SIBO/IBS?

Hello everyone,

 

I am new to this forum and I came to seek support.  I am 25 years old and have digestive issues.  I have always had a sensitive stomach ever since I was a child, however through the years it has gotten worse...almost unbearable.  I went to a GI who told me that I had IBS as well as Celiac's Disease, but all he did was take a stool sample and basic blood tests.  I listened to what he said and trie not to eat any of the "trigger" foods and cut out all Gluten from my diet...but I still had horrible symptoms.  Running to the bathroom after eating, "rea", constipation at times..I was all over the place. I decided to get a second opinion by a doctor which a co-worker recommended and used herself.  He took a stool sample and reviewed the tests done by the previous doctor and agreed with the first doctor.  What upsets me is that the first doctor didn't even test me for Celiac's Disease. When I asked both doctors about a colonoscopy they immediately gave me the "your too young for it" speech.  If I was willing to pay for it just to have a piece of mind...why wouldn't they do it?  What if I had something life threatening?

Now, I am currently getting the proper treatment from an excellent doctor who assures me that we are going to figure my stomach issues.  This GI was recommended by my boyfriend who has Crohn's Disease. The visits are extremely expensive but worth it if I can help my stomach. The first time I met with the doctor he spent a little over an hour talking to me and had a few ideas based on my symptoms.  He thought I might be having mobility issues (IBS) but also found my small bowel inflammed when touching it.  I have since had an Upper GI, and I am going for my colonoscopy next week.  I am in so much pain now but I am trying to keep my chin up.  It is hard because my stomach always feels raw and whenever I eat I get sick.  I'm scared to eat but I know I have to.  Anyway, I'm not sure what I am looking for but if anybody has anything to share I would truly appreciate any comment.

 

Thanks.

 

 

Thank you for your support Sarita.  I did try a gluten free-diet for a couple months and my symptoms were the same. Also I probably should have said above that my Grandmother had Colitis.  My father also had similar symptoms, and had part of his small bowel removed as a child.  I don't know if this was a direct result of his stomach issues or for another reason.  I do not speak to my father so I will never know. The doctor I am currently seeing ruled out Crohns but not Colitis.  He also put me on Xifaxan because he thinks I have S.I.B.O. (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) which I do agree...in addition to mobility issues.  I have been doing research as well (which I don't know is a good thing or not) and I believe that I have Rapid Intestinal Transit.  When I went for my Upper GI 4 days ago, I passed the Barium in 30-40 minutes.  The doctor was very concerned about this as well.  Having a digestive disorder stinks, especially if you love food like I do!!! I know stress doesn't help either but it has gotten to the point where it is ruining my life.  It is embarassing to have excessive gas.  I feel like I pass gas 24 hours a day...I feel like I can enter a belching contest against 5 beer drinking men and still out-belch them.  On top of that I am bloated and in pain with gas and pass it b/c if I don't it is toxic to my body.  I spray Febreze just because it stinks...literally.  Every thing I eat upsets my stomach...I feel the food move through my body...it just isn't right.  I have changed my diet, and I can make more changes but until the motility issue is determined...I am going to have to deal.  I have been reading about probiotics and I think I should start taking them in addition to my antibiotics.  I am worried b/c I read in someone's blog that as soon as they stopped taking the Xifaxan their symptoms came back.  Grrrr!  I have my colonoscopy this upcoming week...I am almost excited to have it done.  I realized yesterday that there are so many other people with these symptoms... and I feel like I can relate.