[Guest]

I am waiting for my dr to come to the conclusion that I have IBS. I was in the hospital last week for 5 days due to severe dehydration, since I hadnt eaten and barely drank anything for a two weeks. The only reason the dr sent me to the hospital was because I passed out in his office. I have every single symptom of IBS, but dr says he cannot find out exactly what is wrong with me. Dr is a gastroenterologist, I am very depressed and anxious, I went to a psychiatrist who prescribed a med for my depression and anxiety. I am also on Prevacid, Propulcid, phernergan, and a hemorroid suppository. I have had an endoscopy,and dr found nothing but gastritis and redness at bottom of my esophogas. Does anyone know how I can "hint" to the dr that I may have IBS. He is very sweet and kind, but I dont know why he hasnt come to this conclusion yet..I still have trouble eating solid foods and actually feel like I'm choking when I eat and feel short of breath after I eat...Thanks for any help..I need it

 

[Guest]

HelloBoy, could I identify with you. I remember telling many doctors about the difficulty in breathing after I eat and they look at me like I am nuts.I have just recently been told by a doctor that I have IBS but that was after ruling out many other things.It really is a disease of elimination. He told me that I should go to see a lung specialist but I know that it is related to the IBS because when I can get it calmed down then the breathing becomes more at ease.Why don't you tell the doctor that you have read up on IBS (and do...there is a ton of information on the net) and see what he says.LindaThank you so much for sharing this. I used to think I was nuts because I would eat something so small and everyone would want to go for a walk and I couldn't because I didn't have the lung compasity and I was exhaused because it takes a toll on your body when you are not breathing good.

 

[Judy]

Why don't you just try saying"Do you think it could be IBS? That shouldn't offend him.When I first got IBS-D six months ago I got severely dehydrated and depleted and am just now getting my self back to some semblance of normalcy. Couldn't eat. Lost 20 pounds which makes me 98 now. My stomach still feels like its full after just a few bites somedays. Others not. Do you know that prevacid and such can cause anorexia? Loss of appetite? Also diarrhea. But that doesn't seem to be your problem is it? Have you tried baby foods? It's better than nothing. Grits? Instant mashed potatoes? They go down realy well for me. If he's done alot of tests it should be putting your mind at ease about what you have. that alone can cause anxiety wondering what it might be. Maybe you jsut need something to relax your muscles in the esophigus. Just some thoughts.

 

[Guest]

munchie dont wait for the doctor.Print out some of these postings and hit him/her over the head with them .Seriously.people who dont know what we go thru just dont get it and sometimes they happen to be doctors .I took the advice of one the posters(sorry I cant remember who.Fletch I think)he took this stuff to his doctor.I did same.I also might add I switched to woman doctor.This for me was good because I felt the male doctors at air force hospitals always brushed me off and I have had some female do the same.Now when I see any doctor male or female I take list and I get their attention untill they address my concerns.i reccomend it highly.You should see the looks on their faces.Priceless. but I got their attention.Good luck and keep us posted at the outcome your results,keep coming to this BB.READ all the postings We care.Love PatteePs I was having anxiety attacks before my breakdown in December.That sounds like what some of you are having Read postings on relaxation also some mine .This is one of the best places to come talk.[This message has been edited by Pattee (edited 03-06-99).]

 

[Nicol]

Your doctor probably just wants to do a few more tests to rule out anything more serious. Be patient it sounds like he is a good doctor. Don't be afraid to ask questions either, you are ultimately the one who decides what to do about your symptoms. When you are prescribed meds ALWAYS ask what they will do to your body. Sometimes they will give you something that may cause constipation but that will just make you worse if you already are constipated. Take Care and Good Luck

 

[Guest]

I was the same way a year and a half ago, the first of my senior year in high school. It was a pain in the butt (pun intended). Being on the swim team and not eating don't mix, and I lost a lot of weight. Being 5'11" and 135 lbs male, I definately wasn't healthy, and my Mom also realized it so in I went to the doctor. Out I came knowing that I have IBS. So...after getting my Levbid prescription (should I say subscription?) it was strong enough to calm my troubled bowel. After nursing myself back to strength eating unflavored Ramen Noodles and the weight-gainer-powder-mixed-with-milk-formula, I'm fine now. The only time I can't eat now is when I'm about to go on a date (and during date, obviously). I dread the day when I hafta propose to the future wife...CADDFLY

 

[charlie]

hi MUCHIE

remember this you are the patient, not your doctor, just tell him!!most of us have been to more than one doctor ok, you owe him nothing!!look at some of these postings you'll see,its you that dont feel good not him!!sorry for being so blunt but you have to take charge of it,don't worry about his feelings, worry about getting better ok

do what ever it takes,look at me it took me 2 years and tons of doctors later to find a problem,nip it in the bud,other than that i hope you feel better real soon

let us know if we can help ok, charlie

 

[Guest]

Munchie, Its very frustrating to wait until a doctor makes up their mind what is wrong with you. I went through the same thing. The best advise I can give you is to take someone with you who knows your medical and mental situation, and let them talk to the dr. or just be there as a source of strength for you. My other advise is what others have alread said. Find a doctor who will work with you. IBS is better controlled through a team effort between you and your doctors. Good luck and let us know how you are doing

Remember this support team is always here when you need us and we have experience

 

[Guest]

Thank You guys so much for responding. I actually cried just knowing how much support is out there.Thanks for the baby food suggestion, Judy, It really is easy going down and my stomach doesnt cramp as much after I eat the baby food. I have an appt with my gastro dr on Monday and I will ask him what his thoughts are on IBS for me. Also, does anybody get any weird chest pains when they bend over or maybe gulp water too fast. I 've had an EKG and a sonogram of my heart done,so the dr's have ruled out anything cardiac--I was just wondering if anyone else has these chest pains and what to do to stop them...God Bless, Munchie

 

[Guest]

Has your doctor ruled out a spastic esophagus? I have it occasionally, and it's extremely painful. I find it hits when I'm having problems with gas and reflux at the same time I'm trying to take a drink.bob