Aa
OT I grow sicker by the day
I finally have an appointment with a PCP tomorrow. I have been pleading all week. I just hope at this point I do not need to be hospitalized. I hate when I go to a Doctor and nothing is done until it turns serious. I finally e-mailed them a picture of my distended abdomen. Now I have gone beyond pain from the gut shutting down to weakness. They told me my digestive system has shut down but all I was told yesterday was quit eating until it resolves itself. Since I have not been eating well for a month I just do not think I can go much longer.
I wish I could go to a Veterinarian. I would have been treated more quickly and more humanly.
Alex
I wish I could go to a Veterinarian. I would have been treated more quickly and more humanly.
Alex
Alex,
I won't reiterate what everyone else said on the medical basis, but I do pray that this will resolve soon and you will receive the medical attention you need pronto.
I can't imagine the worry you must be going through and the frustration with the doctor's office staff. I think it is a great idea that you start a staffing agency for the hopeless office staff. Heh.
Please do take care of yourself.
Lisa
I won't reiterate what everyone else said on the medical basis, but I do pray that this will resolve soon and you will receive the medical attention you need pronto.
I can't imagine the worry you must be going through and the frustration with the doctor's office staff. I think it is a great idea that you start a staffing agency for the hopeless office staff. Heh.
Please do take care of yourself.
Lisa
Okay now I am on the fruit and water diet and supposed to drink two bottles of Magnesium Citrate. After asking I can take them two days apart instead of at once. Oh and I am supposed to just be patient my MS has shut my gut down. I told the nurse I hope I do not end up in the hospital as I lose more weight. I am not thin but I do not think losing weight this rapidly is ideal.
I spent one week on matzo and ginger ale and yogurt
two weeks on boil chicken yogurt and natural rice
one week on pedicure and yogurt
one week on boiled chicken and greens and yogurt
one week not eating only liquids and probiotics
one week on greens and lean meat and probiotics
know fruit and liquids and probiotics
Alex
I spent one week on matzo and ginger ale and yogurt
two weeks on boil chicken yogurt and natural rice
one week on pedicure and yogurt
one week on boiled chicken and greens and yogurt
one week not eating only liquids and probiotics
one week on greens and lean meat and probiotics
know fruit and liquids and probiotics
Alex
i had aweful pain on my lower right side with nausia off an on for a year. Turns out that the movement in your colon is controlled by a cranial nerve. Mine had a huge lesion. I guess that it re-milanated, because things are much improved. I live on Miralax and ocassionally take "the green bomb" (magnesiun citrate). My Gastro said "Never go beyond day 5." I resort to dramatic things on day 5.
Hoping that you get some answers and releif soon!
Love to you, Ann
Hoping that you get some answers and releif soon!
Love to you, Ann
And everybody needs something first thing Monday morning. Only thing worse is Tuesday after a three day weekend.
Mary
Mary
All the Doctor's offices were packed luckily I had written up specific notes to leave. People were so p-ssed at the staff. I remember those days of veterinary. As front desk you get everyone's anger. I said so everyone could hear I feel for you being so short staffed today. I do.
I need to ruminate on this one as part of my solutions to our current medical problems for my blog. I do not believe in just complaining but thinking of suggestions for change.
I used my current situation to put forth an argument for our State Legislature against a Bill that will make medical care even more remote for someone like me.
I now have avoid Specialists, ER's and Hospitalization not because I want to but because they are beyond my reach. In July much more health care will beyond my reach with even higher premiums, copays, deductibles, etc. We are now choosing between the 70/30 and 80/20. It seems a no brainer 80/20 however we never reach the point where the plan kicks in so we end up paying for most care on top of pocket.
Why do I stay with the Doctor's I have? They do not charge beyond my copay. In some cases not even that. They also provide me with lots of samples. They do care and are good Doctors. Doctors like this are popular which makes them busy.
Alex
I need to ruminate on this one as part of my solutions to our current medical problems for my blog. I do not believe in just complaining but thinking of suggestions for change.
I used my current situation to put forth an argument for our State Legislature against a Bill that will make medical care even more remote for someone like me.
I now have avoid Specialists, ER's and Hospitalization not because I want to but because they are beyond my reach. In July much more health care will beyond my reach with even higher premiums, copays, deductibles, etc. We are now choosing between the 70/30 and 80/20. It seems a no brainer 80/20 however we never reach the point where the plan kicks in so we end up paying for most care on top of pocket.
