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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
San Diego, CA

Who here has IBS, IBD, Ulcerative Colitis or GERD? I have all of these things and they cause me to be on the toilet, A LOT. Being on the toilet causes leg pain, numbness/tingling in legs and low back pain. I also have significant shoulder and neck pain from being on my phone a great deal in hopes to distract me. What can be done about all of these pain symptoms?

March 21
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences managing GERD and IBS, with several finding relief through medications like Pantoprazole, Omeprazole, and... Read more

Members shared their experiences managing GERD and IBS, with several finding relief through medications like Pantoprazole, Omeprazole, and Esomeprazole, which help control stomach pain and prevent severe flare-ups. A practical suggestion that gained traction was using an adjustable cell phone holder from Amazon to reduce neck and shoulder strain while on the toilet, with members helping each other locate the right product. Some members also encouraged exploring root causes of GERD, including researching leaky gut, as a complementary approach to symptom management.

A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member if you find that Omeprazole doesn't work fully ask the doctors for Esomeprazole I used to get the worst stomach pains since I switched from Omeprazole its been alot better!

March 23
A MyFibroTeam Member

Try to address the causes of your gerd. Read about leaky gut. Do research

March 21
A MyFibroTeam Member

Get one of those cell phone holders with the stand to hold the phone for you. You can adjust the height. I purchased one off of Amazon.

March 21
A MyFibroTeam Member

Seeing this post just reminded me that I forgot to take my Omeprazole. I take one daily for stomach pain related to my fibromyalgia. I tried to go off of them once and ended up doubled over in pain by day 3. I won’t likely try that again. My husband has something called Barrett’s Esophagus. He takes a Pantoprazole every night. This keeps most of the pain away.

March 21
MyFibroTeam

How can pain from frequent bathroom visits and phone use be managed?

Many people with fibromyalgia also experience IBS, which can lead to the cycle of pain you're describing. Here are some strategies that may help:

For digestive symptoms
- Drinking peppermint or herbal tea before and after eating may help reduce Show Full Answer

How can pain from frequent bathroom visits and phone use be managed?

Many people with fibromyalgia also experience IBS, which can lead to the cycle of pain you're describing. Here are some strategies that may help:

For digestive symptoms:
- Drinking peppermint or herbal tea before and after eating may help reduce IBS-related issues
- Consider discussing your digestive symptoms with your doctor, as managing the underlying cause can reduce time spent in the bathroom

For leg pain and numbness:
- Try to shift positions frequently while sitting
- Consider using a footstool to elevate your feet and improve circulation
- Take breaks to stand and stretch when possible

For neck and shoulder pain from phone use:
- Raise your phone to eye level instead of looking down
- Use a phone stand or prop to avoid holding it
- Set timers to remind yourself to take posture breaks
- Try gentle neck rolls and shoulder shrugs throughout the day

General pain management:
- Heat pads can help with muscle tension and pain
- A TENS machine may provide relief for various pain areas
- Gentle stretching or tai chi has helped some members manage pain without negative side effects

The key is addressing both the digestive issues with your doctor and finding ways to minimize the secondary pain from positioning. Don't hesitate to discuss all these symptoms with your healthcare provider.

March 21

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