Could Sure Use Some Support...
#6921 - 04/23/03 12:01 PM
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KITTSES
Reged: 04/23/03
Posts: 2
Loc: Illinois
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I never had a name for what we always called "The Stomach" - pain, bloat, burning stomach, constipation and diarrhea. It was just the way my stomach was - annoying but not life-altering.
Then in early March, on a very stressed-out trip I swung into a cycle of diarrhea that no amount of babying and "white food" seems to be able to break.
In the past 7 weeks, I've lost about 25 pounds, continued to have diarrhea (not every day, but every other or so)and am now on leave from work. I cannot eat anything of substance without diarrhea striking in an hour or so afterward, and I am now into a weak and listless stage with awful stomach pains. I suspect that I have screwed up my metabolism or have aggravated my often empty stomach with all of the stomach acid or something...
I have not had a physician since moving here three years ago -- tried one three weeks ago who had no suggestions for nutrition but told me I seemed awfully emotional (6 weeks of diarrhea doesn't make one emotional?!!) and ought to let her write me up a prescription for anxiety meds. She did run a series of blood tests and stool tests (don't know for what) that all came back negative. Their next step is to have me go in for a colonoscopy at the end of May.
I am trying another doctor but can't get in until next week and by then I can't see that I'll be able to drive the 30 miles to the appointment!
I'd appreciate any support or suggestions you all can give me -- I'm feeling very alone and very scared. Seems like I just get worse and worse instead of any better.
Thanks.
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"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it!"
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I am sorry to hear of your troubles. It certainly sounds like you have IBS, just like all of us! Even though it strikes everyone differently, you more than likely have it. If you haven't looked into Heather's books for breaking the cycle of attacks and what to do, you should. They are SO HELPFUL! And everyone on this site is so nice and supportive. I hope that you can find the help that you need from this site and a supportive DR. Good luck!
-Christianne
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What if the Hokey Pokey is what it's all about???
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Hi Kit,
Oh Sweetie! I know just how you feel! I went through something simular to you before finding out that my bad stomach was IBS. The doctors also started to test me for stuff and I had to give a stool sample..UGH... but they have to find if it might be a microb (giardia is one) because that can cause symptoms like what you are experiencing too. The doctors will just keep ruling stuff out until there's basically nothing left except IBS. Then I had a CAT scan and had to drink barium.. Yucko! But the good news was no obstructions or masses that could cause distress.. I was relieved, but still upset that they couldn't find what was wrong with me. Then they did a test for Celiac disease, which is an exreme allergy to gluten (wheat and other stuff)Nope, no Celiac.. So nothing was left except to have a colonoscopy and see if it was Crohn's disease or something else. Thats how they finally was able to find that I indeed, have IBS.
I have found that taking soluable fiber i.e. Metamucil (gives me bloating and gas) or my latest favorite, Citracel. It will help you even though you have D right now. Read everything you can to educate yourself here and at the links provided on the first page where it lists the different boards.. youwill see a few links there ..it really helped me to understand what to do to get myself stable.
Knowledge IS power, and then with your knowledge, you will be able to help get your doctor to get to the bottom of this. Get some one, anyone to drive you to the Doctor's!!!
Good Luck and God Bless
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~GEA~
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Hi! Welcome to the board. Here's that info on breaking the cycle.
Hope you're feeling better soon. Keep us updated. Good luck!
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Leslie - sorry to hear you're feeling poorly--but the upside is that you will feel better. I definitely think it's satisfying and less stressful to know what you DON'T have; i.e. Celiac, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, etc. The tests will be able to tell you. Even if your doc isn't that knowledgeable on IBS, WE ARE! Of course, we can't prescribe meds, but we know the signs, and symptoms and can help you educate your doctor about IBS.
We're here for you when you need us and we're glad you found the IBS Boards. Welcome.
Sharon
BTW, I'm one of the Recipe Exchange moderators. You question, we answer! You request, we deliver!
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Sharon
"Anything Chocolate"...that is all!
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I hope you are feeling better. Breaking the cycle on the web page works very well.
I really am not one to throw around advice on this site as I have only been on the diet since January myself. However, there are wonderful, knowledgable people on this site who are very supportive and helpful.
I just mostly wanted to say, I hope you are feeling better soon, ask any questions you need and prepare to start feeling better within a few days or a week at the most. I know that's all it took me.
Wishing you all the best,
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Lana_Marie
Proud Mommy to Bentley Taylor
Born May 12, 2004 9lbs, 3oz
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Hi, and welcome to the board. Here's the info on breaking the cycle people mentioned web page
I'd ask your doctor about Lomotil or Immodium until your test results come back and you can have the colonoscopy. It sounds like you're really having severe problems and that needs to be addressed, even if it's just with a stop-gap measure that will let you stabilize.
Try adding in a soluble fiber supplement as well - here's info on that web page
Please keep us posted...
Best,
Heather
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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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I am so sorry to hear that you are feeling so terrible. I know how frustrating it can be to not know what is wrong with you. I to have a lot of the same symptoms and I have lost 50lbs so far. My doctors are still not sure if what I have is IBS or not, but I decided to fallow the diet in Heather's books and now I have more good days than bad days and my weight has maintained for about a month now.
Hopefully this new doctor will be helpful to you but if not keep looking. I had to go through a few doctors before I found one who took my problem seriously.
Good Luck and let us know how you are doing!
Sarah
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Hello, Leslie!
So sorry you're feeling so unwell. I'm newly diagnosed with both IBS and colitis - started on Heather's basic diet as soon as I found this website and the D really cleared up. However, I hope you can keep that doctor's appointment, just to rule out anything else - like a parasite, etc, that someone else mentioned. The "self-treatment" is okay - pretty much necessary for IBS - but "self-diagnosis" probably isn't the best idea - good idea to have a "professional" confirm or rule out! I was fortunate enough to find a GI who has a special interest in IBS & IBD (inflammatory bowel diseases) and she started me on a prescription for the colitis right away. I've already been feeling better. Hope your doctor visit brings you speedy relief, too!
By the way, I had my colonoscopy a couple of weeks ago and that's when the colitis was discovered. The test was painless for me - the prep the night before was really the only disagreeable part. I encourage you to schedule one - you'll feel better when you rule some things out - and the scope provides your doctor with valuable information. (I'm 51, so I needed to have this done, anyway).
Blessings,
Kaybee
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Lana - HA! Nice signature! LOL 
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