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We are frustrated with Drs diagnosis. Doctors seem quick to diagnose IBS when no obvious reason for symptoms stares right at them. There is something obviously wrong and we are tired of treating the symptoms with meds that do not work. Medical procedures listed below have found nothing structurally wrong. Do we have any hope of finding a Dr who would take this as a challenge and look beyond the easy IBS cop-out? Also, a friend recommended looking in to "paregoric elixir" for temporary relief... any feedback on that? Below is medical history...

Personal:
Female, 32 yrs of age.

Main Symptoms:
Since age 17- Abdominal Cramping, Diarrhea & Urgency to go to the bathroom
Within the last two years – Same as above plus Frequent Nausea, Indigestion, Gas, Bloating, Severe Abdominal Pain.

Symptoms are the same with empty stomach as with full, but intensity of symptoms seems to worsen after meals. Symptoms wake her up from her sleep; sometimes feel stomach churning. Intensity and frequency of symptoms have worsened over the last two years, sick at least 4-5 days per week.

1991
Procedures:
Upper & Lower GI
Diagnosis:
IBS
Meds:
Donnatal, PRN, 1 yr
Levsin, PRN, 1 yr
(Not taken at the same time)

1993-2000
Treated symptoms only with over-the-counter anti- diarrhea meds (Imodium)

2000
Procedures:
MRI with Dye & Colonoscopy
Diagnosis:
IBS
Meds:
Bentyl, PRN

2000
Procedures:
Laparoscopy; lesions removed
Diagnosis:
Endometriosis

2007
Procedures:
Small Bowel Series, Endoscopy, Biopsy of Stomach and Small Bowel. No abnormal findings.
Diagnosis:
IBS
Meds:
Donnatal, PRN
Prevacid, PRN
6 Responses
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268911 tn?1213744781
Check out "Celiacs Disease."  The sypmtoms seem to suggest this problem.  The good news is that if you are dealing with this disease all you have to do is quit eating foods made with a substance called Gluten.  Gluten is in almost everything we eat, soy sauce, croutons, salad dressing, ketchup, cake, bread, pasta, beer, breakfast cereal...anything with wheat, barley or rye.  Fresh meat, chicken, fish, fruits and veggies will be about all you can eat.  There is a whole line of gluten free food but it is quite expensive.  PLEASE look into this.  I too have had every test known to man done and finally found my problem on the internet.

Also...it is quite common for people with Celiac to also be lactose intollerant meaning dairy is no longer your friend.  If you are lactose intollerant you can experience severe abdominal pain, gas and bloating as you body can no longer break down certian sugars in dairy.  

Please let me know what happens.
Helpful - 0
398551 tn?1205415844
I am having a similiar situation...severe pain, but "there's nothing there causing it'.  Dr did finally do a thyroid test, and it came back that I have hypothryoidism.  Been on synthroid for about a month.  I can't tell that there is any relief or difference.  Definately have your thyroid checked
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I take Questran (generic Cholestrymine) 1 tsp. w/ water at bed (One package can be to binding and constipate.),  It binds bile and stops my diarrhea.  If I don't take this at bedtime.  The next morning, no matter what I put in my mouth I will have diarrhea.  I had my gallbladder removed 9 yrs. ago, and with that I got IBS w/ severe diarrhea (pain and fatigue, alot of acid).  Also, try Protonix for acid.  I cannot eat gassy fruits or vegies, citrus or acidic foods, no fried or fatty foods, no dairy, no alcohol, caffiene, garlic, onions.  I eat low sugar, low fat meals - oatmeals, fiber one bars, fruit & nut bars, lean quisine meals, applesauce, activia yogurt. No real people food.
The Questran is a miracle for me.  I've just been put on -SYMAX an antispasm med for your digestion and it took away my nausau. I also have dyspepsia (difficulty digesting). I live w/ pain everyday due to digestion and adhesions and it disrupts my life and family.
Good luck, I wish you well.
Helpful - 0
212753 tn?1275073111
oops ohh well Does she have other symptoms like joint pain?  excessive tiredness dry skin hair and nails? google thyroid hypo and hyperthyroidism to see if she has these ssyptoms as well.
Love Venora
Helpful - 0
212753 tn?1275073111
PS
Helpful - 0
212753 tn?1275073111
WEll have you had her thyroid tested/  there is a definate link between malfunctioning thryoids and IBS.I had excruciatingly painful ibs with D since 1978last year I got my thryoid out and was put on levthyroxine and I have not had one episode of IBS. sometime I get the D but now pain like I used to have.I suspect many IBS sufferers are hypothyrodi of hperthyroid.NOw mind you I have no medical proof but other people I have talked to have experienced the same thing after being put on synthroid or levothyroxint. Their IBS went away.
So get her thyroid checke and let me know what happens.
LOVe Venora
Helpful - 0
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