Tummy Troubles

M has had a problem for several weeks with his stomach hurting. Of course, the situation is exacerbated by the fact that he can’t really describe what is going on or exactly how he feels. He just gets the most miserable expression on his face, looks like he is about to expire and tells me that he doesn’t feel good. So I’m left guessing as to what the problem might be.

Some days he’ll tell me that his stomach hurts and I’ll ask if he needs to go to the bathroom. He’ll say no, but I’ll suggest that he try anyway. After some “quality time” in the bathroom, he comes downstairs and – ta da – he’s feeling 100% better.

Then, other days he’ll say his stomach hurts and I’ll ask if he’s tried drinking a Coke or eating some saltines to settle his stomach. This happened yesterday and he told me yes, he had been drinking a Coke. When I questioned him more about it, turns out he had been drinking a Coke . . . Sunday afternoon. This was Monday.

So, I got him a Coke and some Tums and (again, ta da) within 30 minutes he was feeling 100% better.

I was thinking about it this morning as I was driving to work and I wondered if he might have acid reflux or GERD. I have it and it can really make you feel miserable. There was a time, not too long ago, when I was going through a bottle of Tums in a couple of weeks and completely miserable after every meal. I finally went to the doctor and got on a regime of probiotics and a daily prescription acid reducer (I don’t remember what it’s called.) Whatever it is, it’s made all the difference in the world!

Maybe M’s problem is indigestion and he can’t describe the symptoms, except to say that his stomach hurts. Sounds like we’re going to the doctor.