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Crohn's Disease Forum

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Hi,

Welcome to the forum. I would suggest doing all the testing you need to get to the root of the problem. I don't think anyone would question you for wanting to know what is going on. I encourage you to push for answers because this type of issue needs to be addressed, bleeding coming from somewhere inside of you is always a legitimate cause for concern.

Best regards,

cmack

Hey man, thanks for the welcome.
I do think that I should push for the test. I just don't know if the gi I go to offers enteroclycis. Do places offer both enterographies and enteroclycis?
Either way, I hope my gi will agree. He's kind of a hard ass (pardon my language) and it took a whole lot of convincing to get him to agree to the CT. I don't know if he'll be willing to do another test.
 
You might want to try a second opinion if you don't get a diagnosis from your current doc. I'm not sure about the different procedures that each doctor may or may not tend to use. You could ask for a referral to one of your current doctors colleagues. Some doctors can be dismissive or stubborn for sure. You need to get answers, so I really would keep pushing until you find out what is wrong. You certainly need to find the source of the blood because ignoring it could be a huge mistake, I would do whatever it takes.

Just my thoughts.

cmack
 
Littlemissh is Elemental one that can only hang for 4 hours? How do you manage with that overnight? Or do you do daytime feeds? Sorry for all the questions! I know the MCT is a Nutricia pack so can hang 24 hours which I think is why they would rather I try that but I want to be able to discuss all the options with them[/QUOTE]



Sarah- No I hung it for 12 hours, I used to decant into flo-care containers which then went through my pump.You can get it in cartons or as a powder in the UK supplied and delivered by a homecare company. I used the cartons.
 
Hi everyone, I stumbled across this forum and was wondering if anyone could help me out.



So I've been having occult blood and mucus since January of this year. I so far have had a colonoscopy, endoscopy, and CT enterography, as well as occult blood stool tests (all positive) and a calprotectin test (negative). However, I still have bleeding as I am anemic (I'm male too, so anemia isn't as common in guys) and mucus. My GI said that I just have really bad ibs, but I know that ibs doesn't cause bleeding. It does cause gas, bloating and mucus, all that I also have, but not blood, especially mixed in the stool.

I was just wondering, even with all the tests I've had, is it possible something could have been overlooked? I'm wondering if maybe instead of an enterography i should have asked for enteroclycis, as I've read that it usually shows better pictures and distension. What do you guys think? Should I push for one of these tests? My gi might think I'm ridiculous but I just really want to get to the bottom of this.



Have you had a Pillcam? I would be pushing for that. There is a lot of small intestine between a upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. It has good sensitivity for mucosal injury. If that is clear, I think you would be clear of anything really serious going on.
 
I've been having a lot of intestinal problems again. My appointment with the GI is one week from today and I was seeing her to diagnose possible gastroparesis. My grandmother has it, which I only found out this weekend after I mentioned that I had an appointment - I share so many problems with her! But the guts are seriously irritating me and I don't know why. When I had my ovarian cyst excised and drained, I thought it solved the problem of chronic constipation (I was actually quite regular for about 3 months). Then, it started up again and I don't have a BM for DAYS even though I drink enough water and other stuff throughout the day. UGH! GI issues are so aggravating!
 
Have you had a Pillcam? I would be pushing for that. There is a lot of small intestine between a upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. It has good sensitivity for mucosal injury. If that is clear, I think you would be clear of anything really serious going on.

I haven't had a pillcam. I just figured that a CTE would be able to show everything. What would the pillcam show that a CTE can't?
 
Littlemissh Ahh that's good to know, thank you :)

MissLeopard for some people gastroparesis can extend down to the bowels so it is worth mentioning it at your appointment for sure! It could also be that your ovarian cyst has come back so it may also my worth checking in with your gynae too. Also you mentioned you take Zofran? That is well known for causing constipation too so that might be worth considering.

I've got my GI appointment on Friday so I'm getting a little nervous now but I'm sure it will be fine. I also spoke to my dietician team today and asked about the possibility of changing feeds if we try the NJ again and we may do that but they would prefer to keep me on my current feed as I tolerate it well through my NJ, it is already partially broken down and it's higher calorie per ml so it does give us more scope to start feed off at a super slow rate. But obviously they may change their minds on that if needed if we do try the NJ again.
 
