Dear Hope to Be Healthy,
I'm so sorry to read about
your suffering. Living with chronic GI issues is probably one of the most debilitating challenges one can face. I am 19 years old and, since I was seven, have struggled with immidiate, severe, terrifying bloating after every meal. I too stopped eating dairy, eggs, and a whole list of other foods. Though my symptoms initially improved slightly, over time they have worsened. Now I can only consume liquids/soft foods and must be very cautious about
serving size. I, like you, live in fear of food and understand how difficult it can be.
But please don't give up hope. After years of seeing numerous gastroenterologists, endocrineologists (like you, I have a variety of hormonal issues which have stopped my menstruation completely), etc., I have finally found a very competant surgeon who diagnosed me with severe gastropareisis, as I will go for 4-5 days without a bowel movement and severe bloating even on laxatives and pro-peristaltic medications. The surgeon is considering me for a total colectomy--the best treatment plan I've heard yet! If you are having severe constipation in addition to bloating, you may want to request a Sitz Marker test to assess your intestinal motility. I have included a link to information on this study below.
I recommend that you look into something called "Latex Fruit Allergy Syndrome." If you have a latex allergy or even slight sensitivity, your body may be having an immune reaction to many of the foods you are eating--thus the bloating and difficulty swallowing. Pay close attention to how your body reacts after eating some of these foods, eliminating them from my diet (though diffcult) helped somewhat in reducing my bloat and water retention. Below I have included links to websites with information on gastroparesis and Latex Fruit Allergy Syndrome. I hope this helps--we're here for you! Never let a doctor invalidate your symptoms by passing them off as anxiety or Hypochondriasis. You are in serious pain and deserve to be taken seriously and treated with respect.
Sitz Marker study overview and reviews from people with IBS: http://www.ibstales.com/sitz-marker.htm
Mayo Clinic on Gastroparesis (ask your MD for more info on your specific case): http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/basics/definition/con-20023971
American Latex Allergy Assoc. info on Latex Fruit Allergy Syndrome: http://latexallergyresources.org/latex-cross-reactive-foods-fact-sheet
My best wishes go out to you!
Post Edited (Anne Skaziak) : 8/16/2015 12:23:11 AM (GMT-6)