no definate diagnose--need help

[CrazyCats4]

I've been experiencing stomach problems for the past 5 years or so. Started with excessive gas after eating, moved to having explosive diarrhea both morning and night after eating. These days I don't leave my house much before 11 am because of my bathroom requirements and have given up eating out completely. Its getting to the point where no matter where I go, I seek out a bathroom 'just in case.'

I've kept food journals and could not find a trigger food/s at all. My doc put me on a antispasmotic drug and just recently on a low dosage of an antidepressant in an effort to regulate my bowels. The antispasmotic drug did nothing...the antidepressant totally freaked me out mentally...and did nothing for my stomach. I have also tried taking acidadolphylis (I know I spelled that completely wrong!) and flaxseed oil tablets. Both times landed me in the ER in the middle of the night with severe stomach pains.

Blood and urine tests are fine. At my physical my doctor told me to try Fiber Con tablets for a few weeks. If I don't see an improvement, it will be a colonoscopy.

Are my symptoms indicative of IBS? My stools (when not D) are soft and mucous covered and uncontrollable. I go many times a day and feel like I'm never completely empty. Sometimes severe cramps wake me in the middle of the night.

Any info/insight would be so appreciated!

[Angie E]

If I were you, I would go ahead and have the colonoscopy to rule out something serious. There are so many things it could be that are treatable. The colonoscopy isn't as uncomfortable as you might think. They knock you out for it and it's over in 20 minutes. Out of all the procedures I've had, (and I've had many) it was the least uncomfortable and it was the most informative. I urge you to go ahead and have it done. If it's Crohns, diverticulitis, ulcerative coloitis, or anything of that nature, there are drugs to treat it. First you need to have yourself checked out to see if there is a definite problem before you go with the IBS diagnosis. IBS is a "catch all" term for undiagnosable bowel ailments. You also might want to read all of Harry's posts on psyllium husk fiber. It works wonders for diarrhea and constipation. My main trigger foods are wheat, rye, barley, and oats. I have a gluten intolerance known as Celiac Disease and I only discovered what was wrong with me after frequenting this board. There are so many people who care and who are very knowledgeable. Sometimes it just helps to be able to talk about this stuff with people who can relate to your illness. That's my two cents worth! Good Luck!

[mlgable]

The poster above is right in recommending you be tested for celiac sprue as all of the symptoms are classic for celiac sprue. I am also assuming you have tried using lactaid before meals too to help rule out lactose intolerence. Good Luck

[CrazyCats4]

Thanks for the replies. I have tried Lactaid, Beano, almost every upset tummy medicine out there. My doc wants me to try the Fiber Con for a few weeks/months to see if there is any improvement .... should I push for the colonscopy before then? Also, does anyone have the url for Harry's posts on fiber? I looked thru this board and couldn't find them, searched by keyword on the old board and couldn't find them either.

Has anyone taken Fiber Con and have success with it or should I take the powdered fiber you mix with water?

My doctor isn't acting too concerned about my 'discomfort'. He is taking the attitude that it is something I have to learn to live with.



[This message has been edited by CrazyCats4 (edited 03-21-2001).]

[Angie E]

Hate to tell you this, but that's the way most doctors are on the subject of IBS. I had major battles with several dr.'s before I finally got two to finally listen to what I was saying. And, I was right. The fiber is a great way to go. I would still suggest the colonoscopy. Also, elimiate all wheat, rye, barley and oat products just to see if it gets better. That includes beer, whiskey and most alcohols from distilled grain. And, believe it or not, anything with distilled white vinegar, ie. pickles, capers, peppers, picante sauce, etc. Just give it a try and see if your symptoms ease. Can't hurt a thing! Good Luck!