I feel badly for everyone here whose symptoms are not being properly validated by a diagnosis. I had ulcerative colitis when I was a teen and into my twenties, took sulfasalazine and the bleeding cleared up. Fast forward 30 years and throughout that time had bouts of inflammation all throughout the bowel, one time my intestine -transverse colon felt like it had a stricture in it. Lots of bizarre symptoms which got better when I adhered to the paleo diet and juiced carrots and spinach. My symptoms seem to stay in esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, and rectal area only, as evidenced by my being heavy. Well today, after two months of pain on lower left, very narrow stool, and feeling like my intestine is being pushed through my rectum (sorry but tons of pressure), I had a colonoscopy. What was the diagnosis? Diverticulosis...not even diverticulitis to show all the inflammation I've been experiencing. They had the audacity to say I need to eat more fiber. I eat lots of fiber! The outpouching of diverticulosis is being caused by inflammation weakening my colon :( I don't know if my doctor knows what he's doing:( Because I do eat foods I'm allergic to which is most foods sadly, and because I eat too much I do know I need to change my diet, but I would have liked a little more help than just giving me an antacid. The pain and inflammation is in the colorectal area but the doc found lots of inflammation in stomach and esophagus (Barrett's esophagus). I hope I can help myself. I hope that you all get dx but with or without a diagnosis, we all need to help ourselves. Probiotics, the right diet, etc. Best wishes, Kelly
 
Hi Kelly,

I wish you the best. You really may want to consider a healthier diet. I'm sure you know this already, however I had to change my diet drastically. If you need advice you can ask me by pm, I would be happy to help you. All the changes I made were to diet and supplements. Thankfully, I'm in remission due to diet and supplementary vitamins alone. Hit me up any time, I like to help people and I hate to see anyone struggle.

Your teammate,

cmack
 
MissLeopard for some people gastroparesis can extend down to the bowels so it is worth mentioning it at your appointment for sure! It could also be that your ovarian cyst has come back so it may also my worth checking in with your gynae too. Also you mentioned you take Zofran? That is well known for causing constipation too so that might be worth considering.

I did not know that gastroparesis could extend past the stomach. I don't have any back pain like I did with the ovarian cyst, but I am going to push for another pelvic ultrasound at my next OB/Gyn visit on 7/6. I haven't been using the Zofran that much at all - none in the last 2 weeks - but I am on a new medication for anxiety and the dose was just increased. There is a very small percentage of it causing constipation, but not enough for it to be "common." I have started trying to increase my fiber intake to clear the constipation, which helps a great deal, but it's also worsening the full, bloated feeling in the morning. :(
 
Yesterday, I had horrible stomach pain as I was getting ready for work - so much so that I ended up lying down flat on my back which is the only thing that seems to help. I try my hardest to not take antacids or Zofran unless absolutely necessary because of the undiagnosed stomach problem - I'm not sure if it's low stomach acid or gastroparesis or both. It felt like I had a brick sitting in my stomach - very similar to the way it felt when I was on Prilosec on the advice of the former GI doctor I was seeing. Thankfully, my appointment is this upcoming Wednesday with the new GI doctor. I have a sneaking suspicion that she'll want to do another upper GI endoscopy in addition to a GES.
 
Yesterday, I had horrible stomach pain as I was getting ready for work - so much so that I ended up lying down flat on my back which is the only thing that seems to help. I try my hardest to not take antacids or Zofran unless absolutely necessary because of the undiagnosed stomach problem - I'm not sure if it's low stomach acid or gastroparesis or both. It felt like I had a brick sitting in my stomach - very similar to the way it felt when I was on Prilosec on the advice of the former GI doctor I was seeing. Thankfully, my appointment is this upcoming Wednesday with the new GI doctor. I have a sneaking suspicion that she'll want to do another upper GI endoscopy in addition to a GES.
My best to you.
 
