[Guest]

Today has left me more pissed off than I've been in MONTHS. Today, my "GI Doctor" called me back with the results of my Barium Swallow. It was negative. Nothing unusual or unordinary on the X-Rays. After the doc told me this, I then replied that I'm glad to hear that there's nothing on the X-Rays that's "unusual", but at the same time, I'm STILL having most of the same symptoms that I had 6 weeks ago when this whole mess started. I could not BELIEVE the doctor's reply to what I said. He simply said "Well, I'm just calling you to tell you the results of your test". When he said this, my jaw hit the floor. At that point, it was VERY clear that this particular doctor is not only COMPLTELY APATHETIC towwards my condition, but he had NO intentions on testing me any farther than that Barium swallow. It seemed as if as far as HE as concerned, he did his job by giving me the swallow and getting the results, now he's DONE with me, regardless of my continuing symptoms. I then asked him if there were any other tests that could be performed on me that would help me get to the bottom of why I'm having these continuing symptoms, and his reply to THAT was "What other tests are you talking about?" That was pretty much the end of THAT conversation, as I told him that I will look into having another GI Specialist check me out, then I promptly hung up on him. I explained to my mother that I really never liked this doctor's attitude from the first time I went to see him, and he gave me the endoscopy. He seemed apathetic back then, and seemed to have no intentions on helping me get to the bottom of my problem. I am at the point now where I have no IDEA of how to go about this at this point. I do NOT want to continue dealing with this doctor, because he's obviously not interested in helping me to actually get BETTER, and yet I have no idea how to get referred to another GI specialist. I am SURE that THIS doctor is NOT the way to go. There are still other tests that I've heard of from many of you on the board, such as the test for Celiac Disease. Believe it or not, as of yet, I have had NO bloodwork of ANY kind done on me, and NO stool samples have been taken. I would ASSUME that those would have been done BEFORE the endoscopy and the Barium swallow. I am at my wits end, and am still suffering from my symptoms. I really need some advice on how to get this thing taken care of. It's one thing to have been tested extensively, and KNOW what your condition is, but it's another whole story to have NOT gone through many of the tests that are available, and to add to THAT, have a doctor that seems to have NO interest in HELPING me. Anybody else out there gone through this HELL? I really need advice. PLEASE HELP!

 

[143Angel]

Get another doc. Mine was the same until I got another doctor involved. The 2nd one knew me and had seen me before. He knew there had to be something else wrong and put me threw more tests (I've had cameras threw both ends). Everything appeared normal. But my weight kept dropping, and I can't afford losing weight. Since they both went over my records and tests, they realized what was wrong. This started in March of this year, and I am finally getting the care,treatment, meds I need. It's been one week now of feeling normal. Sometimes you have to help the doctor by doing research on your own. And then bringing it to their attention. Don't seem right because we pay them a mint.

 

[143Angel]

Get another doc. Mine was the same until I got another doctor involved. The 2nd one knew me and had seen me before. He knew there had to be something else wrong and put me threw more tests (I've had cameras threw both ends). Everything appeared normal. But my weight kept dropping, and I can't afford losing weight. Since they both went over my records and tests, they realized what was wrong. This started in March of this year, and I am finally getting the care,treatment, meds I need. It's been one week now of feeling normal. Sometimes you have to help the doctor by doing research on your own. And then bringing it to their attention. Don't seem right because we pay them a mint.

 

[eric]

Even Flow, sorry to hear this, if you tell us where you live maybe we can suggest someone for you. Stool work and blood tests are crucial.------------------Moderator of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anxiety and Hypnotherapy forum.I work with Mike building his websites. www.ibsaudioprogram and www.healthyaudio.com I also work with Mike in IBS clinical trials using Mikes tapes at an IBS research facility.My own website on IBS is www.ibshealth.com Please visit for accurate information on IBS.

 

[eric]

Even Flow, sorry to hear this, if you tell us where you live maybe we can suggest someone for you. Stool work and blood tests are crucial.------------------Moderator of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anxiety and Hypnotherapy forum.I work with Mike building his websites. www.ibsaudioprogram and www.healthyaudio.com I also work with Mike in IBS clinical trials using Mikes tapes at an IBS research facility.My own website on IBS is www.ibshealth.com Please visit for accurate information on IBS.

 

[maggiew]

Ok, I have not logged onto this side of the BB for a while, so am unaware of the symptoms you are trying to treat. What ARE your symptoms? What tests did the doc do besides the barium swallow? Were there other tests another doc did that he got the reports on?Maggie

 

[maggiew]

Ok, I have not logged onto this side of the BB for a while, so am unaware of the symptoms you are trying to treat. What ARE your symptoms? What tests did the doc do besides the barium swallow? Were there other tests another doc did that he got the reports on?Maggie

 

[Guest]

That same thing happened to me after my colonoscopy I had to ask the nurse to have the GI doc come and give me my results. All she said was you have a spastic colon. (DUH! I already knew that) She said we will have your biopsy results next week. The following week the nurse calls and says everythings fine. Im like what the hell??? No followup instructions or anything. No new information no new insight on what was going on inside my body. Just its nothing serious. Basically if you simply have IBS theres nothing they can do for you except pump you up with drugs. And tell you to add fiber. Its so depressing.

 

[Guest]

That same thing happened to me after my colonoscopy I had to ask the nurse to have the GI doc come and give me my results. All she said was you have a spastic colon. (DUH! I already knew that) She said we will have your biopsy results next week. The following week the nurse calls and says everythings fine. Im like what the hell??? No followup instructions or anything. No new information no new insight on what was going on inside my body. Just its nothing serious. Basically if you simply have IBS theres nothing they can do for you except pump you up with drugs. And tell you to add fiber. Its so depressing.

