Aa
Long wait until colonoscopy exam, very sick
Anyone,
I posted earlier under nausea, diarrhea and bloating. I have a colonoscopy exam finally just two weeks away. But I have been sick for three months. I've been passed around by doctors, for a while received no treatment. Now I have nausea pills and acid pills. And I have been using home remedies that are somewhat helpful, particularly the probiotics in "Activa" yogurt and also I find cranberry jell helps my digestion.
Folks, I swear, I think I'm dying. I am out of my head, I can't go to the grocery store, and after three months of diarrhea and getting dehydrated, my guts that were not painful before are now painful, and I have developed a little bump above my navel that wasn't there before from when I coughed and my gut gave out, and I personally think I belong in a hospital. How can I get myself into a hospital? Unless you've been shot, they won't admit you. And obviously my docs think it's okay to put everything off for months. But I know I am a whole lot sicker than anyone apparently realizes. What should I do? I am just full of fear and sadness. Thanks for any support and advice.
I posted earlier under nausea, diarrhea and bloating. I have a colonoscopy exam finally just two weeks away. But I have been sick for three months. I've been passed around by doctors, for a while received no treatment. Now I have nausea pills and acid pills. And I have been using home remedies that are somewhat helpful, particularly the probiotics in "Activa" yogurt and also I find cranberry jell helps my digestion.
Folks, I swear, I think I'm dying. I am out of my head, I can't go to the grocery store, and after three months of diarrhea and getting dehydrated, my guts that were not painful before are now painful, and I have developed a little bump above my navel that wasn't there before from when I coughed and my gut gave out, and I personally think I belong in a hospital. How can I get myself into a hospital? Unless you've been shot, they won't admit you. And obviously my docs think it's okay to put everything off for months. But I know I am a whole lot sicker than anyone apparently realizes. What should I do? I am just full of fear and sadness. Thanks for any support and advice.
Thank you for your post. I was struck by your mention of Lexapro, as I too was taking it. I have just weaned myself off it, as I was having other problems with it. But my digestion is still in overdrive. In time, could be I'll get better from getting off the Lex. My exam doc suggested Citricil fiber at bedtime, which I have just begun. I found that eating Activa yogurt did more to help me than anything else, but it does not completely solve the problem, either. To me, having an upset stomach is one of the worst health difficulties a person can face, because it is so draining at a core level and it makes you feel so sick constantly. I can barely function. And the docs just let it go on for months with no real treatment. Were it not for the cost, I would have an ultrasound. Maybe in March when I go back to my doc, I'll go ahead and ask for it.
Ggreg,
I am really sorry about your situation, as I am going through a lot of stuff right now too. I don't think people realize until they actually have this. I had terrible nausea for the past 1-2 mos, due to a mixture of meds- Lexapro and with this stomach thing. I still have the nausea and bloating, but not as bad. I would suggest calling and calling your practice to see if they can move the scan up a week, which they should. I have to follow up on everything, but I finally found a dr that I really like.
When I was pregnant, for nausea I would eat saltines or small cheese crackers. Sometimes just having food on the stomach helps. Eat ginger too- buy the dried ginger, drink some of the ginger ales, which should ease your nausea a bit. Take care. Keep us posted.
I am really sorry about your situation, as I am going through a lot of stuff right now too. I don't think people realize until they actually have this. I had terrible nausea for the past 1-2 mos, due to a mixture of meds- Lexapro and with this stomach thing. I still have the nausea and bloating, but not as bad. I would suggest calling and calling your practice to see if they can move the scan up a week, which they should. I have to follow up on everything, but I finally found a dr that I really like.
When I was pregnant, for nausea I would eat saltines or small cheese crackers. Sometimes just having food on the stomach helps. Eat ginger too- buy the dried ginger, drink some of the ginger ales, which should ease your nausea a bit. Take care. Keep us posted.
