This is a little lengthy, and I apologize for that; I'll try to keep this as short as I can.
I used to be a regular on these Boards; I was severely suffering with IBS and Diverticulosis, and my GI was not helping me. He had told me I needed surgery to remove a portion of my colon to prevent more diverticulitis attacks, although he conceded at that time I hadn't had enough attacks to warrant the operation. He offered no other option, and when I refused the surgery, he showed me the door and told me to not to call him but to call my regular doctor from now on.
I was having those attacks on a regular basis. They were very debilitating, to such a point that I had anxiety about going anywhere. I even gave up my favorite sport -- rowing -- for fear of getting out on the water and having another attack. My regular doctor was giving me antibiotics on a regular basis to treat the diverticulitis, but it got to the point where he became concerned, and suggested I return to my GI, and possibly the surgery if there was no alternative.
I disliked my GI so much I refused to go back to him, but agreed to see one of his partners. Fortunately for me, the partners would not take me on; they insisted I return to my old GI. I say "fortunate for me" because I had no choice but to try a different medical group entirely, which turned out to be the best thing that's happened to me since my IBS diagnosis.
I went to my first appointment with my new GI, knowing I would have to have another colonoscopy and the recommended surgery. I had heard nightmares about colon removal, and I was dreading it. My husband joined me at that appointment for moral support.
My new GI listened to my tale of woe, asked a million questions, examined me, then shocked both my husband and me by suggesting a much more "conservative" treatment than surgery. He strongly recommended I avoid surgery at all cost. While he didn't question that I might have diverticulosis, he did not believe all my attacks had been diverticulitis, but extreme IBS! He suggested we try an experiment: he would prescribe some gentle medication for the IBS, and if (not "when" but "IF") I had another so-called "diverticulitis" attack, I was to call his private number and he would immediately get me into his office for blood tests and to take my temperature.
The medication worked wonders. Not only did I no longer have any IBS or diverticulitis attacks, but I felt like my old self again, totally free of anxiety and ready to go out and enjoy myself without worrying about where the next public bathroom was. It's an old cliche, but it's true: my new GI gave me my life back.
That was almost a year ago. I have had only one IBS attack since, but it was very mild and didn't last long. I have not had any so-called diverticulitis attacks at all, and I feel so much happier. My husband said I'm a completely different person, much more amiable, much more content, and frankly, much more pleasant to be around.
We both returned to my new GI on a follow-up visit to thank him. He was not surprised at all with my results, and told me he doesn't need to see me again unless I happen to have another attack, and he once more gave me his "private"
number. He said I am to continue on my mild medication indefinitely; they are not addictive.
I have never felt better. I even purchased a new rowing shell and have gone out on the water almost every day. It's a tough workout, one I have not done in a very
long time – since before my IBS diagnosis – and is taking me a long time to get my body back in shape, but I'll get there.
If you are not getting any help from your GI – like me – find a better one – like me. It can change your life.
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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