Finally - a Diagnosis
#284342 - 09/28/06 11:50 AM
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GaiasSong
Reged: 07/12/06
Posts: 267
Loc: SC (IBS-D/P) - STABLE! Spring 2007
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Well, after all the tests, I've got a diagnosis: IBS-D. I also have an internal fissure complicating matters. My GE states he believes the fissure is related to C (which I do get occasionally, even though I'm officially diagnosed with "D"). All the diagnosis activities have been pretty overwhelming and expensive, but definitely worth knowing that this won't kill me.
All the information I've gotten from Heather's site has helped SO MUCH. A couple weeks ago I started taking the acacia, and it's working well so far (and I appreciated the quick shipping). I'm hopeful that if I can get my SF level right, I'll only need the Immodium periodically, assuming I'll continue to watch my diet, too.
At the appt. where I got my diagnosis, the doc's Nurse Practitioner interviewed me (again) pretty thoroughly before the Dr. would even see me. While I was consulting with the Doc, the NP was in the room and at one point she piped up, "she's been on the Internet!" (in a tone that suggested I may have been tainted by something I found out there).
I've been advised to see a colorectal specialist about the fissure, so I'm going to quiz him (LOL) about IBS... if he seems knowledgeable and respectful, I may use the CRS as necessary (instead of the GE) for my IBS issues.
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I'm glad you've finally got a diagnosis. I noticed you hadn't been around and wondered what was going on. I know IBS is not what you wanted to hear - who doesn't want something easily fixable - but as you say, at least it's not something fatal. And I'm glad the Diet and SFS are helping.
I love your story about the heinous crime you committed - looking for information on the Internet. How could you?
Good luck with the CRS.
Take care.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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It kind of is funny. I mean, if they could provide you with more than "Eat lots of fiber", "It's different for everybody" and "Here is a prescription that you can see if it works", one might not NEED to go on the internet.
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I know, it was crazy.... they are telling me I have a "disease," and all they did was hand me some pamphlets that were placed there by the pharmaceutical companies. Finding Heather's site made such a difference. Having good information such as provided here--a plan you can follow--is probably the one thing that has kept me from being completely overwhelmed.
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Well, part of the problem is it isn't really a disease. There is nothing actually diseased about it. It is a dysfunction and a dreaded syndrome. Whenever they tack syndrome on it means "something we really don't know a lot about other than something is going on that shouldn't be and causes a problem but there doesn't appear to be any one 'fix' we can go by". It's like when they say you have cystic breast syndrome. I guess I watched too much Star Trek. I want a quick non-invasive scan and a cure 
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I saw the CRS yesterday about the fissure... I didn't like the doc or the practice at all. I just got a bad vibe there, all around. They are the only game in town, though... [sigh]. He said that the longer you have a fissure, the less likely it will heal without surgery, which is not good news in this case. I did insist on trying a non-surgical approach first, so he gave me a Rx for an ointment that needs to be secured from a compounding pharmacy... apparently those are pretty rare nowadays. So it's hot sitz baths for the next 21 days and application of ointment... I'm praying this will do the trick. I don't have *time* to have surgery, much less a lot of extra funds to pay for it...  ... so I'm just trying to keep my chin up. Hard to complain about a hot bath, I guess... it's been years since I actually took a sit-down bath or soak.
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Check multiple sources and make the best-informed decision possible!
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