I said I would come back and post how my exam went and what seems to be the problem with my tummy. I have irritable bowel and was told to take some over the counter stuff for diarrhea and bloating. The exam itself went very smoothly, and I was kept covered the whole time, laying on my side, and they injected some anesthetic in my IV that put me in a "nether world" of no pain and no discomfort, and yet I was awake. I was so glad to get in there and have the exam. I am 55 and my colon was trouble-free, which I was amazed and relieved. They did take a biopsy of one polyp, which I saw myself on the screen next to my gurney, and it was hardly any size at all, flat and tiny. My biopsy came back normal. It has taken a couple days to sort of feel like a regular person again, as I have had a lot of naps and was slow beginning to eat again. As of this moment, I am still dealing with some nausea and mild diarrhea and bloating, which I guess if my bowel is okay, perhaps it is too much acid in my tummy. I just don't know. I see my family doc in March. If it gets worse, I'll go sooner. But it seems crazy to me to go thru all this and still be the same and no one is doing anything, other than suggesting some more meds. So, guess I'll try to take those things and push through my general weakness, and begin some exercise, in an effort to relax myself, as supposedly that causes an irritable bowel. But it's ticking in the back of my mind that from the start I thought it was my ovaries, which have been ignored, but I'm not willing to go thru anymore tests, with the exception of an ultrasound, which one of my docs suggested for my gall bladder. Anyhow, as i say, I'm going to go on like I'm okay, just stress is goofing up my tummy, and I'll do whatever can keep me relaxed and take the meds to keep the symptoms at bay.
I wanted to clarify the term I used about "fighting the good fight." By nature I am not a "fighter" as I don't like to impose on others. I get along with everyone and am all about "acceptance" and if a man sues you for your coat give him your pants too. I meant to convey that if it is divine will that we are faced with chronic pain or illness that we show the strength only provided by God to get us through, as we are being purposeful to others by glorifying the almighty. Yes, cancer patients can "fight" the disease and can win. I too have faced many trials and a near death medical situation and I firmly believe these experiences were to prepare me for this journey. I personally know people who get their medical care because they are very demanding by nature and have actually had the police brought in because they caused a scene in the ER. I personally wouldn't choose to get my attention this way. We are all different. Doctors are all different. I believe it is simply a matter of finding the right doctor for each of us, just as in all relationships we strive for harmony. My prayer is that all suffering find a compassionate caregiver.
Thank you for your thoughtful words. I am going to post this quote from the spiritual minister Iyanla, who was a counselor in that wonderful program "Starting Over." It helped me a lot when I read it.
"Yolanda Aadams sings a song that reminds us, 'The battle is not yours...it's that we are not required by life or in life to fight with people or conditions. The only thing required of us is to faithfully trust in the omnipresence of the all-knowing Creator to handle every situation according to Divine Law. Make no mistake, that in and of itself is a challenging task..." from her book "Faith in the Valley" by Iyanla Vanzant.
This helped me because it allows me to turn some of this worry over to the Good Lord. For I know this illness will make me stronger and better in the spirit. As the saying goes, "God works in mysterious ways." We can gather strength, as you suggest, Mermaid, from dark times by seeing it as a process that leads us closer to God.
However, I would like to personally add that I will continue to lobby for myself as needed, with as much politeness as I can muster, and thus I thought rather than fight the system, to go with it, and therefore I want to hire a nurse to help me through this tough time. I have never been so sick and felt so alone, despite the above words of encouragement. I have been down a harrowing road or two before and knowing eventually things will be all right, doesn't cut the pain or chase away the fear. It only helps me to stand in it more faithfully.
I say again, there is something wrong with a health system that looks at a sick woman, who once was a strong and contributing person, as yet another patient, probably attaching all sorts of "who cares" to things that may not be readily apparent. Doctors want to help; that is what gives them the strength to go through all the years of schooling. I believe they want to help and that makes them happy. But that is not what the health system promotes. It promotes, "Hurry up, shut them up, fix them cheap, and move on." I do not wish to take a stand against health care as it exists in the United States today. But it is so obvious when you're in the middle of it that it needs fixing. I hope politics will soon step aside and handle this problem in an intelligent and caring way.
