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Sphincter of Oddi & Giardia

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 9/16/2008 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Anyone had this diagnosis? or know more about it.  I have a separate post about Normal Tests but bad gallbladder.  The surgeon today said that it may be the Sphincter of Oddi because it can mimic some of the same symptoms.

She still thinks it's my gallbladder, but not showing up conclusively on the tests.  \

Since I was in Ukraine for 15 days when this situation became worse she is going to do a trial of Flagil to see if I picked up Giardia.

Any experienc with any of these, give me your input.

 

Posted 9/16/2008 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
I read your previous post, and given the timeframes (you were in the US when it started) it seems unlikely that Giardia is the cause, but, I don't think it's unreasonable to give it a try and see.

[Edit]Sorry I didn't mean to imply you can't get Giardia in the US.  I suppose it might be a bit less likely to get here but not at all far fetched.  I was actually thinking it was less likely because (what I've read) by most accounts they say the symptoms fade in < 6weeks.  Of course, not always!  So, if I am to believe what I read, then it would usually clear up (or get better) slowly over time without meds.  [/edit]

On the off chance that it is one of those stubborn cases / still a factor (maybe not the only one) it'd be good to have ruled it out prior to surgery. I haven't seen a lot of info on SOD disorders, and I suspect that is because it's usually not diagnosed until they've checked many other things. Part of the issue is in testing and treating it (ERCD I think) there's a fair risk that it'll lead to a bout of pancreatis.

[Edit2] Also, re: celiacs and other allergies, sometime the tests for those are not conclusive, so it's often worth trying an elimination diet for a few weeks to see if conditions improve.  Maybe not if you are in awful pain, but, if you are stuck waiting for a diagnosis anyway--I figure why not give it a shot. [/edit]

Post Edited (eihcet) : 9/17/2008 7:33:15 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/16/2008 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
There is a test for Giardia (stool exam for parasites) that wouldn't require that you to take the Flagil for no reason. Giving meds to see if you have a disorder without doing the diagnostic test makes no sense at all to me. Also, if you do have a Giardia infection be prepared to hear from your local health department. In some states they get all hinkey about it.
Posted 9/16/2008 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Eihcet, I've never been out of the country other then to Toronto and I've had a raging case of Giardia. My brother and I both did. And the thing was I was diagnosed because my brother was. I never had any symptoms other then some D. My brother had malnutrition, D and they actually accused my mom of making him sick before someone got their head out of their rear and tested him. They didn't believe that someone in a developed country could become sick with it. So Giardia could very well be the case. I've been tested for it twice now since my doc is worried about me getting it again. I guess something about getting once means you're at an increased risk of getting it again. But I no longer drink untreated stream water so I think I'm good tongue .
Posted 9/16/2008 10:50 PM (GMT 0)

I know there is a stool sample they can do... if the D ocurred at a time & place that I could actually complete it.  This last time was this past weekend when I was working with the evacuee's in one of the hurricaine shelters!!  Nice timing huh! smhair So, the doctor said she wanted to try it.  I'm not one to usually take an antibiotic, and a strong one at that, but I'm just about that desperate.

I have read that you can have it with virtually no symptoms, so before I willingly subject myself to a surgery, I"m willing to take the antibiotic.

Posted 9/17/2008 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
My grandaughter got Giardia from cleaning the turtle bowl. The antibiotic probably won't hurt you and I advise you to take a Probiotic with it or yogurt with active cultures. As long as it is one anti it is probably OK but my friends doctor put her on two without testing and it turned into 4 horrendous months of intestinal problems that eventually sent her into so many medical tests from what they caused that that sent her into deep depression which she still fights from time to time.
Posted 9/17/2008 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
I had giardia when I lived in Africa (among other bugs). The thing about most parasites, including giardia, is that they are only shed intermittently in stools; so even if you have a negative test, that doesn't mean you don't have giardia. There's an antigen blood test as well, but again not conclusive. I'd take the antibiotic (probably Flagyl - metronidazole) and a probiotic, like canyonbabe said!
Posted 9/17/2008 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Also look into celiac's disease, which is an allergy to gluten (found in wheat and other types of grass). My cousin's husband's GB wasn't working and they took it out and he was still having problems and they tested him and he had Celiac's. He's on a gluten-free diet now and doing just fine last I heard.
Posted 9/17/2008 12:55 AM (GMT 0)

From the turtle bowl?  Wow.  Interesting. 

Yes, I am drinking yogurt, and also I have taken Acidopholis before.  A couple of years ago I had to take 3 courses of anti's in a row to get rid of a nasty case of strep throat, my stomach was all kinds of torn up!!  The acidopholis completely balanced things out. 

I haven't been on any antibiotics in a year, so I feel okay taking it since it's been a while.  Last year I had to suffer through a stint of bronchitis without antibiotics because of the 3 rounds due to strep... I work in an elementary school.  What else is there to say.

Posted 9/17/2008 12:57 AM (GMT 0)

I have actually already been tested for celiac when they did the endoscopy.  That was a stressful two weeks waiting for that let me tell you.  This is a girl who's motto is "Man CAN live on bread alone"!! smilewinkgrin

Posted 9/17/2008 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
Flagyl is some hardcore stuff, BUT as mentioned before, it is definitely worth a shot before opting for surgery.
My coworker caught a couple parasites (not sure if Giardia is included) from drinking stream water and/or polluted faucet water. She's a hardcore runner and hiker so she would just drink anywhere she could. She was feeling horrible (including joint pain!) until she finally got tested and on Flagyl. It makes you feel like crapola for the first few days, but then you get used to it and start feel all around better. Probitics are definitely key when taking antibiotics. Take them no less than 2 hours before the antibiotic and/or at least 2 hours after the antibiotic.

Good luck! I hope you find some relief soon.
Posted 9/17/2008 2:40 PM (GMT 0)

Hello There,

  If they decide to do an ERCP for further diagnosis, please be very careful. This procedure can cause pancreatitis which I did get after the ERCP procedure. I was hospitalized for 15 days and it was by far the worst pain and condition I have been in. I do not want to alarm or worry you, but just want you to know all that you can. I wish I had known more before getting this procedure. Best of luck to you and hugs!

Mala

Posted 9/22/2008 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Mala,

Thanks for the information.  I have read about that possibility.  That's really why I"m willing to risk taking out the gall bladder even if the tests are not conclusive, because I've heard generally it's not a difficult surgery & overall has not a lot of complications for most people.

Sherry

Posted 9/22/2008 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
You're right Sherry...I did get more D after my gall bladder was out, so that is the most common "complication" but the surgery and recovery are quite quick. I hope you are doing as well as can be and I hope I could help a bit :)
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