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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
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I think I have a gastrointestinal disorder that hasn't been named yet
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA
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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MedHelp Member's Question

I think I have a gastrointestinal disorder that hasn't been named yet

by MJonas1978, Sep 08, 2003 12:00AM
Since September of 1999, I have had frequent stomach aches, nausea, constipation, periods of not being interested or able to eat anything, food sensitivities (milk, nuts, spices, fats), bloating in my abdomen, general abdominal pain, difficult to pass stools, flatulence, and a bad taste in my mouth accompanied by bad breath.  Also, I suffer from intermittent bouts of motion sickness to varying degrees.  My sleep patterns are also not normal as I suffer from reflux when I lie down.



I have seen nearly 10 different doctors and a gastroenterologist about my symptoms.  My diagnosis was initially anxiety and GERD.  Anti-anxiety drugs like Paxil, Celexa, and Zoloft have not seemed to help at all.  I have taken various antiacids such as Axid, Prevacid, Nexium, Prilosec, and Zantac with little to no help over time.  



Each and every day of my life consists of being wary of anything I eat as it may cause me to feel nauseous and have a stomach ache all day, even if I eat foods that should not cause a flare up.  



My symptoms are starting to affect my ability to attend church, family gatherings, travel, attend school and lead a normal life.  In fact, my fiance left me because he thought I was faking my illness so I would not have to work.  I can never guarantee that I will feel well, so I cannot plan much of anything in advance.  I take each day one day at a time, hour by hour.



Please note that I NEVER throw up.  I feel really bad, like I might vomit, but I never do.  I have not vomited since having a 24 hour stomach flu in July of 1999.  I have suffered with the symptoms listed above for nearly 4 years and am ready for someone out there to give me some real help and a real diagnosis.



Doctors in the past are much too eager to say that this is all in my head, I am simply anxious, deeal with it, it won't kill you so stop complaining, and that I have IBS and GERD.  I do not believe my diagnoses as NONE of my treatments have had long-term results.



Can anyone out there shed some light on what may be wrong with me?



I have never had a fecal test or colonoscopy.  Are there any tests I should insist that I have performed?  I feel like I have been largely ignored by the medical community.



Please, someone help me.  I want to be my old self again.  When I am ready to marry, I want to be able to feel good all day long and truly enjoy my wedding.  This is my ultimate goal.  I beg of you, help me please!



Thank you all so much.
Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 12, 2003 12:00AM
With these symptoms persisting for 4+ years, it would be reasonable at the very least to consider endoscopies.  Malabsorption, inflammatory bowel disease, dyspepsia, or gastroparesis all possibilities.  Irritable bowel disease also should be considered if the workup is negative.  



To start, I would agree with tests such as a colonoscopy, fecal fat tests, tests for celiac disease and an upper endoscopy.



Secondary tests to consider would be a gastric emptying study to evaluate for gastroparesis.  



If the tests are negative, then you may want to focus treatment on IBS.  If IBS is considered, you may want to consider some specific medications such as Lotronex or Zelnorm is right for you (Lotronex for diarrhea-predominant symptoms and Zelnorm for constipation-predominant symptoms).  



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Thanks,

Kevin, M.D.

Member Comments (17)

by yoshi, Sep 08, 2003 12:00AM
i have found out that when i am under prevacid/zantac/prilosev etc,my stomach does not have enough acid to digest food such as fat,cheese,milk,nuts,tomato sauce.

i will drink some cranberry juice to raise the acid level in my stomach.

trial and error,i learn to find out what works for me.

pineapple juice also raise the acid level.

by coolwimp, Sep 09, 2003 12:00AM
Have you been tested for celiac disease?

by yoshi, Sep 09, 2003 12:00AM
you did not mention testing for h pylori bacteria?/

by nadia, Sep 09, 2003 12:00AM
I have alot of your symptoms and am also still undiagnosed after almost 3 years.  It has been discovered recently that I have a parasite and I am wondering if you ever looked into that.

by PAJ, Sep 09, 2003 12:00AM


If you read the article below By Dr cranton you will discover that the symptoms you describe are classic Candida infection. Symptoms from other causes do overlap ,but it pays to check out yeast sooner rather than later. Your experiences with doctors are in line with thousands of others, too many have one eye open to the possibility of litigation  Treating an unrecognised condition is risky, it pays to pretend it’s not there. Defensive medicine is the term. Some of course refuse to believe there are any conditions that they no nothing about. medical dark ages or what !

Halitosis is associated with bacterial overgrowth in the small bowel ,which in turn is associated with a candida infection. I’m always amazed when the cause of  bad breath is always put down to bacteria in the mouth , when much of the time  it’s quite obvious that the odour is connected to the  contents of the gut.

Read this article , and for more info on candida search “healthy awareness “ candida forum it’s the most used health form on the net with around 3 thousand hits a day.

You can access the archives by typing “healthy awareness” and then your query

Good luck ,post if you have questions  



http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2002/march/dysbiosis.htm



by joellen, Sep 11, 2003 12:00AM
Your description sounds very much like the condition I suffer from called gastroparesis. It is a stomach motility disorder, in which the stomach does not properly digest food. Particularly difficult are items hard to digest, either because they are high in fiber or high in fat. You should absolutely ask you doctor about a test called a gastric emptying scan. It is a simple test. You eat a small meal, lay down on a table, and they take x rays while it passes through your stomach. A delay in stomach emptying would confirm the diagnosis. In the meantime, why don't you try limiting your intake of foods like red meat, raw vegetables and fruits, and concentrate on carbs that are easy to digest, such as potates, rice, pasta. Chicken and fish are more easily tolerated. Eat only what appeals to you. For a long time, toast was a mainstay. Also try something like Carnation Instant Breakfast, Slimfast (because they are easy to digest, low in fat), or possibly some Ensure. Liquids generally are easier to digest. Small meals, and light exercise, such as walking, also helps. Sleeping in an inclined position, such as a recliner or with a special wedge shaped pillow will also help the stomach to empty better. There are also medications that can help, but get the proper diagnosis first. I am convinced that many more people suffer from this than is thought, because the medical community is just not aware of it.  Your symptoms are identical to the ones I had, and I felt the same way, I knew SOMETHING was wrong, they just hadn't identified it yet. I did not vomit either, just always felt sick. Sleep was a problem, and it turned things upside down. It is NOT in your head, it's in your stomach!

by yoshi, Sep 11, 2003 12:00AM
when it comes to liquid drinks,chocolate drinks are harder to digest.

by nadia, Sep 13, 2003 12:00AM
I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good gastroenterologist who specializes in ERCP in BC, Canada..Thanks.

by Peragine1, Sep 24, 2003 12:00AM
I have read your post and while I am afraid I do not have an answer for you, I would like to attempt to comfort you.  I too have spent years with a list of problems that have yet to be named.  I have had every test at least three times, have restricted my diet to the point of near starvation, and have tried every drug remotely related to any "disorder" i have been diagnosed with.  Basically, I don't know what to tell you, but I do sympathise and want to let you know there are other people out there suffering and confused.  I am a 28 year old woman whose life has unfortunately been taken over by a mysterious disorder.  I have had diarrhea for 5 years.  I have had my gallbladder removed, and have developed panic attacks in response to eating and constantly having to go to the bathroom.  Every test I have had remains "normal" yet I can no longer work, socialize or do anything besides force feed myslef to stay alive.  Many people think it is all in my head, although in therapy sessions, all i can think of to talk about is my chronic