In the meantime, here I am feeling disastrously sick. I hope this will help someone else on this board: I called my family doctor. She was not in the clinic. I left a message. No one has called me back. That was three days ago. This confirms my decision to bring in a nurse. I made sure to ask for a Registered Nurse, not that the LPNs or the CNAs can't do the same job. But I want the next step to a doctor, because that is actually what I need but cannot get. I recommend to anyone who is struggling, particularly the nice lady who posted here about her 11-year-old daughter who is deathly ill: Get thee a nurse! I actually had to turn down a nursing group that works with doctors, follows doctors orders, but then I couldn't get doctors orders. So, I went outside the norm and hired one through a smaller service. All I care about is the R.N. with the nurse's name. She has almost as much education and experience as a doctor and performs all his tasks.
My gosh, I have talked too much. But I have so much to say. This seems like a good place to say it. Doctors need to really listen to their patients, their best sources of what is wrong, and act as if that were the truth. It is not up to doctors to decide if we're lying or exaggerating or whatever. We carry on for a reason. We're sick! Please, listen to us and try to make us well! That's all I ask.
Thank you for letting me rant. I feel better.
"Yolanda Aadams sings a song that reminds us, 'The battle is not yours...it's that we are not required by life or in life to fight with people or conditions. The only thing required of us is to faithfully trust in the omnipresence of the all-knowing Creator to handle every situation according to Divine Law. Make no mistake, that in and of itself is a challenging task..." from her book "Faith in the Valley" by Iyanla Vanzant.
This helped me because it allows me to turn some of this worry over to the Good Lord. For I know this illness will make me stronger and better in the spirit. As the saying goes, "God works in mysterious ways." We can gather strength, as you suggest, Mermaid, from dark times by seeing it as a process that leads us closer to God.
However, I would like to personally add that I will continue to lobby for myself as needed, with as much politeness as I can muster, and thus I thought rather than fight the system, to go with it, and therefore I want to hire a nurse to help me through this tough time. I have never been so sick and felt so alone, despite the above words of encouragement. I have been down a harrowing road or two before and knowing eventually things will be all right, doesn't cut the pain or chase away the fear. It only helps me to stand in it more faithfully.
I say again, there is something wrong with a health system that looks at a sick woman, who once was a strong and contributing person, as yet another patient, probably attaching all sorts of "who cares" to things that may not be readily apparent. Doctors want to help; that is what gives them the strength to go through all the years of schooling. I believe they want to help and that makes them happy. But that is not what the health system promotes. It promotes, "Hurry up, shut them up, fix them cheap, and move on." I do not wish to take a stand against health care as it exists in the United States today. But it is so obvious when you're in the middle of it that it needs fixing. I hope politics will soon step aside and handle this problem in an intelligent and caring way.
In the meantime, here I am feeling disastrously sick. I hope this will help someone else on this board: I called my family doctor. She was not in the clinic. I left a message. No one has called me back. That was three days ago. This confirms my decision to bring in a nurse. I made sure to ask for a Registered Nurse, not that the LPNs or the CNAs can't do the same job. But I want the next step to a doctor, because that is actually what I need but cannot get. I recommend to anyone who is struggling, particularly the nice lady who posted here about her 11-year-old daughter who is deathly ill: Get thee a nurse! I actually had to turn down a nursing group that works with doctors, follows doctors orders, but then I couldn't get doctors orders. So, I went outside the norm and hired one through a smaller service. All I care about is the R.N. with the nurse's name. She has almost as much education and experience as a doctor and performs all his tasks.
My gosh, I have talked too much. But I have so much to say. This seems like a good place to say it. Doctors need to really listen to their patients, their best sources of what is wrong, and act as if that were the truth. It is not up to doctors to decide if we're lying or exaggerating or whatever. We carry on for a reason. We're sick! Please, listen to us and try to make us well! That's all I ask.
Thank you for letting me rant. I feel better.
I left out a line in the quote. (Sorry, I'm sick!)
"'The battle is not yours...it's the Lord's!" I like this song because it reminds us that we are not required by life or in life to fight with people or conditions."
I will post again after my exam and let folks know what the docs have finally decided is wrong with me and what my treatment will be. Thank you again for helping me thru.
