gastroenterologist-icon
Stomach and digestion issue
I have pain in my stomach just below the left rib. It feels like something is tightly stuck or gripping inside, and sometimes it feels like something is moving there, which causes severe pain. My stomach is never properly clear, and I often experience incomplete bowel movements. Sometimes, there are unusual sounds coming from my stomach. This problem has been there for a very long time (around 20 years). I drink a good amount of water, but even after drinking water, something comes back up from my stomach, like a foamy substance (similar to when we mix detergent in water). I avoid oily food. I practice yoga, eat fruits, and consume normal home-cooked meals. Another issue is that my weight is around 60 kg, but I look thin compared to my weight. I also have dark circles, wrinkles, and a lot of pigmentation on my face. I feel tired most of the time. I have consulted many doctors and taken almost all types of medicines for constipation and gastric problems, but problem is still the same.
45 Views v

Answers (17)

20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Care AI Shimmer
If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed discussion
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Do consult gastroenterologist
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Consult superspecialist like gastroenterologist
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
It is clear that you have been struggling with these symptoms for a significant amount of time. Given that the issue has persisted for 20 years despite various treatments for constipation and acidity, we need to look beyond simple indigestion to the functional and structural relationship of your digestive system. ​1. The "Stuck" Feeling & Pain Below the Left Rib Pain in the Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) is often related to the Splenic Flexure-the part of the large intestine that curves just below your ribs. ​Splenic Flexure Syndrome: This occurs when gas or stool becomes trapped in this high curve of the colon, causing a "gripping" or "moving" sensation and severe pressure. ​Gastric Reflux (GERD): The "foamy substance" you described coming up after drinking water is likely gastric juice mixed with air or saliva, indicating that your esophageal sphincter may not be closing properly. ​2. Incomplete Bowel Movements & Noises The unusual sounds (borborygmi) and the feeling of being "never properly clear" suggest a motility issue. Your gut may be moving too slowly or in an uncoordinated fashion, which is common in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Chronic Functional Constipation. ​3. Constitutional Symptoms (Skin & Fatigue) The presence of dark circles, pigmentation, and persistent fatigue despite a healthy diet (yoga, fruits, home-cooked meals) suggests that while you are eating well, your body may not be absorbing nutrients efficiently. Chronic gut inflammation or malabsorption can manifest as skin changes and low energy. ​Next Steps ​Since standard medicines have not provided long-term relief, I recommend the following targeted investigations: ​Ultrasound of the Abdomen & Pelvis: To rule out any structural issues or organ enlargement in the LUQ. ​Upper GI Endoscopy: To examine the stomach lining and check for the cause of the "foamy" reflux and the "stuck" sensation. ​Comprehensive Blood Panel: ​Vitamin B12 & Iron (Ferritin): Low levels frequently cause fatigue and skin pigmentation. ​Thyroid Profile (TSH): An underactive thyroid can be a hidden cause of 20 years of constipation. ​Celiac Serology: To rule out gluten sensitivity, which can cause chronic bloating and malabsorption. ​Hydrogen Breath Test: To check for SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), which causes excessive gas, noises, and that "something moving" feeling. ​Helpful Tips / Word of Caution ​Post-Meal Posture: Continue your yoga, but avoid "Vajrasana" or any posture that compresses the stomach immediately after eating if it triggers the foamy reflux. ​Fiber Adjustment: While fruits are good, excessive raw fiber can sometimes worsen bloating in sensitive individuals. Try more "soluble" fiber (like oats or cooked vegetables) rather than high-skin raw fruits for a week. ​Hydration Timing: Try drinking water 30 minutes before a meal rather than during or immediately after to reduce the "foamy" backflow. ​Summary: Your symptoms are likely a combination of a motility disorder and acid reflux. A targeted endoscopy and nutrient absorption check are the best ways to finally find a solution after 20 years. ​Best regards.
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
I can understand how frustrating this must be, especially since you’ve been dealing with it for so long. From your symptoms, this looks most consistent with a combination of chronic constipation + IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) along with acid reflux (GERD). The “tight/stuck” feeling, movement sensation, sounds in abdomen, and incomplete bowel movement point toward gut motility and functional bowel issue, not something dangerous. The foamy fluid coming up after drinking water suggests acid reflux/gastritis, where stomach contents come back up. The good thing is : since this has been present for 20 years without major worsening, it is very unlikely to be cancer or anything serious. What could be contributing to this: -Slow bowel movement (chronic constipation) -Gut sensitivity (IBS) -Acid reflux -Possible nutritional deficiencies (explains fatigue, pigmentation, dark circles)
Next Steps
1. Regulate bowel movement (most important): -Lactulose or polyethylene glycol (PEG) regularly -Isabgol at night can help 2. For acidity/reflux: -Try a PPI (like pantoprazole/esomeprazole) before breakfast for 2–4 weeks -Avoid lying down immediately after drinking/eating 3. Investigations (if not done recently): -CBC, Iron profile, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D -Thyroid profile -Ultrasound abdomen -If symptoms persist: endoscopy 4. Diet & lifestyle tweaks: -Small frequent meals instead of heavy meals -Limit excess tea/coffee, spicy and very sour foods -Continue yoga, add daily walking -Try a low FODMAP approach (helps IBS)
Health Tips
Red flags - -Weight loss without trying -Blood in stool -Persistent vomiting -Severe worsening pain Your symptoms feel uncomfortable but they are functional (gut-related), not dangerous. These conditions can be long-standing but manageable with the right combination of routine, medication, and diet.
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Your symptoms suggest IBS with acid reflux. The movement feeling is usually due to bowel spasms or gas, not anything serious. Foamy regurgitation also points to acidity, not blockage. Since it’s long standing, proper evaluation is needed get Endoscopy, USG abdomen, TSH, B12, Vitamin D, CBC. Maintain small frequent meals, avoid tea coffee & spicy foods, add mild fibre, and regulate bowel habits. Stress control is important. Your fatigue and pigmentation may be due to deficiencies or thyroid issues. Not suggestive of cancer, but needs proper workup. Follow up with reports.
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Very long query. Better if you visit nearby hospital for examination by general physician.
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue. You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
​"Having these symptoms for 20 years indicates a chronic functional issue rather than an acute infection. The pain below your left rib, coupled with a 'gripping' or 'moving' sensation and unusual sounds, strongly suggests Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Functional Dyspepsia. The 'foamy substance' you experience after drinking water is likely a mix of saliva and gastric mucus being pushed back up due to GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Chronic digestive issues often lead to malabsorption, which explains your persistent fatigue, dark circles, and skin pigmentation despite a healthy diet."
Next Steps
​"1. Brain-Gut Axis: In conditions like IBS, the nerves in your gut become hypersensitive. Even normal gas or digestion can feel like 'severe pain' or 'moving objects.' 2. Gut Microbiota: Long-term digestive struggles can alter your gut bacteria, leading to fermentation and those 'unusual sounds' (Borborygmi). 3. Nutritional Impact: Chronic indigestion often prevents the body from absorbing essential vitamins like B12, Iron, and D3, which leads to the physical signs you see on your face (pigmentation/wrinkles) and chronic tiredness."
Health Tips
need some more history for better management so do connect and consult
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Please consult
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Do connect and consult
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Gastritis Avoid spicy foods Avoid coffee and tea in empty stomach Use more of curd and butter milk
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Consult gastroenterologist for endoscopy
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Do consult
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Bland diet helps
Answered
Flag this Answer
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.