Why do I stay with the Doctor's I have? They do not charge beyond my copay. In some cases not even that. They also provide me with lots of samples. They do care and are good Doctors. Doctors like this are popular which makes them busy.
Alex
Sounds like a good plan Alex. It's always harder to ignore someone standing in the office than it is a phone call. Errrr, I hate when I live my life around a call back plan and then someone in the office changes it up without notice. The assumption is we have nothing to do but sit around being sick waiting for them to get to miracle cure #1086642.
I think part of the problem in offices is that the "nurse" there is no longer a nurse. Doctors have to employ an army of clerical workers for the business side of medicine but let licensed nurses (who could really help with patients) slide away. Wherever you go you see fewer people employed to do larger quantities of work. It's no wonder half of us are sick!
I'm glad you feel better today. Still.... stay with the plan for a better yet tomorrow.
Mary
I think part of the problem in offices is that the "nurse" there is no longer a nurse. Doctors have to employ an army of clerical workers for the business side of medicine but let licensed nurses (who could really help with patients) slide away. Wherever you go you see fewer people employed to do larger quantities of work. It's no wonder half of us are sick!
I'm glad you feel better today. Still.... stay with the plan for a better yet tomorrow.
Mary
Okay my MS Specialist had an emergency appendectomy. No one is returning calls or e-mails.
My Gynecologist has zero front desk help and one nurse. I am kinda glad the last gal was scaring me when she went to draw blood. I think they have been short handed awhile.
Of course my PCP needs more good help.
May be I need to start a temp agency for competent front desk staff? It seems to be an epidemic.
I guess I will drop by the Gynecologists office at 11:30 when she is free. I was told she would call after 11:30. I had an important errand to run so I did at 10:00. She called I missed it and can't get anyone on the phone i.e. the nurse is answering the phone and can't when she is busy. Then I will stop by the PCP in person since the phones there are a nightmare.
I am better today. Still bloated but better.
Alex
My Gynecologist has zero front desk help and one nurse. I am kinda glad the last gal was scaring me when she went to draw blood. I think they have been short handed awhile.
Of course my PCP needs more good help.
May be I need to start a temp agency for competent front desk staff? It seems to be an epidemic.
I guess I will drop by the Gynecologists office at 11:30 when she is free. I was told she would call after 11:30. I had an important errand to run so I did at 10:00. She called I missed it and can't get anyone on the phone i.e. the nurse is answering the phone and can't when she is busy. Then I will stop by the PCP in person since the phones there are a nightmare.
I am better today. Still bloated but better.
Alex
Hi Alex,
Deb61 and twopack make two very good points. First from Debs61 regarding if its bloating or is it fluid and bloated? Two very different situations.
Twopack is correct. You have tried their version of a treatment and it still doesn't seem to help. To determine bacteria overgrowth in the small intestine they have to do a particular test to perform. I don't remember all the details, but they did it to Kev. I believe he drank a liquid then exhaled into a device for measurement. Sorry about the fuzzy details ;it's been 10 years.
Anyway, twopack is right. Just as we discussed the other day re bloat in an animal . You too, are an animal only you are smart enough to walk yourself over to the hospital and get checked out properly by a GI consultant.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
Ren
Deb61 and twopack make two very good points. First from Debs61 regarding if its bloating or is it fluid and bloated? Two very different situations.
Twopack is correct. You have tried their version of a treatment and it still doesn't seem to help. To determine bacteria overgrowth in the small intestine they have to do a particular test to perform. I don't remember all the details, but they did it to Kev. I believe he drank a liquid then exhaled into a device for measurement. Sorry about the fuzzy details ;it's been 10 years.
Anyway, twopack is right. Just as we discussed the other day re bloat in an animal . You too, are an animal only you are smart enough to walk yourself over to the hospital and get checked out properly by a GI consultant.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
Ren
Not to sound argumentative Alex but...
just how did they determine that bacterial overgrowth is your problem???
I ask because this problem would have to be in the small bowel (bacteria is normal and abundant in the large bowel) and can't be confirmed except by aspiration of small bowel fluid. It doesn't seem to be the first or easiest thing to rule in or out as the problem whilst you take antibiotics and wait around in agony.
Do they even know for sure which part (or parts) of your GI tract are shut down? Are you distended with gas or fluid or (like Lisa) full of **IT. Are they even sure it's your food tube? Do you still have all your girlie parts? Things can happen there that make you look pregnant even when you aren't. Maybe the upper gut IS shut down but you can't just let the lower gut veg out on veggies.