"'The battle is not yours...it's the Lord's!" I like this song because it reminds us that we are not required by life or in life to fight with people or conditions."
I will post again after my exam and let folks know what the docs have finally decided is wrong with me and what my treatment will be. Thank you again for helping me thru.
I am glad you are ranting and helping others with your message. I am glad you are getting a nurse become it is in this pain you really need someone compassionate and an advocate. I have had my GP tell me "Well, you've had a CA-125 and CA-19-9, so apparently you aren't dying. These two tests are not reliable screening tests and are mostly used as followup for treatment success. He told me my left arm paralysis I feel sometimes is probably a "pinched nerve" and that my ankle soreness would be fixed with a pair of "good pair of running shoes." He is also a neighbor. I have been told by two other doctors that no surgeon will touch me until I present to the ER with a bowel obstruction. I am finally going to a Urologist, a compassionate, total healer, as she did missionary surgery on women in Ethiopa in 2005. Anyways she is thorough and doesn't dismiss me. I can't tell you how much I feel like I hit the Jackpot by landing in her care. She is looking into my kidney problems and symptoms which were completely dismissed by the other doctors. I have complicated bilateral renal cysts. These have a 50% chance toward malignancy. I am only 40 and have two young beautiful daughters and like you I am mostly trying to figure out how to make doctors look a little deeper and realize the importance of the mind, body, spirit healing connection. Silent killer diseases may give "whispers." Doctors need to know that many of us have the voice within correct "I've got that feeling." Many have knowledge, few have wisdom. I'm praying you get the appropriate care and doctor soon. Thanks for letting me vent.
Never heard of that one. Urologist.......i have used "uva ursi" for urine detox and health. but it does not treat the colon.
the only colon biotics i've heard of are the following: lactobas sporogens (sp unsure), Bivo Viden, Spacellius *(have to get better spelling for that one), Tanelbit.
All have proven very beneificial but under supervised care. Unsure of the treatments for general care. Mine was perscribed with my bloodwork and stool sample results in mind. and they were not pretty results let me tell you.
Positive results ever since though. very.
the only colon biotics i've heard of are the following: lactobas sporogens (sp unsure), Bivo Viden, Spacellius *(have to get better spelling for that one), Tanelbit.
All have proven very beneificial but under supervised care. Unsure of the treatments for general care. Mine was perscribed with my bloodwork and stool sample results in mind. and they were not pretty results let me tell you.
Positive results ever since though. very.
My Urologist recommended an OTC probiotic called Culturelle for managing stomach discomfort. Available at major pharmacies. I haven't tried it yet and wondered if anyone has luck with it?
i hear your pain. have the same thoughts different situation. i am under the care of alternative medicine which is in wide quiet offering these days. seek the help of one and regardless of diagnosis the end result will benefit you greatly.
bacteria and fungel (sp) are surely partly to blame, probiotics, cleansing the colon and dietary changes will help. dont do this on u'r own, get under the care of someone who knows and not a website.
i have been and i've improved more than you can know. i am 36 and have two beautiful daughters whom i couldnt bare to leave behind..........and many sleepless nights are spent mauling over those possibilities.
i got colitus after nasty birthing process that almost took my life. emerg surg result, took my uterus...........ultimately ulcerative colitus appeared in my life immed following incident. coincidence the gi dr. said. i think not. ;O)
after much steroid, antidepressants, antianxiety meds for three year w/ bleeding and other symptoms continued.....my neice 38yrs old (age diff explain another time) works for a jersey microbioligist/chiro. i am now under the care. no blood in months. prayer, family, love, hope, and good sound logical advice from trained professional has helped.
good luck.
i'm not cured but i'm on my way. i cannot keep this to myself.....many others should benefit as i have.
take care.
bacteria and fungel (sp) are surely partly to blame, probiotics, cleansing the colon and dietary changes will help. dont do this on u'r own, get under the care of someone who knows and not a website.
i have been and i've improved more than you can know. i am 36 and have two beautiful daughters whom i couldnt bare to leave behind..........and many sleepless nights are spent mauling over those possibilities.
