I really need someones help!!!!

Please I need all of your help.  For the past 4 weeks I have been feeling very naseuated and having very bad diarrhea, I have had very bad gas.  I feel sick almost all day and my stomach has been aching and making a lot of sounds.  I am wondering could it be the new diet I am on, is it that I am not eating enough or my stomach has shrunk to much to fast.  Im taking gravol two to three times on a daily basis, this is interupting my day to day life, my family doctor says its IBS but Ive talked with people who have said this doesnt sound like it.  I have been under alot of stress at school and at home...

I dont know what else to do, my doctor is getting lazy and just shoving me from medication to medication.  If anyone has any ideas please help.

[tree1233]

Hey, I've had the same issues. What medicine did your doctor prescribe? If you ever get an answer, let me know. I feel like they are just shoving me off to the side too. Oh, its IBS, just take these and you'll be fine huh? It's nice to have somebody to relate too. Do you get the diarrhea in the morning? or after physical activity? and its pretty much an everyday struggle right? You should try to get referred to a specialist, that's what I plan on doing Monday. I just want an answer as to why this is happening, I'm sick of being ignored and pushed off to the side. I'm sure you feel the same way too. We will get this figured out, hang in there. Hope you feel better soon.

[RunMama]

Could you be pregnant?

[Banned1]

I'm really sorry you are suffering.  I'm not a doctor and I know next to nothing about this stuff but I'm learning through my own illness.  Your symptoms could be SO many things including sludge/stones in the common bile duct, gallbladder/gallstone problems, Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction, Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth, acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, minimal change chronic pancreatitis, etc.   Gravol alone can make you incredibly sleepy.  I had extreme nausea which was treated by Domperidone (Motilium).  If that's one of the medications your doctor is pushing, it might be worth a shot.  I know it dramatically improved my quality of life.

There are some less invasive tests such as the Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and MRCP-S (Secretin) which can image the pancreas and ductal system.  The EUS does require sedation and is similar to an upper endoscopy.  Less helpful but also worthwhile is an MRI-S, which is essentially an MRI with the drug Secretin administered.  

Metamucil or a similar daily fibre product is a great help for MANY people with abdominal pain.   It does not make you go, it makes you regular by adding fibre to the watery stools, making them firm.  

Many people have great success with digestive enzymes and pancreatic enzymes.  This is something you can talk to your primary Doc about.  I'm told that they won't do any harm so really - unless you have side effects - there's not a downside to trying them.  Your Doc might even have samples.  This is something you can do now and it reduces the amount of work the pancreas has to do which will also reduce any damage to the pancreas.  You can get them at the health food store, too, but make sure they only have proteases, amlyase and lipase.

A low-fat, fibre-rich diet can make a BIG difference.  If you eliminate fried foods from your diet and start with bland foods only, you may get to a point where you have no pain.  Then you can add new items to see how you feel.  Less than 30 grams of fat per day is a great starting point.   You mentioned a diet but don't elaborate.  

Keep a log of everything that enters and leaves your body.  It can help identify patterns in your foods, symptoms, medications, bowel habits and pain level.  

You are not alone!  Try to stay positive and reach out for support when you need it.  Talk to your Doctor, family, friends, co-workers, church or social service volunteers or anyone you feel safe with.  

Search yahoo! groups for "Sphincter", you will find quite a few groups.  Both Michele's and Maddi's are worth joining.  There is a lot of great information there that might help you.

Take care of yourself.  Good luck and Godspeed.  All the best,

Sam

[smile4u]

Make sure your not allergic to glutton!  (MSG)  My mother almost died before the doctors figured it out. It's in just about everything you eat.

[Banned1]

How are you feeling?  Have your symptoms changed at all?  Have you been able to get a referral to a Gastroenterologist or a second opinion from a primary care physician?

All the best,

Sam

[tree1233]

Hey guys, Thanks so much for your feedback, I greatly appreciate it. I've been seeing a Gastroenterologist for the past month. The doctor has ordered a CT scan, ultrasound and an Endoscopy. The ultrasound and CT scans were both normal as far as I know. And with the Endoscopy they found i have acid reflux, so that accounts for some of the issues I've been having , but not all. Tomorrow I go in again for a follow up from all of the tests, I really hope they find something. I know it's a good thing that everything looks normal, but I'm getting frustrated that they cant find whats causing these issues, it's quite scary. Last week was horrible for me. I was so sick I couldn't even sit up without vomiting or passing out. It was all coming out both ends, I ended up in the er for the 2nd time this month because of it. They gave me some pretty good drugs for all the symptoms, but still no real diagnosis. I'll keep you guys updated, again thanks for all the support. Best wishes - Nikki

[tree1233]

Oh man, I just realized I posted my last in the wrong spot, opps! carrieann175 - all of our symptoms are so much alike it's crazy. I feel the same as you, I feel like were both being shoved off to the side and given meds to keep us away. I'm not looking for a quick fix, I'm sure your not either. Do you ever get the feeling like maybe its all in your head? I feel like that all the time. None of my friends or family believe me, I'm starting to feel the same about my Doctor too. Have you been to a specialist yet? You should really get a referral to a GI doctor. Keep me updated on what happens! Are you feeling any better?? I'll let you know what happens tomorrow. I pray for us both. Take care - Nikki

[Banned1]

Hi Nikki:

I know you're going in for follow-up today.  If it's not too personal, I'd really like to know how you made out.  You're in my thoughts and prayers.

All the best,

Sam

[tree1233]

Hey peps, Well they finally figured it out, I have gastroparisis. - just means my stomach isn't digesting food correctly which in turn causes the nausea/pain/vomiting. They put me on reglan, hopefully that will take care of it, haven't tried it yet, just trying to stay optimistic. I guess surgery is an option, but i don't wanna have to do that. ehhh. Take care everyone! -nikki

[Banned1]

Hi Huney:

Sorry for the delay in responding.  Many people in Michele's Yahoo group have gastroparesis, so if you every feel like joining, you'd have a lot of support and insight.  Hopefully the Reglan will help and you'll be 100% in no time!

All the best,

Sam