My Story, need support

1085 Views 26 Replies 14 Participants Last post by katz16000, Apr 24, 2000

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Discussion Starter · Mar 28, 2000

Hi, my name is Chris. I am 19 years old. I was having lower abdominal pains near my waist, and I was having loose bowels. I went to the doctor and he said it would go away, but I just had to stop worrying about it. I didnt and now I am worse. I started poohing out some light brown mucas... and when I wouldnt drink anything or eat anything, it would be clear. I also have pains in my left upper abdomen... It feels better though whenever I burp... I am so scared... Also my stomach makes weird gurrgling sounds and then all the pain goes away. I am scared and my doctor acts like I am crazy and told me to go see a psychologists. I know I have had lots of person problems lately, but I am scared. I am kinda sure I have IBS.. but can anyone here give me some support... I am so paranoid I have cancer I stare at my eyes and hands to make sure I dont have jaundice... I am just obsessed by it.. yet I can still sleep at night without waking up in pain.. is it all in my head... Please someone help = )

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Discussion Starter · #2 · Mar 28, 2000

First of all when ever a doctor tells you need a shrink for symptyms you feel are very real and he hasn't done any tests to tell you different, change doctors, get one who will listen to you. Your symptyms are classic IBS, which for a lot of people stress makes it worse. I have Crohn's disease and when I am stressed my symptyms are out of control. So don't panic, get a new doctor and start from the beginning. If you don't know which doctor to go to, come back to this page post where you live and see if someone in your area will respond with a referal. Remember you are not alone IBS is a real disease.Keep us posted.

teal

· #3 · Mar 28, 2000

Chris, I felt the same way like I had cancer. It is so scary when you know something is wrong and they tell you its in your head. It does sound like IBS. I had the same pains you do. I would find a Doctor that will listen to you. And that wants to help you. Keep trying. I went to about 6 if not more intill I finally was told I was not crazy I was not going to die. I had IBS. I than got the help I needed and found this wonderfull place. You will get alot of info. and help and all the support here. Teal.

Dave17

· #4 · Mar 28, 2000

Hey man,I felt the same way, I would be in utter pain all day and then when I finally finished the day I was able to sleep, only to feel crappy the next morining.First thing, ditch the Doc that says you are nuts.Second it ain't in your head, there are about ohh i don't know 10,000 of us on this bulletin board and thats a lot of heads to be experienceing the same thing. Also Im 17 I got to deal with this #### in highscool so I feel your pain , im 17. Here is one thiing you could try. There is a calcium supplement called Caltrate Plus its in a purple and white box. It is not perscription and is natural. It helps me a little and it has helped others a lot. check it out.DaveIm sorry you have to experience this stuff, but at least your not alone.

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Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 28, 2000

This is great. I love this. YOu guys have made me feel so much better. My doctor did some test where he pushed in everywhere in my stomach..and I didnt have any pain. I am just scared, but hearing this from you guys made me feel better. Thanks... any more advice... any vitamins I should take or anythnig

Tucker

· #6 · Mar 28, 2000

I can't tell you how may times I thought this IBS was SO abnormal I must be dying. If it weren't for medication, I swear I would have turned inside out. I'm 31 and look healthy, and you're 19 and healthy -- you just have IBS. You have an irritable bowel that is aggrivated by nerves. Sometimes it's worse, and sometimes it's better. and awlays expect the unexpceted! ha ha!!! Just kidding.If you have the squirts frequently, start taking Immodium EVERY DAY. I took FOUR a day for a very long time and that made me normal. I took two in the moring on an empty stomach right out of bed, and two before lunch -- again, on an empty stomach. I took the Immodium Advanced so I did not fart! ha ha (DON'T LAUGH!!) It has an anti-gas agent in it -- AND I NEEDED IT BAD!

Now, I'm on Lotronex only, and I never farted so much in my life. I'm hoping that will go away. I've only been on it for a week. Remember, stop the diarhhea BEFORE it starts. It's much easier on your life -- AND A LOT EASIER ON YOUR BUTT! HA HA.