MissLeopard sorry for the slow reply it's been a busy few days and a poorly few days.
Yes for some people they have gastroparesis and intestinal dysmotility together, they can do small bowel and colonic transit studies as well as the gastric emptying study but I think they have to be done separately if that makes sense? I always find that oats and other soluble fiber works better for my gastroparesis than insoluble fiber (shredded wheat/brown bread etc). Try having the fiber element of your diet earlier in the day, then something like a smoothie in the evening, the fruit will help the constipation but the liquid should help the morning bloating etc :) personally I don't eat anything after 6pm on my good days (bad days I don't eat at all just have my tube feed) and that's helped loads. Obviously everyone is different but that's what works for me. Definitely ask your GI for a referral to a dietician too, they will help you find some supplement drinks to help you get extra calories in. I know the US has different ones to the UK so I can't offer advice on specific brands to try but maybe someone else will be able to :)

I saw my GI yesterday and the plan is to keep going with the NG a few more weeks to build up a bit more then try the NJ again inpatient. She thinks the problems I had were a winning combination of reaction to sedation, gastroenteritis and the expected grumbles from a first time NJ placement. Just my luck huh?!
My bowels have been a bit dodgy again the last few days and I think part of it is because I got caught in the sun on Wednesday, does anyone else find too much sun upsets their bowels? Some of it was probably nerves about the appointment too but the sun exposure seemed to be a definite trigger.
 
MissLeopard sorry for the slow reply it's been a busy few days and a poorly few days.
Yes for some people they have gastroparesis and intestinal dysmotility together, they can do small bowel and colonic transit studies as well as the gastric emptying study but I think they have to be done separately if that makes sense? I always find that oats and other soluble fiber works better for my gastroparesis than insoluble fiber (shredded wheat/brown bread etc). Try having the fiber element of your diet earlier in the day, then something like a smoothie in the evening, the fruit will help the constipation but the liquid should help the morning bloating etc :) personally I don't eat anything after 6pm on my good days (bad days I don't eat at all just have my tube feed) and that's helped loads. Obviously everyone is different but that's what works for me. Definitely ask your GI for a referral to a dietician too, they will help you find some supplement drinks to help you get extra calories in. I know the US has different ones to the UK so I can't offer advice on specific brands to try but maybe someone else will be able to :)

I saw my GI yesterday and the plan is to keep going with the NG a few more weeks to build up a bit more then try the NJ again inpatient. She thinks the problems I had were a winning combination of reaction to sedation, gastroenteritis and the expected grumbles from a first time NJ placement. Just my luck huh?!
My bowels have been a bit dodgy again the last few days and I think part of it is because I got caught in the sun on Wednesday, does anyone else find too much sun upsets their bowels? Some of it was probably nerves about the appointment too but the sun exposure seemed to be a definite trigger.

I'm having stomach pain again today and just noticed, when I went to the bathroom, that I had a lot of mucus in my stool. I just don't feel right at all today and so I've been staying home laying down. I ended up taking some famotidine just a few minutes ago to see if that stops the stomach pain, but I'm definitely mentioning this to the new GI. The good thing is that she is in a GI group that has a specialist dietician, so I'll ask for a referral. I'm trying to do a modified Paleo diet since I need to lose weight, but maybe there is an underlying issue. :(
 
I saw my GI yesterday and the plan is to keep going with the NG a few more weeks to build up a bit more then try the NJ again inpatient. She thinks the problems I had were a winning combination of reaction to sedation, gastroenteritis and the expected grumbles from a first time NJ placement. Just my luck huh?!
My bowels have been a bit dodgy again the last few days and I think part of it is because I got caught in the sun on Wednesday, does anyone else find too much sun upsets their bowels? Some of it was probably nerves about the appointment too but the sun exposure seemed to be a definite trigger.

Good luck Sarah!!! Your response to an NJ tube certainly wasn't typical, so hopefully you will be absolutely fine this time. You may have some belly pain with feeds after it's placed (my daughter was given Levsin which helped) but that's usually really it.

Hope it goes well this time. Fingers crossed.
 
MissLeopard it sounds like rest is the best thing right now for sure! I hope the meds helped a little. Definitely bring it up with the GI though.

Maya thank you, I'm hoping the second attempt will go better! In theory it won't be for another couple of months yet just to give me a bit more time to put some of the weight back on, but we will see. In theory I see her again in 6-8 weeks time which is when we will arrange NJ and admission so it will coincide with her rotation on the ward, but she said if I'm struggling to just call her secretary or the dieticians and we will move the admission up so that's a relief!
I'm actually due my NG change in the next week so I'm half thinking of giving it until about a week before my next change is due, then just phone up and say I want to go ahead with the NJ. I'm still struggling with the NG feeds a bit (nowhere near as bad as your daughter did just nausea, pain and bloating) and if I'm honest I just want the NJ over and done with. Hopefully that makes sense!
 
