Re: IBS

Posted By HFHSM.D.-mz on March 13, 1998 at 11:00:09:

In Reply to: IBS posted by Robert Shaide on February 22, 1998 at 04:03:26:







: 5 years ago i was diagnosed with irritable Bowel syndrome.
No tests were done to confirm this as I am told it is
found through History rather than diagnostics.
Since then it has progressed to the point where I have
turned into a total recluse. After the third or fourth
trip to the bathroom in the morning I feel like I have
been hit by a car, the pain extends from the bottom of
my spine to the backs of my knees and makes walking or
moving very painfull. My rectum is becoming more and
more distended and takes longer and longer to return to
normal. I frequently have lower belly cramps as well as
my left side in the late evening/early morning and pass
considerable amounts of blood the next day.
I'm constantly nauseous and have very little energy.
When I discuss this with my Doctor, he has no
suggestions other than prescribing Modulon and Dicetel
which have little effect. He has told me the condition
will most likely not improve. At this point, living with
the chronic pain has caused me deep depression and
troubles eating. Knowing the result of eating is going
to be painfull, I often gag after a few bites and stop.
In the last 2 years my teeth have begun to break apart
and fillings are falling out every few months.
If there are any new medications or therapies for this
condition please let me know.
   _


Dear Mr. Shaide:
      Thank you for your letter.  In regard to the irritable bowel syndrome, the most common symptoms are a disturbance in bowel function and abdominal pain.  If a person has a clinical picture compatible with this, it is not necessary to initiate a complicated workup but to proceed with treatment.  You must realize, however,that the body has only  alimited number of ways to respond and different diseases can have the same clinical presentation.  Emotional problems often contribute to making one feel poorly with this syndrome.  You, however, also complain of a number of other symptoms such as back and knee pain, blood in the stools, nausea and so on.  Under these circumstances, I would feel that the appropriate beginning point would be to have a complete physical examination by your family doctor or internist.  He may very well feel that a workup is indicated or he could refer you to a specialist.  It is my practice style to evaluate the patient the first time symptoms develop and if there is a substantive change in the symptoms.  Good Luck.
      This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation.  Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.  
      If you would like to be seen at our institution, call 1-800-653-6568, our referring physicians office and make an appointment to see Dr. Zonca, one of our experts in the treatment of intestinal diseases.
HFHSM.D.-mz
keywords: irritable bowel disease
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