Know how everything that goes up must come down? Well, everything that goes in must come out! You CAN NOT continue to input food if you have inadequate output of poop. Ask Polly and Grady. They'll tell you.
I'm not upset at you Alex. I'm upset with so-called professionals who routinely drop the ball concerning bowel issues. Kelly is right. They can be deadly. Years ago, I made two trips to the ER and was admitted in misery only to hear the laughter of staff who were clueless to the danger their ignorance placed me in. It was a bowel prep for a colonoscopy that "cured" my problem. I took Luctulose until I found a routine that worked to keep IBS (or whatever it is) under control.
So fess up girl. Are you bloated only or bloated and not pooping? (You don't have to really tell us all, of course)
I still think you may be dealing with MS related gastroparesis but if your gut isn't moving anything along right now you have to start there. If the office doesn't have a resolution for you tomorrow (and that means results and RELIEF) you NEED to go to the hospital and tell them you are not leaving until you have an answer. Period.
I'm sorry Alex. I'm geared tonight and not very diplomatic. I admire you so much but it is possible to be TOO patient. Pushing through the pain will get you through another day but can't solve a problem that requires more than time. Advocate for ONE person tomorrow. You know who that is GF.
Mary
just how did they determine that bacterial overgrowth is your problem???
I ask because this problem would have to be in the small bowel (bacteria is normal and abundant in the large bowel) and can't be confirmed except by aspiration of small bowel fluid. It doesn't seem to be the first or easiest thing to rule in or out as the problem whilst you take antibiotics and wait around in agony.
Do they even know for sure which part (or parts) of your GI tract are shut down? Are you distended with gas or fluid or (like Lisa) full of **IT. Are they even sure it's your food tube? Do you still have all your girlie parts? Things can happen there that make you look pregnant even when you aren't. Maybe the upper gut IS shut down but you can't just let the lower gut veg out on veggies.
Know how everything that goes up must come down? Well, everything that goes in must come out! You CAN NOT continue to input food if you have inadequate output of poop. Ask Polly and Grady. They'll tell you.
I'm not upset at you Alex. I'm upset with so-called professionals who routinely drop the ball concerning bowel issues. Kelly is right. They can be deadly. Years ago, I made two trips to the ER and was admitted in misery only to hear the laughter of staff who were clueless to the danger their ignorance placed me in. It was a bowel prep for a colonoscopy that "cured" my problem. I took Luctulose until I found a routine that worked to keep IBS (or whatever it is) under control.
So fess up girl. Are you bloated only or bloated and not pooping? (You don't have to really tell us all, of course)
I still think you may be dealing with MS related gastroparesis but if your gut isn't moving anything along right now you have to start there. If the office doesn't have a resolution for you tomorrow (and that means results and RELIEF) you NEED to go to the hospital and tell them you are not leaving until you have an answer. Period.
I'm sorry Alex. I'm geared tonight and not very diplomatic. I admire you so much but it is possible to be TOO patient. Pushing through the pain will get you through another day but can't solve a problem that requires more than time. Advocate for ONE person tomorrow. You know who that is GF.
Mary
hey Alex thanks for checking in. I haven't posted anything but been thinking about you. I just don't know what to say. but am real glad you posted an update.
greens and lean meat doesn't sound bad. ok so not much of a meat eater. all of a sudden I have a craving for alpha sprouts and veggies.
really this seems to have gone on for too long. sure hope you find something to fix this soon.
please let us know what the PCP says tomorrow. thanks
Raz
greens and lean meat doesn't sound bad. ok so not much of a meat eater. all of a sudden I have a craving for alpha sprouts and veggies.
really this seems to have gone on for too long. sure hope you find something to fix this soon.
please let us know what the PCP says tomorrow. thanks
Raz
Hi this sounds serious. You are not able to move your bowl? I had this happen from chemo and it was deemed "serious" after 2 weeks of not going they were going to admit me and I was even told last resort was surgery!
They told me to take Lactulose! This stuff worked after two hours it is not a stimulant but some other type of laxative.
They told me to take Lactulose! This stuff worked after two hours it is not a stimulant but some other type of laxative.
No worse no better. I did ride for an hour yesterday. It was grand. I did have a diaphragm spasm afterwards.
I have had blood work, a bunch of tests, and an x-ray. Nothing abnormal. Nothing is moving. I am eating greens and lean meat as the Doctor told me. I am off all sugar, carbohydrates, and yogurt. I was also told laxatives will mess things up more. I had taken mirolax for one day.