Hi Everyone. There is some good information here! I have been dealing with flare ups since I was 17. Within the past year they have become worse and will actually cripple me. Last year I was in the hospital for a week the doctors were saying it is Crohns and then as I started getting better they sent me home and the GI doctor said well I don't feel that we need to do further testing I was very sick and ended up in intensive care. The doctors said well we really do not know what happened and to monitor my bowel movements. Then things got better for a bit. I delt with nasty bowel movements, a lot of pain, and feeling drained all of the time. Then a few weeks ago I got sick and I knew this flare up was starting, I made an appointment with my primary and he sent me back to the hospital where I spent a week while they ran tests. This time my inflamatory markers were extremely high, the calproctin numbers from my stool were extremely high. So they scheduled a colonoscopy and an upper GI. The samples came back negative for Crohns. The CT scan shows signs of it. No I just had an enterography a few days ago and I am waiting for the results. Is there anyone else in the same boat as me or can anyone please give me advice? I am miserable and very agitated
 
Hi Tim, welcome to the forum. Can I ask, where in Wisconsin are you? I'm in Madison. I was hospitalized at the UW hospital last year during a really bad flare (I had lost 17 lbs in about a month, and I was having diarrhea 20+ times per day). They are supposedly the top rated hospital in Wisconsin, but they were unable to diagnose me (I've been ill since 2009, seeing doctors in the UW system, but so far no diagnosis). So I can definitely relate to your frustration.

You said your fecal cal came back very high but the scopes didn't find anything - have they looked at your small intestine? Have you had a pill cam done? The scopes only see the very beginning and very end of the small intestine, so there's a lot there that they should investigate further. The inflammation has to be coming from somewhere in your digestive tract with your fecal cal being high. Hopefully a diagnosis is in the near future for you so that you can get on some treatment and feel better! Good luck and keep us posted!
 
Hi Tim,

Welcome, I'm undiagnosed as well. The doctors suspect Crohn's but nobody has made a diagnosis, so I'm considered to have IBD. I feel your frustration. I wish this disease was easier to figure out.


Your new teammate,

cmack
 
Well this is beyond frustrating I have had every test known to mankind and no one can seem to figure out what is going on. I got my PillCam back and my GI said its normal was totally expecting that would show something for sure. I have had so many horrible bouts of pain lasting for weeks. Tried diet changes all they things they ask, meds nothing works. Even for a diagnosis of exclusion (IBS) my GI said he hasn't really seen someone with IBS as bad as mine. (I'm sure because its probably NOT IBS) Grr so fed up. :frown:
 
Well this is beyond frustrating I have had every test known to mankind and no one can seem to figure out what is going on. I got my PillCam back and my GI said its normal was totally expecting that would show something for sure. I have had so many horrible bouts of pain lasting for weeks. Tried diet changes all they things they ask, meds nothing works. Even for a diagnosis of exclusion (IBS) my GI said he hasn't really seen someone with IBS as bad as mine. (I'm sure because its probably NOT IBS) Grr so fed up. :frown:
So sorry. Maybe you need a second opinion
 
Welcome Becca,

I am very sorry to hear of all the struggles you have had. You can talk to me any time, I can relate to the frustration. pm's are fine as well. Ron may be right about another opinion.


Best regards,

cmack
 
Hi Tim, welcome to the forum. Can I ask, where in Wisconsin are you? I'm in Madison. I was hospitalized at the UW hospital last year during a really bad flare (I had lost 17 lbs in about a month, and I was having diarrhea 20+ times per day). They are supposedly the top rated hospital in Wisconsin, but they were unable to diagnose me (I've been ill since 2009, seeing doctors in the UW system, but so far no diagnosis). So I can definitely relate to your frustration.

You said your fecal cal came back very high but the scopes didn't find anything - have they looked at your small intestine? Have you had a pill cam done? The scopes only see the very beginning and very end of the small intestine, so there's a lot there that they should investigate further. The inflammation has to be coming from somewhere in your digestive tract with your fecal cal being high. Hopefully a diagnosis is in the near future for you so that you can get on some treatment and feel better! Good luck and keep us posted!

