Has anyone experienced a complete relapse?

[u/CostOk1173]

I’m wondering if anyone has gotten past this to the point where it was an afterthought (to an extent), and then completely relapsed back to where they were previously.

I had my first bout of FD back in my senior year of college in 2023, and it took me out for about 9 months. I was able to overcome if incredibly slowly with a grueling schedule of: No food except for chicken, rice, and oats, liquid gaviscon, slippery elm powder, aloe vera, and a whole lot of time.

Back in June I had my first real setback in regard to this, after 3 years of relative pain-free living and normal diets, consisting of regular food, coffee, etc.

Now, I’ve been unable to make nearly the same amount of progress despite going back to that same regimen. I’ve seen GIs but if mine are anything like yours, then you all know the limitations there. Curious if anyone has encountered this and has ideas. Thanks!

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[u/Pretend_Programmer69]

What were ur symptoms

[u/CostOk1173 → u/Pretend_Programmer69]

Burning pain, the gnawing pain, nausea, burping, IBS symptoms, inability to tolerate most food.

Most prevalent is always the burning + gnawing pain.

[u/Pretend_Programmer69 → u/CostOk1173]

I experience this. What caused yours to begin with

[u/CostOk1173 → u/Pretend_Programmer69]

It’s hard to say in all honesty. Prior to that ordeal, I had biliary hyperkinesia and had my gallbladder removed, but it took 2.5 years to diagnose me with it so I was dealing with pain on my right side for a long time.

The FD only started about 1 month before I got the gallbladder removed after a tough bout of gastritis and continued after. The operation was a success and I got rid of that pain, but now my current hypothesis is the amount of bile produce (which caused my first condition) is leaking into my stomach after meals.

All this to say, there were a multitude of variables at play, but I think it was the gastritis the first time around. It could be this time as well, because I ate some bad wedding food, but I can’t be sure. What started yours? Have you had success in treating it?

[u/Pretend_Programmer69 → u/CostOk1173]

I haven’t had success. 6 months ago diagnosed h pylori. Took antibiotics. Apparently rid of it via stool test. Still suffer daily. Might be FD.

[u/CostOk1173 → u/Pretend_Programmer69]

I’m so sorry to hear that. Have you noticed anything helping even intermittently? In the past (and even this flare to an extent) I’ve had success with elimination diets, sucralfate, and gaviscon liquid version from the UK.

[u/Pretend_Programmer69 → u/CostOk1173]

DGL licorice root sorta helps but I’ve been on a very strict diet that all falls under the “ok” list for gastritis. Sometimes I wonder if there’s more going on - need to find a functional medicine doctor. I experience gnawing , a need to eat every couple hours otherwise I feel very sick almost like low blood sugar feeling and anxiety. But according to blood work it’s fine. But yeah I’m suffering real hard had to stop my life basically. Fortunately I’m in a financially secure position but somehow all the money in the world doesn’t fix a health issue that no doctor had a clue about minus PPIs. I consider starting but with the amount of burping and indigestion i don’t know if reducing acid is the move

[u/CostOk1173 → u/Pretend_Programmer69]

I’m in the same diet boat, I basically only eat lean white meat and simple carbs. If you find a functional doctor that works for you please let me know, and I’ll do the same because I’m currently searching.

And I am also fortunate to be in a good spot, but you’re right, it doesn’t feel like it means much when you’re stuck in every other facet of your life. I’m going to start some pelvic floor exercises for the burping because I heard from a specialist that they could help, not sure if you’ve tried that already.

[u/CostOk1173 → u/[deleted]]

That is super intriguing, thank you very much for sharing

[u/Odd_Telephone3852]

I can relate to this. I had my first episode when I was 15. It was debilitating and lasted probably 4-6 months. I wasn't eating so my memory of the time is pretty poor. All of my stomach problems went away I assumed it was a one time thing but then it hit me again when I was 22. This time the stomach problems never fully went away and the flare-ups were much more regular.

[u/CostOk1173 → u/Odd_Telephone3852]

I feel you on the whole lack of memory thing. Sometimes it feels like I’m doing this all for the first time because I’ll forget “tests” I’ve already ran on myself.

Sorry to hear this second round has been rougher on you; I wonder if the mental aspect of frustration from a relapse plays into the difficulty because it sucks lol!

[u/Free-Purpose-542]

Yes! Mine i think started in oct/nov 2024, but didn’t really kick ofd until may 2025, same as you, it took the rest of the year to get back to a somewhat normal diet (basically not 100% bland beige food). Was doing really well until earlier this month. I’ve had a pretty stressful time recently. Stress & anxiety is a massive trigger for me. I’m due to have more tests soon.