i got colitus after nasty birthing process that almost took my life. emerg surg result, took my uterus...........ultimately ulcerative colitus appeared in my life immed following incident. coincidence the gi dr. said. i think not. ;O)
after much steroid, antidepressants, antianxiety meds for three year w/ bleeding and other symptoms continued.....my neice 38yrs old (age diff explain another time) works for a jersey microbioligist/chiro. i am now under the care. no blood in months. prayer, family, love, hope, and good sound logical advice from trained professional has helped.
good luck.
i'm not cured but i'm on my way. i cannot keep this to myself.....many others should benefit as i have.
take care.
Know that you are letting fear cripple you. First, I recommend getting rid of all "fear" by viewing it as faith in the negative, power to the dark forces. I choose not to put my energy in that direction. There is enough darkness in this realm and I refuse to contribute. I am not a demanding person by nature so it is hard for me personally to ask for help. Give your burdens to God, pray simply for answers, guides, etc... You are already getting answers by finding support here. Don't be discouraged for this is the good fight to fight for yourself. Trust your instincts and chase that negative voice out when it starts. You are not alone as some of us have to face this test. Good luck.
Dear Cant,
Might I ask what happened, what was the outcome, when you were in my shoes? Maybe I can draw some hope from it. Also wanted to say at the top here, I have an idea that I might try to get an R.N. to come see me every few days while I'm waiting for the test. That way, if she sees anything amiss, she can help me.
Let's see, I've had the liver panel, CBC, H. Pylori, CAT scan, vitamins, hepatits tests. Oh, they take plenty of blood and did some stool samples too. I don't recall the other tests, but I shall mention the other ones to my doc when I see her again. I also have a fatty liver, but the readings are just being watching, because it is not severe.
The gastroenterologist at the "meeting" appointment told me he thought he knew what it was, told me but I can't recall, and wanted to rule out stuff with the colonoscopy before he went and treated it. My fear levels are very high. I try to talk myself down and believe that the docs wouldn't put me on a shelf if they thought I was more sick.
But like this morning, I am up and my heart and lungs are struggling. I am very uncomfortable. I have so much extra weight that I've gained in the last year or so, I'm up to 190 and I'm only 5'1". My gut is really large. It's putting a lot of stress on my regular system. I took some other meds I take for anxiety and they have calmed me quite a bit.
I finally got switched to a new doctor about two weeks ago, and she suggested an ultrasound for my gall bladder, as my grandmother had hers taken out when she was much younger. She was most helpful and sympathetic, but then, believe it or not, turns out she is not my primary doc, and another doc who knows nothing about me and did not read my chronology or records took over. I want to call her, but she will probably ask me to come in, and then what? I plea my case and she says no? For they can't just put you in for no reason. Even tho I think I'm at the end, they've probably heard all this before. That's what I'm wondering, if I'm just fearful.
(Yoshi, I had stopped with the acid pills almost right away. The nausea pills help but I only take them about every other day becuz they make me so very sleepy. I barely eat anything, but I eat as you suggest, just light stuff. I try to keep my strength up by eating something.)
In conclusion, I so much appreciate the sympathetic advice you all have given me. When you're suffering, you can find much relief in knowing there are others who have felt the same way. I am hoping an R.N. visit if needed will help me make it to the test. I plan to call my doctor next time I get overly anxious or sick, as well as my insurance people, and see if they can help me with the nurse. If not, I'll hire my own private nurse and pay for it myself. Thanks everyone.
Might I ask what happened, what was the outcome, when you were in my shoes? Maybe I can draw some hope from it. Also wanted to say at the top here, I have an idea that I might try to get an R.N. to come see me every few days while I'm waiting for the test. That way, if she sees anything amiss, she can help me.
Let's see, I've had the liver panel, CBC, H. Pylori, CAT scan, vitamins, hepatits tests. Oh, they take plenty of blood and did some stool samples too. I don't recall the other tests, but I shall mention the other ones to my doc when I see her again. I also have a fatty liver, but the readings are just being watching, because it is not severe.