I am in the Milwaukee area and have been seeing doctors within the Aurora health care system. My fecal cal came back very high, my stool tested positive for blood, the GI doctor is suspecting to find Crohns in my small intestine. This past Friday I just had an enterography done and we are waiting on the results then we are going to do the pill cam. Past CT scans have shown signs of Crohns. I just had more blood work done and another fecal cal done and all the results were normal. I have been hospitalized two years in a row, I just got out of the hospital about a month ago again
 
Hi Tim,

Welcome, I'm undiagnosed as well. The doctors suspect Crohn's but nobody has made a diagnosis, so I'm considered to have IBD. I feel your frustration. I wish this disease was easier to figure out.


Your new teammate,

cmack

Hi cmack. Thank you for the welcome. Frustration is an understatement being in and out of the hospital and no one can seem to figure it out is taking a toll on me in every aspect of my life!
 
I agree Tim, it is a huge understatement. I'm so sick of hospitals and clinics I wish I never had to go to one again. Oh well, I guess we have no choice but to go along with it. I hope you get answers and a proper treatment plan soon.
 
I found out today that my Enterography showed that everything was fine. I have to follow up with my GI doctor in two weeks. I think it is time for a second opinion because they are leaning towards that there is nothing wrong with me
 
I found out today that my Enterography showed that everything was fine. I have to follow up with my GI doctor in two weeks. I think it is time for a second opinion because they are leaning towards that there is nothing wrong with me
Agree
 
Hi Tim:

Did they put you on steroids or any other medication that might have helped heal the inflammation so they didn't see anything on the scopes? And you still haven't had the pill can, right? Surprisingly, tests can and do miss things. It would be odd for you to have a random infection that caused intestinal inflammation and landed you in the hospital two years in a row. You also have blood in your stool with is definitely not normal. I've been hospitalized and on IV steroids and the tests a month later show that everything is healed; I just respond to steroids very well and clearly have a mild case.
 
I saw my new GI doctor today and instantly knew that she'd be MUCH better than the first one - she moved away from her computer and actually faced me and was listening the entire time. She asked questions to clarify and ended up saying that it sounds like I have a slow GI tract - specifically gastroparesis. She told me that one of the classic symptoms is the one I'm complaining about which is nausea upon waking and feeling full and bloated. She gave me a lab slip, too, for stool studies - including fecal calprotectin - to see why I'm having excessive amounts of mucus in my stool. When I mentioned that I had severe food poisoning last month, she was concerned that it might be post-infectious IBS and wanted to test me for things like giardia and c.diff. among other things. I'm awaiting a phone call from their scheduling department for a Gastric Emptying Study, which I should receive in 24-48 hours. All in all, I am very impressed. She was very helpful and allayed any anxiety I had from my previous experience.

I plan to get the stool culture kit sometime in the next few days - hopefully tomorrow since I have to complete blood work from the other appointment I had today with another doctor. I'm really hoping these problems can be diagnosed and then treated so I can feel much better.
 
I saw my new GI doctor today and instantly knew that she'd be MUCH better than the first one - she moved away from her computer and actually faced me and was listening the entire time. She asked questions to clarify and ended up saying that it sounds like I have a slow GI tract - specifically gastroparesis. She told me that one of the classic symptoms is the one I'm complaining about which is nausea upon waking and feeling full and bloated. She gave me a lab slip, too, for stool studies - including fecal calprotectin - to see why I'm having excessive amounts of mucus in my stool. When I mentioned that I had severe food poisoning last month, she was concerned that it might be post-infectious IBS and wanted to test me for things like giardia and c.diff. among other things. I'm awaiting a phone call from their scheduling department for a Gastric Emptying Study, which I should receive in 24-48 hours. All in all, I am very impressed. She was very helpful and allayed any anxiety I had from my previous experience.

I plan to get the stool culture kit sometime in the next few days - hopefully tomorrow since I have to complete blood work from the other appointment I had today with another doctor. I'm really hoping these problems can be diagnosed and then treated so I can feel much better.
Sounds good, MissLeopard.
 
Hi Tim:

Did they put you on steroids or any other medication that might have helped heal the inflammation so they didn't see anything on the scopes? And you still haven't had the pill can, right? Surprisingly, tests can and do miss things. It would be odd for you to have a random infection that caused intestinal inflammation and landed you in the hospital two years in a row. You also have blood in your stool with is definitely not normal. I've been hospitalized and on IV steroids and the tests a month later show that everything is healed; I just respond to steroids very well and clearly have a mild case.

