Trapped wind :(

This is so interesting to read.  I've had problems with this since I was 18 and had surgery removing an ovary.  I had a couple times I ended up in the hospital with bowel obstructions.  I haven't had the serious problems with my bowels in years, but still get some of the trapped air down there.  It tends to get worse during my period when I'm gassier for some reason.  My docs in the States from the last time I had a bowel obstruction (coupled with food poisoning--not a favorite day in my history book to say the least!!) said they thought there might be some scar tissue buildup from the surgery as I had no problems before that.

My mom had the exact same problem after her radical hysteroectomy and she's STILL dealing with problems today (2 years later) with her bowels and such.  You're lucky, because she's actually had to have corrective surgery and lived with some discomfort from it.  I wonder if peppermint tea will help?  She's still got some lingering problems today - thanks for the tip!

I'm going to give the charcoal tablets a try.  I've heard good thinks about the activia yogurts, but I don't think they are okay for vegetarians.

Thanks again for everyone's suggestions!

No it isn't, it contains gelatine, heaven knows why.  But most natural yoghurts will help anyway, unless of course your problem is caused by a lactose intolerance.