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maggiew

· #7 · Mar 28, 2000

Ask your doctor for a referral to a gastro enterologist if you need a referral for your insurance, or just go see one if you do not need a referral. If you need a referral and can't get one from that turkey doc, get a new doc. That man sounds perfectly unsympathetic, and you need to make him go away. Explain to the GE what you told us, and ask for a colonoscope. That will either tell you there is something is wrong, or ease your mind and let you know it is IBS. IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. If they cannot find anything else wrong, they will then diagnose IBS. Please let us know that you are going in search of a doctor!Maggie------------------Praying for a cure for this NASTY IBS!

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Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 28, 2000

Hi please don't think you are alone at all with this problem.As you can see there are so many of us from all over the world.The one thing you have to remember is that you are not imagining any thing.I have had ibs for 17 years and during most of that time I was told it was all in my mind.The last 4 years have been my worst yet,but I was still told it was all my imagination and maybe I should see a psychiatrist(I am from UK and psychiatrists are not really seen unless you really do have something major going wrong for you)I eventually collapsed in my car and was rushed into hospital where even then one doctor I saw told me all that was up with me was I had haemorroids.I too felt like you that I had cancer and when the weight started falling off I was convinced that was the case.However now I have found a great gastroenterologist who believes in me and I really trust him,I now know it was not in my mind and the doctors that make you feel this way they are the ones with the problems.It is just that they don't understand something so they just fob you off with "It's all in your minds" no it is not it is all in our stomaches and it is as real as any other disease or disorder.I suggest you get a second opinion,your doctor is just ignorant and not really doing the job he is paid to do.Take care of yourself the stress causes the problem to go worse,try to talk to someone.I know its hard unless you are a sufferer then no-one really understands.Once you find a good doctor and see an enterologist and have the numerous tests then you will know that you are clear of any of the nasties(cancer,etc) and with help and support and belief in youself you will be able to start to cope.This site is a good place to start.We all believe you and we all understand.Take care and good luck.

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Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 28, 2000

I agree with maggiew. To get a accurate diagnoses you have to have the tests to rule out anything else. I was foutunate, I knew that it was IBS but didn't tell the Dr. what I thought it was. I let him run the tests and he was positive it was IBS. I told him later that I had that figured out earlier because I have had the symptoms as a teen. I had good Drs. This was in a huge Military Hospital in Wash state.(Thank you DR Wilson where ever you are!)

mj

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Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 28, 2000

Darlin, I soooo understand what your going through. I was there and made myself sicker for worring about it. Your body can go though trememdous pain and you may not have anything seroius happening. I thought for sure I was dieing too. Cancer was at the top of my list. After you find out you don't have a life threatening illness you go though a period of frustration and anxiety because the med. profession can't do anything for you. Well, your lucky because you have come here. No foolin, this sight has saved my life. Now I live almost pain free because of all the wonderful people here. Keep writing and reading. Good luck!

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Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 28, 2000

I understand your feelings as well,I am just starting to understan that I am not crazy, I have IBS and am looking forward to getting some help. I have suffered in siliance for 33 years. Get help now Please.

JeanG

· #12 · Mar 28, 2000

Hello Chris, and welcome to the Board. No, you are not crazy. IBS is not in your head, and we all have had the same thoughts you have. I agree with everyone else that the best thing would be for you to have the colonoscopy done to rule out anything else, and to ease your mind.JeanG

jane93

· #13 · Mar 28, 2000

No you're not crazy.I think when a doctor says "Its all in your head and sometimes it will just go away by itself" what they are trying to do is acknowledge the mind body connection. Its difficult to diagnose and most western doctors just don't get it. Read the post from TomfromAtlanta on how he recovered. Get yourself tested for your own peace of mind. Very few of us have IBD or cancer.We are all in this together ... Be sure to read all posts about hypnotherapy and recovery. I've had all the symptoms for 12 years..done many of the tests and am now recovering as I've realised that there is a mind body connection for many of us with IBS.Best wishes and remember many of us have or have had the same symptoms.Jane

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Discussion Starter · #14 · Mar 28, 2000

Chris....Go to Eric's post this morning of a report in US News and world report. It contains a good article about IBS. He gives the web site so you go and can read it. VERY Interesting. I'm sending it to my friends that have been praying for me.MJ

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Discussion Starter · #15 · Mar 28, 2000

