dr. visit not so good
#45405 - 02/17/04 02:44 PM
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Su
Reged: 10/04/03
Posts: 134
Loc: VA
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I just got home from seeing my gastro.. It is an hr.s drive from here.
I had written my concerns on paper so I would not forget anything-that being severe gas,stomach pain,and frequent tightness in my stomach that exacerbates my constipation prob. and difficulty having a BM...it's like those muscles down there won't let go.
The last time I went he only saw me for less that 15 min. and I felt totally like an invisible member of a cattle line.
Anyway he answered my concerns-foods to avoid(I already knew from here but wanted him to communicate that he knew something).He gave me a paper w/a list of things that could be a problem.He suggested I discuss w/my psych. about the effectiveness and side effects of my other meds(I have so much anxiety whenever I have to go somewhere other than mundane errands).
He said I might have a pelvic floor problem which could be treated w/biofeedback or something else,but said I would need to go back to my urogynecoligist to figure that out.Then he suggested that I use Miralax for a while to see if that would help. Then he said come back in 6 mos.!!!
So I am just feeling lost and frustrated and very low.I know he answered my questions but I feel like I am once again at a dead end or at least that any improvement will be so delayed.If I have to wait 6 mos. to report that there still is a problem,it's just too long.Part of me feels like saying okay so I just have to accept that I am going to have all this constant gas and pain and discomfort and be glad it isn't something worse,but I still feel down.If there is a pelvic floor problem and it can be helped I want to get at it and start fixing it!
Guess I might have to take the issue into my own hands and move forward as soon as I see if the Miralax idea helps.(I've used it before,w/another dr., and it didn't fix things,but now he wants me to try a smaller dose)
Just whinning here.Need to vent. Thanks for listening. Suzy
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Su, I'm sorry you're feeling so frustrated! I forgot, have you tried probiotics? And are you taking a decent dose of soluble fiber supplements? Because those are two things that are very helpful to many people, and that's something you can do to take control of the situation with a doctor. You can also make sure you get plenty of exercise, drink herbal teas, etc. There are still plenty of options open to you, so don't lose hope! And remember that we've all been through similar experiences here and know what you're going through. Hang in there!
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"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Thanks Kree.I am taking Citrucel daily and that seems to have improved the C element,but not the motility issue.
I drink herbal teas all day long,but don't know much about probiotics.What are they and what do they do?
I am working on getting myself to walk after every meal as much as I can and then along w/daily chores,etc. I also walk the treadmill each nt.
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So sorry. Doctors really suck at this IBS thing. They really don't know how to help sometimes.
As for the pelvic floor thing, I know from pregnancy that it has to do with muscles that hold up the bladder. How can that be a problem with bowels?????
Anyway, I understand your frustration. My GI basically told me to "eat more fiber" and didn't want to see me again .... EVER. SO useless.
What you can do is channel your energies into focussing on feeling better by way of diet modifications.
Since you're having such severe bloating, I would stop the citrucel. It's famous for causing bloating and gas. Try Heather's acacia fiber or another supplement that does not contain psyllium.
Keep up with your teas and it's a great idea to start walking.
You can also visit the yoga board for some great gas relieving poses (trust me they work VERY well).
I would also take a good long look at your diet and see what you're eating. Making a few changes there could mean a world of difference. Did you read the diet guidelines on this website? How is it similar/different to what you're doing? Did you go over the list of triggers?
Just some suggestions. Hang in there. We're all here to help so be sure to ask questions, and hit the search button to find info as well.
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Probiotics are live cultures that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, as opposed to the unhealthy bacteria we don't want! They're found in soy yogurt, but can also be taken as a supplement. Heather has some info on them here. There have also been a lot of posts about them, so you can also do a search and I know you'll turn up a ton of results.
Hans, isn't Metamucil the fiber supplement that contains psyllium? I thought Citrucel was generally very well tolerated.
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"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Hey, Suzy, that sucks. If you're not happy with your meds, book an appointment for a month later. That was how often I was seeing my doc at your stage.
Hopefully, the diet and the supplements will help. Have you tried fennel teas for the bloating? Probiotics are great for helping your general digestive health - they boost your immune system too. If you don't like the soy yoghurts, you can get them in pills from health food stores.
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I feel your pain and frustration. 5 years ago, when I finally decided I had it, I went to the doctor. It was a military doctor. Anyway, she told me to take Fibercon. I had a flare up. It left me on the floor in the bathroom at work. I called, the fit me in 2 weeks later. She ordered an x-ray. The radiologist saw signs of IBS and put it in the notes. A few weeks later she ordered a small bowel follow-through. It took 8 days for me to get 'rid' of the barium. At the follow up appt. she told me everything looked normal. Um, is 8 days normal to pass barium? I thought it was around 3. Could I see a specialist? No...So what does she say? Try putting Karo syrup in everything you drink. My grandma did that for me when I was a kid and constipated. I was soooooo mad. I asked her if next she wanted me to dance around a fire naked on a full moon and walked out of the office vowing never to return. 6 months later I had another episode. I have a high tolerance for pain, so when I say episode, it means leaving me unable to function. As it started to pass, I went to their ER. They took an Xray and found that my colon was completely dialated. They considered admitting me, but to be honest, by that point military doctors had about as much of my respect as a serial killer. I passed on letting them admit me but did return the 3 weeks later for a colonoscopy. That just found that my colon was longer than it should be and had a few loops.
Luckily, shortly thereafter we moved. I moved back home and was able to go back to a doctor that I trusted. He is working with me and my gastro doctor. I had done a lot of research about diet (anyone else wonder if the reason IBS seems to be on the incline is the Atkins diet??) and they have been wonderful and supportive.
I am frustrated that I can't get 'rid' of it, but the tools I have to work with it are a Godsend. Luckily my doctors listen and treat me as though what I am going through is important.
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Thanks all
#45763 - 02/19/04 03:35 PM
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Su
Reged: 10/04/03
Posts: 134
Loc: VA
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Just want to say thanks everyone for your support and ideas and sharing.It makes me feel so much better to hear your words of encouragement and empathy.
I'm feeling better tont.,thank heaven.I am convinced that tension is a major factor.Today I had a massage and saw my therapist.She does "bioenergetic therapy".We talked and addressed some of my stressors. Then she showed me some exercises to relax and let down my stomach muscles.
It worked so well,that I have renewed hope and faith that I can learn to manage this.
I have already eliminated one of the meds I was on,Trazadone,to see if that is a factor too. It's funny my therapist looked up all my meds and they all listed C,my main pain, as a major side affect. Tom. I will see my psychiat. and discuss what other meds we can try. Hope she is agreeable to this.
On Mon. I have an apt. w/my internist and will ask her about the biofeedback for the pelvic floor issue. Hoping that I won't have to go that route.
Have any of you ever taken Miralax? I am trying to decide when is the best time to take it,since he said to continue taking the Citrucel too.
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