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Is it IBS/GERD: Help please

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 8/30/2008 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
I have been suffering with gastrointestinal problems since December 2007. I have had 2 colonoscopies, endoscopies, both which came up normal. I have had terrible constipation and abdominal pain and presented to the ER several times. This past summer, things got a touch better, but not much.

I am still experiencing constipation, significant nausea after BMs to the point where I feel weak and need to lay down, nausea and pain immediately after meals, and acid reflux. I am also vomiting, but not significantly. I am also having a hard time figuring out if it is triggered by specific foods, or medications (which I have also vomited up). I take Devalproate, Effexor, Risperidal, Yasmin, and Proscar.

I am 22 years old and female.

I have been to several GI doctors to no avail, I have had Cat Scans, blood work, X Rays, and nobody seems to be helping. My GP prescribed a shopping bag full of laxatives, Metamucil which caused nausea/vomiting, and his idea of helping me is telling me I 'probably' have IBS and doing a quick rectal exam which only further humiliates me. Last visit he spoke into a tape recorder and said discontinue/slow down on laxatives and I will see her in 3 months.

I start Teachers College next week and am beginning to worry I may not get through my year because of my symptoms.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

Posted 8/31/2008 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
You might ask about the possibility of getting a gastric emptying scan, which would check for gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying). This condition could lead to some of the symptoms you're describing but would not show up on any scopes, etc. because it is a motility issue.
Posted 9/4/2008 1:17 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you. It is extremely frustrating, because I have had so much testing, and visited 2 GI doctors and nobody, including my GP has been able to help me. Even with followup appts, I feel as though I am wasting my time, not getting anywhere, especially since I need to travel 1-2 hours to each appt, plus the wait time. It is getting to the point where this pattern has been continuing for several months. I never seem to digest my meals, and the nausea is very intense with acid reflux. We are expected to attend all classes in my program because we are now 'professionals'. If I continue to follow up with these useless GI doctors I will miss school and my student teaching. I am determined to get through my school year.

I am going to try to buy some gluten free bread at the health food store, and avoid dairy and see what happens....

The only person who seems to care is my psychiatrist. She tries to understand what I am going through at each appt and takes the time to discuss it with me. I will suggest the gastroparesis to her as she seems to know some great teaching hospitals who may help...

Thank you Sarita for your reply

Posted 9/10/2008 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
There is a superior herb which is very safe and can cure constipation if taken regularly. It is called dangshen or Codonopsis. If you buy the raw herb (available in Chinese herbal outlets) and boil say 4 or 5 roots for 1 hour in slow fire and drink daily, in a week or 2 time your constipation may be resolved. Some Chinese take this herb regularly; it is considered a food rather than strong medicine.

However your case has also symptoms of IBS. After suffering from this distressing disease myself for more than 15 years, and after trying many remedies, I have resolved greatly the problem by using this recipe:

1. Chinese yam powder (shan yao) - 1 teaspoon
2. Chinese barley powder (coix, job's tears) - 1 teaspoon
3. Psyllium husk - 1 teaspoon
4. Slippery Elm powder - 1 teaspoon

Mix well with water and drink slightly warm twice daily. See if this recipe helps you after a week and come back to tell us. The ingredients can be bought online except may be Chinese barley powder because normally it does'nt come in powder form.

The above recipe is safe as far as I know because the ingredients are not strong medicine but are used as foods and dietary supplements.

Some foods to avoid: Cold drinks, preserved foods, deep fried foods.

I wish you the best!

Kay
Posted 9/10/2008 6:04 AM (GMT 0)
Sarita, what are taking for the gastroparesis? Reglan?

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