Looking for a match.....
#301764 - 03/08/07 05:30 AM
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Hey!
For anyone who has ever read my posts, you know I'm a worrywort about my stomach symptoms, especially since my wedding is almost here. I have decided the best way to help alleviate my stress and worry about myself is to find a "match" or at least someone who exhibits some of my symptoms and can help ease my mind. I've mentioned in other posts that I've had four physicals by four different doctors, plus my gyno who does abdominal stuff and blood work was done at the height of my "problem". There were negative results for anything. I am really frustrated because I don't understand why I get "colon flare-ups" and I have no other symptoms. So, if I can list my symptoms and someone can tell me about theirs, if similar, it would really, really, really help me and probably help to shut me up about my problem. Here are my most common, reoccuring symptoms. (And I'm not even sure now it's IBS...it could be nerves and stress.)
* Discomfort on the left-hand side of the abdomen, (almost a little bit of soreness) sometimes between the hipbone and bottom of my rib, other times on the left-side of my navel. (this discomfort is usually alleviated by a bowel movement or release of gas.)
*Off and on constipation
* Dull soreness of the back on the left side, from the lower back all the way to the shoulder blade.
* Gas. I am the gas queen. Usually the gas in on the left side, but goes away in the afternoon. (I don't have 'crampy' gas.)
Those are my symptoms. And the ONLY symptoms I have. Which is why I am frustrated because my gas problem has made me think I have all of these diseases but I have nothing else wrong with me. Plus, my immune system is superb, which is why all of the doctors have tried to calm me down and tell me no, I'm not dying of anything. Usually my symptoms are aggravated by caffeine and when I am super stressed out. These symptoms have come and gone for almost ten years, but since I've been taking psyllium fiber, I would say 90% of my discomfort has been alleviated. Which is kind of weird, since fiber is supposed to sometimes make you really gassy.
Can anyone relate to me? Can anyone share their symptoms with me to ease my mind? I've thought about going for tests, but my symptoms are so minor in comparison to other people and they come and go, seemingly with my emotion, so it may be a big waste. Even my personal physician who is the head of the board in my city's major hospital just laughs and tells me to take fiber and settle down. Am I just crazy? Can anyone help me? I feel like I'm losing it over worrying about my colon. It really depresses me.
I would appreciate any and all feedback.
Thank you!!!
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I may not relate to all of your symptoms, but I can tell you that stress/anxiety is the biggest problem for me. I have been seeing a psychologist for almost a year now, and it has helped me more than any diet/pill/etc. When I'm relaxed, I feel good. When I'm anxious I don't. Simple as that. I found that when I stop stressing over what I can/can't eat, sticking to a rigid schedule, etc. I feel a lot better. I would highly recommend some kind of relaxation route...psychologist, hypnotherapy, anti-anxiety meds...or a combo of all of them. Anxiety is the root CAUSE of most of my problems...not the effects of my problems. So, by treating the actual cause, the other stuff gets better. HTH.
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~Mary
Had surgery for rectal prolapse in Sept. '06 and feeling good now! Loving life with our IVF miracle #1.
 
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Thank, you, Mary.
When I had a major surgery as a child, it really altered my mindset about my health and caused me to become a hypochondriac. Your words are true and wise, and I do need to get into a relaxation routine. I appreciate your reply with all of my heart.
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