The gastroenterologist at the "meeting" appointment told me he thought he knew what it was, told me but I can't recall, and wanted to rule out stuff with the colonoscopy before he went and treated it. My fear levels are very high. I try to talk myself down and believe that the docs wouldn't put me on a shelf if they thought I was more sick.
But like this morning, I am up and my heart and lungs are struggling. I am very uncomfortable. I have so much extra weight that I've gained in the last year or so, I'm up to 190 and I'm only 5'1". My gut is really large. It's putting a lot of stress on my regular system. I took some other meds I take for anxiety and they have calmed me quite a bit.
I finally got switched to a new doctor about two weeks ago, and she suggested an ultrasound for my gall bladder, as my grandmother had hers taken out when she was much younger. She was most helpful and sympathetic, but then, believe it or not, turns out she is not my primary doc, and another doc who knows nothing about me and did not read my chronology or records took over. I want to call her, but she will probably ask me to come in, and then what? I plea my case and she says no? For they can't just put you in for no reason. Even tho I think I'm at the end, they've probably heard all this before. That's what I'm wondering, if I'm just fearful.
(Yoshi, I had stopped with the acid pills almost right away. The nausea pills help but I only take them about every other day becuz they make me so very sleepy. I barely eat anything, but I eat as you suggest, just light stuff. I try to keep my strength up by eating something.)
In conclusion, I so much appreciate the sympathetic advice you all have given me. When you're suffering, you can find much relief in knowing there are others who have felt the same way. I am hoping an R.N. visit if needed will help me make it to the test. I plan to call my doctor next time I get overly anxious or sick, as well as my insurance people, and see if they can help me with the nurse. If not, I'll hire my own private nurse and pay for it myself. Thanks everyone.
You need to demand a thourough checkup and your Dr. to check you into the Hospital. I was in your shoes a year ago and I could not find a Dr. who beleived I was ill enough to actually die. Have you had the following tests, these are standard for breaking down an abdominal illness?
Liver Panel, CBC, H Pylori Test, Endoscopy, Ultrasound, CT Scan, Small Bowel Follow Through test, Anti Nuclear Antibody, Anti Smooth Muscle, Anti Trypsin, Iron, Transferrin, Ferritin, HEP C and B, Giardia
You really need to go after this hard while you still have enough energy. If you feel like you mnight die, you need help right away. Demand that they give you all the above tests and more. Get into the emergency room if necessary and demand these tests.
Liver Panel, CBC, H Pylori Test, Endoscopy, Ultrasound, CT Scan, Small Bowel Follow Through test, Anti Nuclear Antibody, Anti Smooth Muscle, Anti Trypsin, Iron, Transferrin, Ferritin, HEP C and B, Giardia
You really need to go after this hard while you still have enough energy. If you feel like you mnight die, you need help right away. Demand that they give you all the above tests and more. Get into the emergency room if necessary and demand these tests.
may be you should stay away from the acid pills etc and keep a lite diet (say no heavy meat,no grease ,no heavy cream,no hard liquor) and see what happens.
Just plain easy to digest food like white bread,boil rice,boil potato,boil lean meat .
does gum chewing help??
I have tried almost everything OTC and prescription (nexium,prevacid,prilosec),and I now take nothing.
I am getting better,I only have problem at nite ,and I keep a glass of water by my bedside so when the reflux happens ,I will drink some water.
Try not to eat 3 hours before you sleep and drink plenty of water to cleanse your system,keep your bowel moving and if you exercise you should be aware certain exercise is called jarring exercise which loosen the LES.
Just plain easy to digest food like white bread,boil rice,boil potato,boil lean meat .
does gum chewing help??
I have tried almost everything OTC and prescription (nexium,prevacid,prilosec),and I now take nothing.
I am getting better,I only have problem at nite ,and I keep a glass of water by my bedside so when the reflux happens ,I will drink some water.
Try not to eat 3 hours before you sleep and drink plenty of water to cleanse your system,keep your bowel moving and if you exercise you should be aware certain exercise is called jarring exercise which loosen the LES.
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