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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
A Host of Gastro Problems HELP!!!
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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A Host of Gastro Problems HELP!!!
by KathyK, Feb 19, 2002 12:00AM
Back in October I experienced an extremely bad bout of diarrhea (yellow to clear and watery, extreme rumbling intestines, extreme gas pains around waistline). Since that time my BM have not been normal (softer, more frequent and larger in volume --even though I'm eating less, undigested food particles). I have lost my appetite, lost weight and just in general feel nauseated all the time. I have had complete bloodwork and urinalysis, an ultrasound of my gall bladder and pancreas, a gastroscope and a colonoscopy and a prescription for flagyl (which is just about up and does not appear to have helped). The only diagnosis was a few gallstones. My GP tells me that a bad gall bladder most definitely can be causing my diarrhea (or my anxiety over my health, which is out of control). The gastoenterologist and surgeon say no. I am at my wit's end and don't know who to trust at this point. I'm scheduled for a small bowel series this week even though the scope tests already checked the upper and lower parts of the intestine). After that, there is nothing left. Could anything else be causing my symptoms or can anyone offer any insight. I am only 31 years old and terrified that I have cancer. Please help. I do not want to schedule gall bladder surgery if there is potentially something much more serious causing my problems.
Member Comments
by judy moody, Feb 21, 2002 12:00AM
I have many of the same symtoms that you do- but in addition to all of your tests, I also had a HIDA scan which shows my gall bladder is essentially non-functioning and will have to be removed. Hopefully gall bladder removal will take away all of these crummy symptoms. There is a shortage of one of the hormone substances they use during that scan, and some doctors have been unable to prescribe this test.
by Northernlightldy, Feb 22, 2002 12:00AM
To: KathyK
Oh you poor lady. I do feel for you I really do. I went through the same thing for most of my life which i am now 37. I have a unheard of condition called Chronic Intestinal Pseudo Obstuction. And everything you are going throug i have been there. I can tell you straight up there are not many dr's in the US that know much about this problem. I happen to be lucky enough to have one of the researchers of this diease right here n my city. To find out more about this condition just put the name of it in the search on this site and it will take you to a dr in sweeden or switzerland web site. There is a few other sites also but they are mainly for kids with this condition. This Doc on here knows his stuff too. If you email him he will email you back. First let me tell you that your diet plays a big role in this too. Cut all your caffine all together. And cut way back on red meat and when you do eat red meat it needs to be very lean and well cooked. Use olive oil instead of veg or corn oil and stay away from corn. I dont get within a mile of corn now days. And starchy food is bad for you as well. This is going to be a big adjustment for you but after time you do get used to it. Bananas are a no no also. And most beans are bad too. I am thinking green beans are not so bad, but i dont like them anyways. Watch the fat intake also and you may want to go buy you some Nutrition drinks like what the older people drink. sorry i forgot the name of it. Ask the pharmacist he or she can tell you where to find them in the pharmacy that is where they are kept. And if you dr gave you a anti dihherea medicine and it is not working you may need to increase the dosage. I had that problem and i played with my meds and learned that taking 4 lomotil tabs helped more. I did tell my doc and he is all for what helps me. I was down to 85lbs when i found my doc i have now. I was seeing a GI doc and i was angry with him for not knowing but glad he was not just GIVING me a name for this, but he did lead me to my new doc. So i got over the anger. You have to take charge of your health, dont leave it up to the doc and his office. I got so sick that i was calling the dr everyday several times a day until he finally started doing some asking around and now i have been with my new doc for 3 years. I will tell you there is no cure for this either only taking out your colon is the answer and that is not a guarantee either. It can be managable with medications and many of them. There are many factors to this diease and hormones and diabetes and a history of endometrosis are some of the big factors for women with this. Tell your current doc about Chronic Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction and see if he will help you. If he just assumes right away that is not what you have then time to find a new Dr. If a Dr ever gets closed minded when there has not been any answers after a long time then your in the wrong office. Sorry to make this so long, but gosh 3 1/2 years ago i would given anything to find out what was wrong with me. I even went to shrinks cause i thought maybe it was just stress or in my head, now stress will make this worse for you sweetie so take it easy, i understand it is hard when you feel so bad but you have to learn what is worth worrying over and how much to worry over what is worth worrying over. I can also tell you that i am not back to 100% unless they find a cure i will never be. I may be running at 50% which 3yrs ago i was at 10% and i am going out on SSI and i am only 37. So if this is what you have I am sorry, I hope not but from the sounds of it, it is very likely. If you need more help email me at ***@****. i will be glad to help you. I feel for you hun and hope you can find some help and i will be glad to call my doc to find out if there is a doc in your city or near by to you. God bless. just remember your not alone there are millions just like us. And God is there for you also.