When I went into the hospital about a month ago they started me on a few antibiotics for a few days. They have not tried steroids, the thing that gets me mad is once the flare up is done they act like nothing is wrong!! I have not had the GI pill cam, I see the doctor in two weeks meanwhile I am looking into different GI doctors in my area
 
MissLeopard I'm so glad the new GI listened to you and has ordered the tests for you :) let us know how you get on!

Thanks! It feels great to have someone listen and care that's on my medical team. Now, I just have to get the samples. I've been kind of "backed up" this weekend. I really wanted to get the samples tonight so I could get to the lab when they open at 6:30 and get the bloodwork done, too, before work. I'm going to give it one last go and see if I can get enough. I hate to have to do it twice because they only gave me one toilet hat and 1 tongue depressor. I was told to put at least 2 tbsp in each green jar to freeze and I have 4 other smaller jars that are room temperature. I want to get it all done at once. It's hard when I've never done this before!
 
Hi Tim: so you flare up, go to the hospital where you improve (so they put you on bowel rest) and then they send you home so that it happens all over again? That sounds awful. Do they think you are having recurring infections that clear up with the antibiotics? They thought crohn's at first but because you respond to antibiotics well they are positing recurring infections even though you have blood in your stool? It's so odd that doctors have a hard time diagnosing bowel disease. I have celiac disease as well and was diagnosed in just a month, but it takes many people as long as a decade to get diagnosed. I think doctors are too ready to assume that GI issues are "just stress" or nonspecific "enteritis". I definitely think you should push your doctors (easier said than done, I know) to give you a solid idea of what you have. It always helps to have a firm diagnosis.
 
I don't know why half of us are still undiagnosed. I think the government doesn't want to pay to help sick people sometimes. It can be very disheartening. I wish everybody the best, we all deserve to be treated as humans. Nobody chooses IBD/Crohn's, or for that matter, any disease at all! Sorry for the rant.
 
Hi Tim: so you flare up, go to the hospital where you improve (so they put you on bowel rest) and then they send you home so that it happens all over again? That sounds awful. Do they think you are having recurring infections that clear up with the antibiotics? They thought crohn's at first but because you respond to antibiotics well they are positing recurring infections even though you have blood in your stool? It's so odd that doctors have a hard time diagnosing bowel disease. I have celiac disease as well and was diagnosed in just a month, but it takes many people as long as a decade to get diagnosed. I think doctors are too ready to assume that GI issues are "just stress" or nonspecific "enteritis". I definitely think you should push your doctors (easier said than done, I know) to give you a solid idea of what you have. It always helps to have a firm diagnosis.
One minute they tell me I have Crohn's then they say no we don't know what you have so basically the past two years I have ended up in the hospital for these flare ups. As of now all of my blood work is back to normal. I called a different medical system here in Wisconsin, it will typically take almost a month to get an appointment, but they pulled my records from the other hospital and said I had to be seen asap because I am being ignored. I have an appointment today with the new GI doctor. I am a bit alarmed as to how fast they wanted me to come in, however hopefully they will get to the bottom of this
 
One minute they tell me I have Crohn's then they say no we don't know what you have so basically the past two years I have ended up in the hospital for these flare ups. As of now all of my blood work is back to normal. I called a different medical system here in Wisconsin, it will typically take almost a month to get an appointment, but they pulled my records from the other hospital and said I had to be seen asap because I am being ignored. I have an appointment today with the new GI doctor. I am a bit alarmed as to how fast they wanted me to come in, however hopefully they will get to the bottom of this
I hope the best for you.
 
heading to the new doctor now, I feel like I am flaring a bit the past few days extreme fatigue nausea and backed up
 
Just got my appointment today for the gastric emptying study. I actually had to call the scheduling department because it was sent on Friday, but I never got called. My appointment is Monday, the 19th, at 10:30am at the hospital's imaging department. They told me it would take about 1.5 to 2 hours. They are using egg salad, but I'm bringing my own GF bread, just in case. I hope this gives a diagnosis as I have been really having nasty nausea the last few mornings which eases up as the day goes on. :(
 
The shasttuc emptying study is suppose to done over4 hours
Two hour studies don't "catch " all of thise with delayed gastric emptying
Standard meal is scrambled egg(with tracer) and two pieces of toast
Eaten within a set time
Scan at hour zero(just finished eating
Then every 15 minutes fir the 1st hour then every 30 minutes until 4hours or less than 10% of the meal is left in the stomach which ever comes first

Anything above 10% left after 4 hours is considered
 
It is supposed to be 4 hours - we also had it done with scrambled eggs and toast. At our hospital, they only send you home at 2 hours if your stomach is SO delayed that there is no way the stomach will have <10% left after 4 hours.

