I've been having digestive problems for about 2 months.

I've had them in the past, but I was able to sort it out myself then. It turns out that I have lactose intolerance and that I'm sensitive to artificial sweeteners as well as caffeine.

Well, lately I've been sensitive to anything I put into my digestive system. After about a month of that, I broke down and went to a doctor, one that specializes in the digestive system. His preliminary diagnosis is that I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but he wanted to run a few more tests to rule out other possible causes to my problems, i.e. Crohn's disease, colitis, polyps. That required a colonoscopy and I did that yesterday. I really hated having to do that, too, because I had to take off 2 days of work. I've worked for my current employer for a year and a half and this is the first time I've called off work. I take pride in my attendance record at work and I didn't want to take the time off, but some things are more important than perfect attendance, I guess.

Anyway, the doctor took biopsies while he was doing the colonoscopy. He also found a couple of polyps that were in the beginning stage of development and removed them. He'll test them to make sure that they aren't cancerous. It is highly doubtful that they are, but I guess you can never be too safe regarding such matters.

The doctor is more certain that I have IBS now. There was no sign of inflammation in my large intestine. Everything looked healthy besides the polyps. I go back to see him on 5/22 to get the definitive answer.

Fortunately, IBS doesn't develop into a more serious illness and there are natural, over-the-counter remedies that I can use to treat it.

And wow, as a trucker thats got to be a most *inconvenient* problem to have.
Thanks for the update. Yeah, polyps are common but it is good to remove them..:hi:

Fortunately for me, I've learned how to control it to some extent and there are a couple of bathrooms available on my route just in case. If I were a long haul trucker I don't know what I'd do.

than being stuck out in the middle of no where when you gotta go. It's good that the doc figured out what it was and it can be controlled. Girlfriend was diagnosed with Crohns about six months ago. That is one nasty disease.

I'll be thinking of you. :hug:

I had no luck with the standard treatments, however I now have symptoms for maybe only one week a year and they're easily taken care of using a hypnosis program that stopped my pain dead in its tracks. Best $90 I've ever spent, period.

Just what seems to be a permanent case of diarrhea.

It isn't a heckuva lot better than the pain, IMHO. :hug:

That was a sound decision and now you know what's going on.
It's weird you mentioned IBS. A few months ago I wrote a post
here about my sister being rushed to the hospital after passing
out and it turned out after testing that she had IBS! She passed
out due to dehydration and spent a week in the hospital. She had
all the same tests as you and it seems she's much better now.
I think she's on a new diet, etc. Glad you're OK!

You may have dodged a more serious bullet by getting that colonoscopy! Good for you!

I hope you find the right remedy for the IBS. :hi:

I've been having stomach problems for a couple of months, with no diagnosis other that possibly stress.

I've found two things:

1. I cannot eat beans. They make my stomach hurt as it tries to digest them.
2. DGL Licorice supplement is a godsend. One 20 minutes before each meal really helps the tummy.

Good luck!

:hug:

My SIL had one done today and they found some polyps and took them for testing also..

Keep us updated!!!!


:hi:


lost

I know that making dietary changes can be difficult, but it makes a difference. IBS is more common now; part of the problem is refined food. Soluble fiber can help. Soluble fiber absorbs water, and helps one be more regular. Oat bran is a biggie, also nuts and fruit like apples, vegetables too. Fiber also comes in tablets like Citrucel, your doc will tell you all this.

And I'm going to have to do some changing as far as my diet goes. I've got a big bottle of Citrucel and I just took my first dose. I'm betting that when I go to see the doctor later this month that he's going to have a special diet that I have to follow, one that involves more fruit and veggies than I've been eating. It's going to take some adjusting, but I'll get it alright.

..I salute you. You did the right thing, you dealt with it, you're moving toward wellness. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that it's hard for me to go to the doctor when something's amiss. Of course I know it's the right thing to do, but I always put it off for as long as possible.

You've inspired me, Droopy, to schedule my annual physical. I have been avoiding it, for all the old, stupid reasons.

Thanks.

I hope all goes well. And remember, if you are 50 or older you should have a colonoscopy done every once in a while. They say colon cancer the #2 cancer killer in our country.

But I do have to admit that I'm not the healthiest person, at least not yet. I still need to do some serious modifications of my diet. But I have taken some important steps to ensure that I live to be a wise, old man. I quit smoking a month ago, shortly after my initial doctor's appointment for my ailing bowels and quit drinking at that time as well. I feel much better already.

...And I'm sure you feel better because of it. I gave up the drink. Smoking's a bit tougher for me, at the moment. But that'll go by the wayside in time. It has to. I'm not yet 50, but I suspect a colonoscopy would be a smart move for me soon. FYI, it's really helpful to me to hear about people doing smart things for their health, as you are doing, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. So thanks again.

Caffeine, aspirin, some types of chocolate
are the things i cant have either
i dont have IBS, but have had stomach problems all my life
ucler/acid reflux

prilosec works wonders

:hi:

Two a day. Work wonders for IBS and some say for Crohn's, as well.
Do a search on them.....just a thought.

Or so I've heard.

take care of yourself , we all love you