 

[sarren]

Even flow - I am so sorry that you went through this. I know that feeling and process all too well. I am so glad that you were able to see through it, it took me a few bad turns before I figured it out. I have taken to interviewing my doctors before I 'see' them. It has helped. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[sarren]

Even flow - I am so sorry that you went through this. I know that feeling and process all too well. I am so glad that you were able to see through it, it took me a few bad turns before I figured it out. I have taken to interviewing my doctors before I 'see' them. It has helped. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[wanderingstar]

Hi Even Flow. Just a reminder... it is usual for blood results, stool tests and teh usual examinations to come back 'nothing unusual' with IBS. That is because it is a functional disorder, rather than a disease. Or at least, that's my understanding of it at the moment.I don't think it is automatically necessary to perform all the tests you mention to make a diagnosis of IBS. I've never had any tests at all, but I think doctors differ on this from place to place. I'm assuming you & your doctors are thinking IBS... if not, then my comments are irrelvant. ------------------susanIBS D/C type & M.E/CFS[This message has been edited by wanderingstar (edited 09-29-2001).][This message has been edited by wanderingstar (edited 09-29-2001).]

 

[wanderingstar]

Hi Even Flow. Just a reminder... it is usual for blood results, stool tests and teh usual examinations to come back 'nothing unusual' with IBS. That is because it is a functional disorder, rather than a disease. Or at least, that's my understanding of it at the moment.I don't think it is automatically necessary to perform all the tests you mention to make a diagnosis of IBS. I've never had any tests at all, but I think doctors differ on this from place to place. I'm assuming you & your doctors are thinking IBS... if not, then my comments are irrelvant. ------------------susanIBS D/C type & M.E/CFS[This message has been edited by wanderingstar (edited 09-29-2001).][This message has been edited by wanderingstar (edited 09-29-2001).]

 

[Ian]

Here in the UK, following onset of symptoms, my first appointment with a locum elicited response of 'It sounds like IBS'. I had blood & stool tests & it was still IBS. Another GP arranged more blood tests and endoscopy, still IBS. Another GP arranged a colonoscopy, still IBS. And so on...In fact 3 years on it was still IBS!But, on the other hand, there are those who through persistence with their GP eventually do find an organic cause for their symptoms.Personally, I feel that at some stage patient and GP have to reach acceptance of IBS diagnosis even though all tests/investigations may not have been carried out . [This message has been edited by Ian (edited 09-29-2001).]

 

[Ian]

Here in the UK, following onset of symptoms, my first appointment with a locum elicited response of 'It sounds like IBS'. I had blood & stool tests & it was still IBS. Another GP arranged more blood tests and endoscopy, still IBS. Another GP arranged a colonoscopy, still IBS. And so on...In fact 3 years on it was still IBS!But, on the other hand, there are those who through persistence with their GP eventually do find an organic cause for their symptoms.Personally, I feel that at some stage patient and GP have to reach acceptance of IBS diagnosis even though all tests/investigations may not have been carried out . [This message has been edited by Ian (edited 09-29-2001).]

 

[Guest]

Hi All,EF Get another doc.Problem is with many doc's that they do not know what to do with patients diagnosed as having IBS!Susan is right in her comments.Let Eric know where you are and he will help where he can.In the UK, some GP's do not do all the tests, depending on age of the patient.Based on the assumption that "it is unlikely that someone under 25 will have anything sinister". Not saying I agree, but its there!I wish you well,Best RegardsMike------------------ www.ibsaudioprogram.com

 

[Guest]

Hi All,EF Get another doc.Problem is with many doc's that they do not know what to do with patients diagnosed as having IBS!Susan is right in her comments.Let Eric know where you are and he will help where he can.In the UK, some GP's do not do all the tests, depending on age of the patient.Based on the assumption that "it is unlikely that someone under 25 will have anything sinister". Not saying I agree, but its there!I wish you well,Best RegardsMike------------------ www.ibsaudioprogram.com

 

[Guest]

Hi Even Flow. I think the tests are necessary to rule out several conditions but, remember, there is no test for IBS. I had colonoscopys (sp?) for years with biopsies positive for micro colitis. Suddenly, they're all coming back negative but my symptoms are the same!Now my doc says "Well, guess it was IBS all these years after all." Find a doctor willing to at least treat your symptoms, and if you find one willing to work toward determing the cause, hallelujah! Most never even try.Good Luck to you!------------------Patricia (D-type)'What doesn't kill us makes us stronger'

 

[Guest]

Hi Even Flow. I think the tests are necessary to rule out several conditions but, remember, there is no test for IBS. I had colonoscopys (sp?) for years with biopsies positive for micro colitis. Suddenly, they're all coming back negative but my symptoms are the same!Now my doc says "Well, guess it was IBS all these years after all." Find a doctor willing to at least treat your symptoms, and if you find one willing to work toward determing the cause, hallelujah! Most never even try.Good Luck to you!------------------Patricia (D-type)'What doesn't kill us makes us stronger'

 

[Guest]

And, to paraphrase Mike001: it is unlikely that someone someone with a longstanding complaint will have anything sinister. As soon as you admit that you've had a problem for a number of years, you've removed yourself from the critical needs list. You've obviously survived it, so it's not something "serious". At this point, it's just a matter of deciding whether you're a malingerer or if you have something "chronic, but not serious". There doesn't seem to be any motivation to treat IBS in the medical community. Our lives are generally not at stake, and the possibility for successful treatment is small.On a related note, have you noticed that medical staff no longer use the word pain? Now that it's called "discomfort" it's much easier to dismiss.Sorry for the rant.[This message has been edited by musem (edited 09-29-2001).]