Still suffering

[msanta]

I'm a 33 year old male and I've been diagnosed having IBS-C. I've had a colonoscopy to remove a polyp and a CT scan to rule out any serious problems. I've also been tested for food allergies and celiac disease. I still suffer from chronic constipation on a daily basis even with a high fiber diet and Psylium Husk supplements. I never really checked but I've noticed recently that I pass alot of undigested food (ie small pieces of meat, any beans or corn etc) Would IBS be a cause of not digesting food properly or could their be other issues I need to get tested for? During times when I feel the most discomfort and constipation, I always break out with acne and become more irritible. I've been dealing with this for 2 years and it's not getting better, any suggestions?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It is possible that IBS may play a role in not digesting food properly.  If there is still constipation, a colonoscopy would be recommended for further evaluation, and to rule out any anatomical abnormality.  If there is no structural abnormality, you may want to evaluate for an motility problems with colonic marker studies.  

If the diagnosis has been determined to be IBS, medications like Zelnorm have been used "off-label" (i.e. it is only suggested for use in females - some GI docs use it for males).  

You may want to consider these options with your gastroenterologist.  

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.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[yoshi]

did you check to see if there is enough acid in your stomach to digest the food properly??

[msanta]

I haven't done anything to check the acid in my stomach. Is there a simple test to check for this? I used to take ranatadine pretty regularly in the past but gave it up because it did not help.

[yoshi]

ranatatine will make it worse if you dont have enough acid to digest food.
easy test is to drink some cranberry juice/pineapple juice after you eat to see if it helps your digestion.

[msanta]

????? I mentioned in my email I had a colonoscopy and CT scan already. Did you read it?

[yoshi]

doc will not be answering you again as he seldom re visit past thread.
Why dont you google and find all the reasons which could cause constipation??
women past menopause have constipation due to inadequate hormone,but then you are a young man.
are you taking anything which contains Aluminium?i
fungal/yeast infection could also cause either diarhea (diarrhea) or constipation,take some yogurt with live culture and see if it helps.

[MyBellyHurts]

Hi there
I would highly suggest you start taking probiotics. I have NOT had a constipation problems (or the undigested foods) since I started. Once, I tried an experiment to go off of them and see what happened. All my previous symptoms came back. Natraen's Healthy Trinity is the way to go. Probiotics MUST be refrigerated to be effective so be careful what you choose to buy. Also, this brand is expensive but by far worth every penny. I'm here everyday on the boards if you have any more questions.,

Good Luck

[msanta]

Thanks for the comments, I'll look into your suggestions; Doctor's seem to give the same cookie cutter answer's that really don't help much.

[MyBellyHurts]

That's why they call it the "Practice" of medicine, they don't have it all down pat yet.

[Vegas1]

Every time I start to eat something, after the 4th or 5th bite the top of my throat feels tight and can't swallow have even choked many times . All tests were negative I do have a popping /clicking when I swallow and this started when the problem began any suggestions ?