HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Need Your Help

Support Forums
>
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/24/2008 3:41 PM (GMT 0)

I just found this website and hope that maybe some of you could offer some suggestions and/or help. I was diagnosed with IBS about 2 years ago because they can't figure out what's really wrong - been tested for Cecliac and Crones as well as diverticulitis. I was also diagnosed with food allergies, so I have been eating a very restricted diet for 6 weeks. I am absolutely no better than I was two years ago. I have additional symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath as well as the feeling of passing out -- I have been on Zegerid for 2 years (is this a side affect of the Zegerid and not from the IBS?) I have tried numerous meds and NOTHING works. Reglan (knocked me out completely), Levbid - caused more pain and bloating, and all sorts of other meds like Zoloft (made the anxiety and pain worse again).  Is there any relief out there? I've been to four doctors and no relief in site and my short term disability is running out. I don't know what else to do? Has anyone had any luck going to Mayo Clinic? Should I give this drug Motilium a try?

Please advise...

Posted 6/24/2008 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tamster,
Welcome to HealingWell! :-)

I'm sorry to read you're still suffering 2 years after diagnosis. You might consider switching up your meds. Zegerid for sure has been known to cause dizziness. Trouble breathing is actually listed under "serious allergic reaction." Have you spoken to your doc about this? There are plenty of other PPIs out there your doctor could suggest instead. I would call your doc or pharmacist ASAP and see about stopping it, see if they suggest maybe taking something OTC (like prilosec) in the meantime.
Same goes for Levbid, you could try another antispasmodic. Bentyl is a common one.
Also with Zoloft... an alternative would be Paxil, Prozac or Effexor.
Alternative to Reglan is Levsin.
There are so many options out there that your doc could be suggesting if your current meds aren't doing the trick.

Have you been tested for bacterial overgrowth? Seems like if you're sticking to a strict diet and your symptoms (acid) aren't improving, then it could be indicative of something going on (bacteria, ulcer, etc.).

Do you take probiotics?
Posted 6/24/2008 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I had a family go to the Mayo clinic, Minnesota and the resident in the motility clinic actually told us that "they don't help many people". Now this was over 10 years ago and things may have changed. My advice is that if you live close to a Mayo clinic it is worth a shot but I woud not tap into my savings(it is expensive) to travel long distances in the hope of help.

Having said that the Mayo is very organized and polite which is sometimes a rare experience in nmedical care.

All the best in finding help

Sheridan
Posted 6/24/2008 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
Our other mod, Sarita, can vouch for Mayo not giving her answers. She went all the way from Alaska to Minnesota, stayed there 3-ish days for testing, and went home empty handed. It's not to say they're always fruitless, they are notorious for their GI dept and great patient care.
Posted 6/24/2008 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your quick responses.

I will see about trying Motilium after I talk to my doctor about it as well as trying Paxil too. I am currently taking prebiotics and probiotics too.

I also have been checked for bacteria and parasites too. Negative.

I will hold off on Mayo Clinic because it's around $1000 for the flight alone. Geez!

If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know. I am running out of doctors to see and meds to try.

Tamster341
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply