Sick and tired of being...

Sick and tired.

...I did not see an thread for introductions, and I have no diagnoses on my gastrointestinal problems. So please forgive me if I'm doing this all wrong.


Hi everyone! I've stumbled upon this site in the past and thought it was fantastic. I've never received much support and I thought in speaking with folks who understand, and can share experiences, as well as insight would be a great thing. I'm a 21yr old female, and I've been constantly battling my stomach tribulations for roughly 8 years. I've been quite tolerant up until the last year.

Ill break things down a bit. I have daily abdominal pains, that lead to violent bouts of diarrhea. I seldom have a solid bowels. I wake up with horrid nausea that often will lead to some acidic vomit. Most of the time followed by loose stools that continue throughout my day. My cramps will literally stop me in my tracks and days when its real bad, I'm forced to miss work.

When I was 17, I was woken up by a horrible need to vomit. It was nothing but bloody clots and a lot more blood. I was taken to the ER. Admitted...and the next day had my first endoscopy. There were 12 ulcerations throughout my stomach. Prevacid (before it was OTC) was prescribed and I was told to steer clear of spicy and/or acidic foods. My pains and diarrhea continued as they did prior to my ER visit.

Until recently, that was the only interactions I've had with Doctors when it comes to my GI track. I choose to skip meals, so I do not have to deal with it while working. If I consume food, I feel like I must discharge it immediately. Its now become way too much to handle. I'm at a loss. I've had numerous occasions that I've lost control of my bowels. I decided I would start taking care of the issues that were so obviously there.

I went to my Dr, who of course, referred me out to a Gastro. A colonoscopy was called for. Money is definitely an object in my life, but $400 and the procedure went well. There were ulcers throughout my Terminal Ileum, in both regions. The biopsies were inconclusive (as I hear most are) and she called for a endoscopy. Without that, I was told nothing could be concluded. Another $400 down and this procedure wasn't completed. I woke up in the surgery room, as the anesthetic failed. I was vomiting as the tube was being pulled from my mouth. That was that.

The Dr's have told me they're trying to rule out-
-Ulcerative Colitis
-Chrohns Disease
-Something similar to U/C- with an "S" or a "C" sounding pronunciation ?
While writing me a script for Bentyl in the meantime. I take it as needed, and as a precautionary "tool". However, there is no relief.

I work at an animal shelter, and simply cannot afford to try the endoscopy over again for some time. This time at a local hospital for "monitoring sedative" . Yesterday was Easter, and I ate a bowl of cereal to start my day. Within 10 minutes of finishing, I had to rush to the bathroom. I took a Bentyl and hoped for the best as I went about my day. I avoided the dinner with my family, to ultimately avoid the diarrhea and abdominal pains. Once everyone left, I decided to try a light plate. potatoes, green beans, and 2 slices of ham. The following four hours were hellacious. I had several attacks that were completely uncontrollable, and later before I bed I then threw up the rest my meal.

I guess I'm just tired...I know people have similar stories. I just want to know I'm not alone. I know nobody can tell me what is up, however YOUR insight means the world to me. Friends and even family do not get past the "funny" aspect of this.

I appreciate anyone's time, anyone who read took time to read this rant.
Thank you.

I think pretty much everyone here can identify with what you're feeling. Gastrointestinal diseases are, to say the least, devastating. I often wonder whether people who have healthy bowels know just how lucky they are. Fantasizing about having healthy bowel movements.. never thought it would come to this :) However, I think probably the worst thing about your condition is not having a diagnosis yet, so the doctors don't know what might work for you. As soon as you have that, it will get easier, I promise. Stay strong!

It sounds more like Chron's than UC. People with UC usually don't vomit so much but we can have very bloody, frequent, urgent diarrea. I can't believe they haven't prescribed you anything other than OTC meds when you've been having this problem chronically for such a long time. It almost seems like a fresh start would be good, go see a new GI, and let them look over your files, perhaps you can get this situation under control. It could be as simple as taking Pentasa or similar. Some GIs do want to do their own colonoscopy and I understand the $ issues. I had to do a clinical trial once to get a free colonoscopy when I was uninsured. It wasn't easy but it worked out...

I hope you can get things under control quickly. We all know how it feels to struggle with daily life due to chronic illness.

[quote]I totally agree that you need a new doctor that will take these things more seriously and get to the bottom of your issues.

I couldn't agree more .. my first GI doc wasn't doing anything for me so I made a switch and it was the best thing I ever did. I know how you feel about the money also as I didn't have insurance till about a year or so ago. It does sound a bit like chrons but it could be something else .. I also vomit sometimes in the mornings when I wake up.. its only once and then its gone .. its very yellow acidic and foamy .. sorry if that's gross but just wanted to see if its similar to yours .. I just take some prilosec and it goes away ..though yours sounds a bit more than that.. anyway welcome to the forum and I hope you get some relief soon