GI problems - no definitive diagnosis - time for a second opinion?

[kitty's mom]

I have been ill for over 30 days - is it time for a second opinion?
Experienced extreme liquid diahhrea and cramping which took me to the ER during work.  Mucuous in stool, also clay colored stools.  Also URQ pain.  They did an ab us earlier in the week - negative for GB stones.  In the ER they did a pelvic exam, lots of bloodwork, and a CT w/ barium and contrast.  The radiologist said the thickening in the ileum was suggestive of Crohn's disease.  Crohn's and Colitis is in my family and I've questioned my family doc prev.  I followed up next week with the GI specialist as recommended.  He did a colonoscopy - a single diverticula in the sigmoid colon.  Took biopsies said they were negative for Crohn's.  Then had upper GI series and small bowel follow thru.  Nurse called and said the test showed I had acid reflux and started on acidphex.  (During the test the radiologist said I was definitely having blood in my stool, even though stool culture was neg earlier for blood.)  Had hida scan today, waiting for results.  But it seemed to clear out, the only thing that concerned me is that it appeared that small bowel appeared before the gallbladder really appeared?  I asked the tech if that was concerning and she said not to worry about it.  I had blood in my stool last week (not dripping blood, but maroon mixed in stool) and the nurse called back and said he wants to do a flex sig now.  I haven't felt well, not much of an appetite, I'm afraid to go anywhere because of sudden painful BM's.  I want to know what is wrong, but I'm tired of no defininitive diagnosis and treatment.

[colitissufferer]

Heart goes out to you.  i cannot tell you what you have but i can tell you that regardless the signs and symptoms are bacteria build up in your colon that have accumulated over (probably) long period of time.
Trust me regardless of the endall diagnosis, i've done much research over the last year and bacteria overgrowth in our bodies particularly the colon is the culpret for a multitude of illnesses that go undiagnosed.
alternative meds and probiotics, swift change in diet will bring a smile back onto your face in time.  sugar is the main enemy so if you want some immediate results, start removing that from the picture.  but u still need these supplements to remove the problem that is there today.
i am serious, no professional training, much research, i have ulcerative colitus myself, mother is dying from colon cancer returned.  
i am currently under the care of a chiropracter/microbiologist and my life has returned in a great way to normality.  yes many of the foods i enjoyed are removed and only consumed in a rare fashion but i am not on steroids, i'm 20 pounds lighter, no longer on anti-depressants and much much less anxiety in my life.
seek the help of alternative medicine no matter the diagnosis it will help. no doctor who's paid thru the healthcare system will ever share that with you.  why? they'd be out of business:o)
take care and u'll be in my prayers.

[AMA17]

i also would suggest a second opinion, or do some research online, and bring up some new possibilities for your doc... Like did he test for celiac when he did the upper gi? if the villi in your upper intestine (duodunem, sp?) are flattened, then you know.. i'm only suggesting this because of your "wheat allergy" from when you were younger, plus your family history...

good luck! keep us posted

[kitty's mom]

Found out that hida scan ejection fraction was 96%.  So that's fine.  I had one 3 years ago and it was 61%.  I didn't know you could gain function back, but I guess???  This is all been a mystery.  The GI doc said to "see if I feel better this week" (haven't for 2-3 months) and if I don't he'll do the tube down my throat test.  I'm thinking it may be time to check all of these tests over with someone else, or am I over-reacting?

[ohiogirl]

I think that if I were you, I would be seeking out at least a second opinion, before getting involved in many more procedures.  I absolutely do not think that you are overreacting!  Take care, and good luck.  Keep me posted...

[kitty's mom]

Other comments - Female, 28 in January.  Healthy except treatment w/ metformin for PCOS.  Had a "wheat allergy" when I was a child that caused diahhrea, but doctor said it went away as I got older.
With GB scan, had pain with CCK injection, and lower AB cramping.  Held off BM until after the test, but barely.

[ohiogirl]

This might seem out there, but I have a relative who went through exactly what you are going through - no diagnosis seems possible as she went through the same testing processes.

She was referred to a neurologist, of all things, who determined that she had a mild stroke which was causing ALL of her GI problems.  They were able to treat her, and she is as good as new.

I realize that this seems very odd, but it happened.

Thanks, and much luck to you.