suppose all you can try and do is keep a positive outlook and always think about the things you still can do and don't push yourself to do more than you comfortably can because we don't bounce as quick when we tire ourselves out.

For the digestive issues I've found I just have to eat very plainly in smaller meals avoiding greasy foods as much as possible and in particular I've found for myself no fizzy drinks, stay hydrated plenty of water, I think you just have to have as healthy a diet as possible, I guess it's not really a CP specific thing more common sense really, it's something a lot of the population suffers from it's just not ideal for us in addition to our existing issues.

Most of all though try and stay as happy as you can and don't worry too much as stress is the worst possible thing when you have GERD and IBS symptoms. I know it's scary, believe me I nearly put myself in a straight jacket a couple of years back when I thought of how I was going to cope as I got older if my condition deteriorated but I think while it's important to acknowledge and prepare for possible problems in the future so you're not blind sided, it's really important to stay in the moment as well, there's no sense spending months or years now worrying about what might come in the future we have to enjoy ourselves and live our lives as best we can right now and like I said make the most of the things we can do.

Whenever you feel low make sure to talk to somebody and tell them your concerns no good can come from bottling this stuff up take it from one who knows. I'm sure you have lots of people around you who are happy to listen and support you and if you ever need an impartial but empathetic ear myself of somebody else here will be glad to listen, I've not been on here long but in the few chats I've had with people I've drawn great comfort from sharing my experiences with people who can relate.

Have a great day Mandy take care :)
Karl

+1 to everything Karl said. Specifically eating smaller portions, but more frequently, seems to help a lot. Eat lightly at the three main meals, and then have small healthy snacks in between. Make sure to drink water each time you eat.

Hello sorry to hear about your gastrointestinal problems I have been experiencing some also I have IBS and diverticulitis and I also have mild cp as well.

Go to the store and get peppermint tea it really helps the abdominal pain and cramping.

I have found that probiotics help me. I never thought that my gi issues could be CP related but now I wonder.

I also have Cerebral Palsy (mild) and was born 6 weeks premature. I believe that my IBS and reflux problems are because I was born premature, made worse through Cerebral Palsy and pregnancy. I also take a probiotic; L-glutamine and a Bio-enzyme also. I used to take Zantac (in pregnancy) but didn't want to continue the conventional route. We have to find what works for us and stick to the winning formula. Unfortunately, peppermint isn't good for anyone experiencing reflux.

I Booky Is right, being born pre-mature, might have something to with it.
I also Have Mild cp, and was supposed to be born in June, But ended up being born in may. my dad has reflux issues, But does NOT have cp, and my reflux issues are worse the his. I take omeprosole, 40mg,twice a day, But can't seem to shake the symtoms.