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Feedback from my GI doc visit this afternoon

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 1/11/2007 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I went for a 2nd opinion today at a GI doc.  I explained all my symptoms to him about my constant lower abdominal pain as well as my joint pains.  I mentioned nothing about my visit to my previous GI doc and his diagnosis of IBS.  He says that although I had a colonoscopy a year ago, he thinks I should get another one as I've developed different symptoms.  He also wants to do a gastroscopy to see how my stomach looks.  He is also doing a load of blood tests for my liver as I have fatty liver and I'm only 29.  He says this is very concerning to him.  He also said I must start loosing weight as I might become diabetic if I'm not careful.  He says people with fatty liver are to some degree insulin resistant (he is testing for metabolic syndrome) and in my case I'm still very young.  He says I still have lots to do and I must look after my liver cause it's the only one I've got....

Well, I wanted a second opinion and now I'm getting it.  I'm just scared for going for another scope and maybe I'm gonna get bad news???  My fatty liver is also creating anxiety for me..This doc is in his mid thirties and I'm thinking maybe he's a bit too young?  What if something goes wrong?  Well, I did find out he is a reasearch GI and does LOADS of studies, particularly concerning the liver.  (Apparently the only one is our country doing research on fatty liver).

Guys, I'm a nervous wreck, since I'm gonna put myself through all the anxiety about the tests again.  But I need some kind of answer as things can't go on like this.  I'll let you all know when I'm going for my scopes.  I will really appreciate your prayers if you don't mind .... :-)

 

Posted 1/11/2007 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
I was just reading an article on MSN about low-carb diets helping control blood sugar and even reversing pre-diabetes. It would seem logical that people who can't process sugar should not consume sugar, or those starches and carbs which will turn into sugar, but apparently that's not the recommendation of the American Diabetes Association. They say take medicine (like insulin or metaformin) and eat carbs.

http://health.msn.com/centers/diabetes/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100150895>1=9029


This may not help you overcome your anxiety about your tests, but it may be something you want to try if you are at risk for developing diabetes and don't want to be on medicine for the rest of your life. And, don't forget that 30 minutes of just walking every day, regardless if you lose any weight or not, GREATLY improves your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Walking will also relieve some of the stress that you're feeling right now that can make your gut problems even worse. In fact, a number of studies are popping up now that show that health is not necessarily tied to weight, so if you've tried in the past to lose weight and it doesn't come off or stay off, then don't worry about it; I'm sure you can improve your liver along with your blood sugar levels by just eating a better diet and by walking everday. Genetics may predispose you to being husky, stocky, or just round in general, but anyone can eat better and walk and have better health for it!

I made your link linkable. -- Lil  :-)

Post Edited By Moderator (7Lil) : 1/11/2007 11:12:53 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/11/2007 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
How does he know you have a fatty liver? What test shows that. Endoscopys are easy as you will be sedated. If you have not had one I would certainly have it. I have to have one every year. I think I would ask what could happen in the colon in that year that could cause these problems you are having and see if you feel comfortable with his answer. As for the liver this obviously is an area that he is interested in so he may be concentrating on it much more than another Dr. would. Wrong or right I don't know. I know some Doctors that do tests far more than other doctors and I don't think they are necessairly any better for it but you do have to find out what is wrong so I guess you need to proceed at this point but if you are uncomfortable ask for more answers. You don't want to be just part of a research project. I don't remember why you changed Doctors. I have some Doctors that abhor testing unless they truly feel it is called for and then I have had others that don't. In the end it is your call but try not to be anxious about the tests as they are pretty easy and if something is going on in stomach you will want to know sooner rather than later.
Posted 1/16/2007 6:36 AM (GMT 0)
just a note, usually when you go to a new GI, or in my case atleast, they always do a new scope to "see for themselves" kind of thing. And some things can change in a year. BUt don't stress over it too much. Just take the advice he gives you and wait on the results.
Best to you.
Posted 1/16/2007 8:59 AM (GMT 0)
EJ, just a couple things...

How much have your symptoms changed in the past year?  It is unlikely that a colonoscopy one year after your previous one will show drastically different results; would it be possible to get a copy of your last scope report (plus pictures) to show to your new GI?  It might eliminate the need for a repeat scoping.  And that might eliminate your anxiety!

You say you have lower abdominal pain and joint pain...which joints are you having pain in?

The most important issue in getting diabetes (type 2) under control is maintaining a healthy weight.  It is hard to change eating habits we've developed over the past 20-some-odd years, but if your habits are leading to potentially chronic health problems, it's worth it to change them.  Have you ever kept a food diary, by any chance?  It might elucidate the possible cause of some of your symptoms.  Also (from personal experience, I might add), it could help you develop better eating habits - when you're recording everything you eat, it's hard not to notice bad habits!

Posted 1/16/2007 9:02 AM (GMT 0)
P.S. Your doctor is in his mid-thirties, perhaps, but that's not too young.  He's been through four years of college, four years of medical school, three years of an internal medicine residency, and at least two years of a gastroenterology fellowship.  I personally think that the younger doctors are really valuable, in that they are generally more thorough, more energetic, and are still in "learning mode" so they will research your condition, more often than not!

Posted 1/17/2007 5:51 AM (GMT 0)
Before you do anything I would let your doctor know about the anxiety you are feeling. Express your concerns and ask him whateve questions you need to ask. YOu will feel much better regardless if you do. I understand the anxiety, believe me. I am going to my frist GI appointment soon and i am scared to death. I already fear the attacks so much i can't imagine willingly taking a test whose preparation causes the ibs symptoms. i just don't know what i am going to do. Walking does help, any kind of exercise. ive thought about looking into hypnosis. Any thoughts.
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