Thank you very much. I swear the pain under my ribs is the worst. It goes away though when I burp a lot or when my stomach makes gurrgling noises. I was so scared that I had pancreatic Cancer... ITs so nasty... I was so upset that I didnt eat for a whole week, because my stomach was so upset. The Doctor just said that I had to loose weight and Exercise... He gave me a blood and urine test, which were fine. He said that he couldnt do anything more for me medically and that I needed psychological help. Does anyone else get the loud stomach noises.... I swaer this morning I acctually got to sleep in cuz I didnt have to go to the bathroom, but now I cant go at all... I am comstipated... I think I complain to much, but I just want to know that I am normal

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Discussion Starter · #16 · Mar 28, 2000

Hi Chris, Welcome to the BB. I'm 45 and thought a year ago I was dying but I was fortunate enough to have a doctor that took me completely seriously from the beginning. Lose your current doctor as fast as you can. There's no need to be made to feel the way this one has made you feel.I support everyone's sentiment that you need to find a good GI too and have the tests run. In the meantime you will want to puruse this board for things to try. There is a lot more that can be done to help you than your doctor led you to believe.Just so you know there is hope, I am so improved a year later (not normal but soooo much better) that I have been able to resume so much more of my life as normal.I get lots of gurgling noises too, mostly at bedtime for me but it used to be anytime! You'll want to look at lots of things from food to stressful situations (stress aggravates IBS but does not cause it). Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. Jackie

Marier

· #17 · Mar 28, 2000

Chris - welcome. I'm a fairly new sufferer (since late '98) and when mine started I was sure it was cancer! After all, change in bowel movements is one of the 8 signs. The fact that it started so suddenly gave me cause to worry my head off. First, I thought "touch of 'flu" and then it went on for two weeks. Finally, after 3 to 4 weeks of the diarrea nonsense, I took myself off to the doctor. He never came right out and said that it was IBS (I really think he didn't know), but some sort of disturbance. The stool test did alot to alleviate my worries. The doc did give me some anti-spaz meds because right before the big D would start, I would have these horrible cramps and spasms. The worst was the first 6 months and since then it's off and on. I can go for weeks without a problem and then wham! when I least expect it, I have D again for a few days.Like the others have said - get a new doctor. There's no reason for you to put up with docs who tell you it's in your head and you need a shrink. I think their medical degrees are in their head! You'll feel better when you have a doctor who listens and understands you. They are out there; I just haven't run into them, yet. (sigh)

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Discussion Starter · #18 · Mar 28, 2000

Thanks for all the words of encouragement. I had originally been told to take a stool test, but after my blood and urine came back, my doctor said that I was fine. He blamed it all on the stress that I had been having lately. I was having a heavy load of it. I am now just paranoid as hell thinking that my skin is gonna turn yellow and I am gonna get jaundice and I am gonna get pancreatic cancer. I have always been that way though, even though I know its bad. My doctor went as far as smiling a big smile and alost laughing when i asked him the question if I could have cancer or not. He assured me everytime that I saw him that I didnt have cancer... I have an appointment next week with a different doctor.. lets hope that he halps me a little more.. by the way,I have had dihhera and stuff, but soetimes, its like really hard for it to come out, and then others it just comes out like nothing? Is that normal. This board has been such a great help YOu are all wonderful

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Discussion Starter · #19 · Mar 29, 2000

OK I have some questions. 1. Does anyone get really bad gas? like it hurts, but then when u burp your whole chest area feels much better. Its almsot like the pain goes away2. Does anyone else have like different feelings, like sometime you have to run like hell to the bath room but nothing comes out, or it feel like you have to go bad and u have to like try real hard?3.Does anyone else get afraid that they have something worse, like cancer, and like constantly check there arms and legs and eyes for jaundice.. Thats the worst thing about me is my paranoid state.My doctor gave me zantac for the gas, which works great. He also gave me so anxiety medicine but it gave me the shakes. He also gave me something to stop the diherra which made me feel better for 2 or 3 days, then he stopped it and I am back to dihhera or constipation. Luckily though my stools are always brown, but either light or dark... I never had black or anything.does this sound like IBS...?

mamamia

· #20 · Mar 30, 2000

Mr. Copeland

on't be scared. IBS is a real pain in the butt, so to speak, but it won't kill ya.We are always here for you. All ages and sizes and walks of life. love to all. mama

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