Another reason to stay GLUTEN FREE!

[beentrying2quit]

I've been extremely dillignet in my gluten free life the past month...really watching what I eat, trying to make sure that everything is gluten free.  I can now tell when I've eaten something that has been cross contaminated.  Anyway...the past few weeks I've had this bad lower abdominal pain that would not go away.  Last Saturday it got so bad it scared me so I went to the ER.  They did a CAT scan on me and told me there was no blockage and they could not see anything wrong.  They gave me a script for Lortab and an anti-spasm med then 7 hours later kicked me out the door.  

Finally getting pissed off I called my surgeon that did some work on my colon a few years ago and told him "I'M COMING IN TODAY."  his nurse said "OK" as she new I was really pissed.  By the way...I love this doctor...think he is fantastic but he is getting old and he really looks tired.  

Once in his office I describe my pain, he looks at my results from the ER and said "looks like you have a portion of your small intestine that is paralyzed."  THAT GOT MY ATTENTION!  Knowing that gluten effects the small bowel I was finally relieved to find out what was causing my pain.

The bad part is that they may have to remove the portion of my small bowel that is paralyzed...THAT *****!  To all of you that suffer from celiacs disease...STAY GLUTEN FREE so this does not happen to you.

[GoingToMakeIt]

What a horrible thing to deal with. At least you know what is the cause of your pains. I am sorry that you have to go through this.

[JustMeok]

I wonder why the ER physician didn't see what your doctor saw? Please, please, get a second opinion before you allow a professional to do any invasive surgery.

How are your bowel movements? Are they slow or sluggish? By any chance, is the medical name for what you have called Gastroparesis??? Gastroparesis means paralysis of the stomach muscles. If so, a doctor can't just "look" at a cat scan or other film to make a finalized decision to do surgery.  

You must be given a gastric emptying test, where you are given food, and a small scanner is placed over your stomach for several hours, which watches activity, to determine if there is truly paralysis.

Depending on those results, two other scans(can't remember there names) are also ordered. To my knowledge, if it is Gastroparesis, the treatment includes diet, medication, and in some cases procedures. Surgery is always the last choice.

I really hope you find an answer. GET A SECOND AND POSSIBLY THIRD OPINION!!

http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroparesis/article.htm

[beentrying2quit]

Thanks for the info...I actually go for a test on Wednesday where I drink some stuff and they watch the transit through my bowels.  I guess this is where they can see if there is a "dead spot" in my small intestine.  My bowels have deffinately changed over the past few months but I think it may be due to some meds I've been on.

[JustMeok]

Oh ok. That wasn't mentioned in your previous message. I thought it was unsual for a doctor to suggest surgery from just looking at a catscan. That's good to hear. Most people can find relief without surgery. So don't worry. I have a feeling doctors will be able to get your bowels moving faster without surgery, which will eliminate the pain, and you'll be up and running in no time. :)

[miro51]

Also, if you are given any of the white or flavored chalky stuff to drink, even if you are told to drink lots of water to flush it out your system after the testing that's not all to drink.  Please ask your doctor about taking a laxative after because this thing is like cement in the bowels after, water alone does not flush it out your system..you need a laxative to clean your system out after because it totally constipates you.