accurate dx? right meds? - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

tamipot · 04-24-2004, 11:18 AM

I have been having problems with my gut for quite some time. I initially went to the doctor because I was having problems with heartburn. He put me on Prevacid. After some time on the Prevacid with no change in symptoms he did an endoscopy. He said my stomache and esophogus were inflamed, did a biopsy to check for an ulcer and sent me home. They called with the results, which were negative and said to continue taking the Prevacid. I asked if I should come back for a follow up or if I should change my diet. They said no, just call if syptoms don't get better. After several months I started having severe stomache cramps, usually during bowel movements. Sometimes so painful that I would throw up. I have a large area of my stomache that sticks out from my sternum to my belly button. Someone said it looked like a hiatal hernia. I called and asked the nurse if that's what it could be and she checked the results from the endoscope and said that it did not show one. I went back 2 days ago to get things checked out again and he said (after a 5 minute visit) that I had IBS. He didn't even look at my stomache. I do not have diarrhea or constipation, just always soft stool, but ALWAYS with terrible cramping. I have anywhere from 2 to 8 bowel movements a day. It really is painful. He gave me a rx for Robinul Forte 2mg. I looked it up and saw that it was to help with peptic ulcers. I'm not sure if I should take it or not. He says I don't have an ulcer. Should I just change my diet? I did some research and noticed that a lot of the trigger foods are foods I eat on a regular basis. I also asked him if I should change my diet or if there were certain foods I should not eat and he said, no and to just continue eating normal. I honestly don't know what is best for me. I don't feel this doctor (gastroenterologist) is trustworthy or competent. Please let me know what you think. By the way, sorry for the horrible spelling!!!

L-Town · 04-25-2004, 10:05 AM

Hi,

I feel for you suffering so much. A competent gastro doctor would have you get a colonoscopy to find out if you have IBS and rule out any other cause of your symptoms. I would get a second oppinion from another gastro. doc. Good luck to you!

L-Town

tamipot · 04-25-2004, 03:17 PM

Thank you L-Town. Do you have IBS? Do my symptoms sound like IBS to you? I don't know.... I will get another opinion though.

Tpot

L-Town · 04-25-2004, 04:18 PM

Your welcome.

I do have IBS. My symptoms are pain either starting right above my navel or my right lower appendix area accompanied by diarreah and frequent trips to the bathroom when I get an attack. After I go the pain is relieved. Sometimes I get constipated. I also get a bloated tummy but not all the time. Vomiting is not a symptom of IBS but can happen to some when the pain is really bad.

I also get heartburn and was put on prevacid. It works pretty good for me although it doesn't take all the burping away. I was on nexium before that and it didn't work. Your doctor should have at least gave you a list of foods that cause heartburn that you could avoid. Things like soda, tomato's, tomato sauces, cucumbers, and most fruit juices contain alot of acid that will trigger heartburn.

Didn't he tell you why your esophogus and stomach are inflamed? Goes to tell you that you don't need to be seeing this doc. again especially when he tells you not to change your diet! What is he a moron? Your diet could be very well what is causing your heartburn. It's a good thing your going to look for better help. I'm sure you'll find another doctor that will help you with whatever problem you have. Good luck with everything!

L-Town