I had been drinking Pediolite. To balance electrolites. Before that matzo and ginger ale for a few days.. All that was not good according to the Doctor.
I do not have a gall bladder, my liver and pancreas are fine. I do not have an ulcer. I do not have indigestion or any acid reflux.
I do not drink alcohol, smoke, eat processed foods, drink soda, eat a lot of carbohydrates, or fats. I drink a lot of water. I am usually am as regular as clock work. I am very active.
I have had no fevers no bug that I know of. No vomiting or the other. I have been dropping weight for awhile. As usual it is something weird.
The Doctors say my gut shut down then I got a slight overgrowth of E.coli that was in my gut so they gave me Cipro.
I will call the PCP tomorrow. They said the next step in an ultrasound?
My body is just plain weird.
Alex
I have had blood work, a bunch of tests, and an x-ray. Nothing abnormal. Nothing is moving. I am eating greens and lean meat as the Doctor told me. I am off all sugar, carbohydrates, and yogurt. I was also told laxatives will mess things up more. I had taken mirolax for one day.
I had been drinking Pediolite. To balance electrolites. Before that matzo and ginger ale for a few days.. All that was not good according to the Doctor.
I do not have a gall bladder, my liver and pancreas are fine. I do not have an ulcer. I do not have indigestion or any acid reflux.
I do not drink alcohol, smoke, eat processed foods, drink soda, eat a lot of carbohydrates, or fats. I drink a lot of water. I am usually am as regular as clock work. I am very active.
I have had no fevers no bug that I know of. No vomiting or the other. I have been dropping weight for awhile. As usual it is something weird.
The Doctors say my gut shut down then I got a slight overgrowth of E.coli that was in my gut so they gave me Cipro.
I will call the PCP tomorrow. They said the next step in an ultrasound?
My body is just plain weird.
Alex
Did you have an x-ray to determine what is making your abdomen extended? Fluid in your abdomen points to something else (like liver issues) and gas another.
time to check in, Alex.... there are a bunch of us waiting to hear that you are doing better.
I'm a little late coming into this. I hope that you start to feel better soon. At least you have a plan, some guidance, and a diet. But when I hear, "your gut is shutting down" alarms go off in my head. I hope they keep a close watchful eye on you. This could be a very dangerous thing going on with you. The boyfriend of my partner's mom had MS. He was have a very difficult time with his digestive system. Needless to say, he is no longer here with us. So please please please be careful!!!!
Hugs,
Kelly
Hugs,
Kelly
You are so proactive that I'm not surprised you've got a plan to follow now. I hope, truly hope, that this infection gets under control. Last thing you need right now is to be brought down.
Lots of hugs coming your way my friend.
Julie
Lots of hugs coming your way my friend.
Julie
Alex
I hope you are on the road to recovery glad they figured out what was wrong but wish you got the treatment you deserve earlier
best wishes
Kathy
I hope you are on the road to recovery glad they figured out what was wrong but wish you got the treatment you deserve earlier
best wishes
Kathy
Thanks everyone for your support it means a lot. I am not out of the woods yet. Nothing has changed yet. I feel optimistic now that I have a real plan and things have been explained.
Alex
Alex
Oh Alex! So glad you got into to see the dr and got some advice. Sounds like this thing may take some time to resolve.
Please continue to check in and let us know how you are feeling. Curl up with those adorable dogs of yours and know we are sending good thoughts your way.
Julie
Please continue to check in and let us know how you are feeling. Curl up with those adorable dogs of yours and know we are sending good thoughts your way.
Julie
Oh my goodness, you sure have been through alot lately, I hope this Dr will finally give you some help that will help you.
let us know how you feel through the weekend, if you get worse I would head to the ER.
take care friend
wobbly
let us know how you feel through the weekend, if you get worse I would head to the ER.
take care friend
wobbly
Gosh Alex...I am happy to hear that you went to the Dr and got some answers and medication. I hope this works. Feel better!! I'll be thinking about you and you're in my prayers.
Take Care-
Kristi
Take Care-
Kristi
(((Alex))),
I am so sorry you have been feeling so awful and in pain. Glad your Dr. has helped you find the right direction and is going to look into why the weight loss.
I am thinking of you and wishing you better days ahead,
Michelle
I am so sorry you have been feeling so awful and in pain. Glad your Dr. has helped you find the right direction and is going to look into why the weight loss.
I am thinking of you and wishing you better days ahead,
Michelle
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