We stayed the full 4 hours. My daughter's stomach had about 40% of the meal left at 4 hours.
 
Hi, I'm new here...
I'm 24, new here, but not new to this.
I've been dealing with this since I was about 16 when my gall bladder started to kind of go awry. I had it taken out and that's when the pain started.
I feel like I'm dying from the inside out.
When the pain starts, it is a burning, sharp, I just ate glass, crippling, throw me to the ground, pain. It starts in my lower right part of my stomach, just under my belly button, and then seizes my entire stomach and radiates through my entire body.
I've had constant nausea, unintended weight loss, chronic fatigue, nocturnal BMs, small bouts of fecal incontinence, blood in my stools, blood in my vomit, constant abdominal pain, mucous in my stool, black stools, pain triggered by certain foods, feeling like I haven't fully relieved myself when using the bathroom, pain from not eating enough or too much, bloating.

My joints are often very very sore, but never swollen.
I've come down with pneumonia, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, (oral)strep B, and oral thrush since December.
I have had a UA done which came back positive for white blood cells, but no Uti.
I have had 2 upper endoscopies, one colonoscopy, and three capsule endoscopies.
My first endoscopy and colonoscopy were done together in January 2017, and came back clear, aside from some mucous in my stomach.
On March 3rd, 2017, I had my 1st capsule endoscopy done, and the report showed "erythematous villi in the proximal jejunum. Visible vessel with petechia in midjejunum. Possible submucosal bulge in proximal ileum."
I was informed that this is inflammation, ulceration, and a possible abscess or tumor, but they weren't sure.
It took 7.5 hours for this capsule to evacuate my body.
Then somehow, when I asked them to go back over these images, no one seemed to know how to locate these files except the black and white images that are "too dark to see anything."
I was immediately sent back for blood work, where a lot of things have come back low end of normal, although from the looks of it my numbers are slowly heading in a negative direction and my WBC is consistently staying in the 9-12 range.
I was sent for a CTE which came back normal.

I was then sent for a patency test to ensure I could completely pass a capsule. The first patency pill got hung up in my bowel loops. And did not ever leave my system until it started to dissolve 30hrs after swallowing it.
They did a second, and that one passed after the 30 hour mark.
I was then sent for a second capsule study, which, after four and a half hours, had still not left my stomach and they had lost visualization after having a meal. This came back, obviously inconclusive.
It took 42 hours for this capsule to evacuate my body.

Two weeks later, on June 6th, I was sent back for a 3rd capsule study to be placed by EGD.
During my endoscopy, they discovered a 1-2cm Hiatal Hernia, mucous, bleeding and "mildly diffuse" ulceration was found in the "gastric body" and "gastric antrum". I was told this was just "gastritis" and the hernia was likely from all the vomiting I have been experiencing, but they hadn't caught any of this on the capsule study two weeks prior and they could not give me a valid reason why.
They placed the capsule in the the beginning portion of the small bowel, and then removed the EGD tube.
This capsule study came back "clear".
It took 49 hours for the capsule to evacuate my body.

Im now being brushed aside and told it's likely all just IBS and I have no idea what I'm supposed to do, and they're telling me that they have no more tests to run.
I've been dealing with this for seven, almost eight years, if I don't get to give up, then no one else should? How much longer do I have to beg to be heard?
Is this "JUST IBS?"
Is it really possible for all of these things to just manifest out of nowhere and then suddenly disappear?
I really need help.
🙁
 
Hi, I'm new here...
I'm 24, new here, but not new to this.
I've been dealing with this since I was about 16 when my gall bladder started to kind of go awry. I had it taken out and that's when the pain started.
I feel like I'm dying from the inside out.
When the pain starts, it is a burning, sharp, I just ate glass, crippling, throw me to the ground, pain. It starts in my lower right part of my stomach, just under my belly button, and then seizes my entire stomach and radiates through my entire body.
I've had constant nausea, unintended weight loss, chronic fatigue, nocturnal BMs, small bouts of fecal incontinence, blood in my stools, blood in my vomit, constant abdominal pain, mucous in my stool, black stools, pain triggered by certain foods, feeling like I haven't fully relieved myself when using the bathroom, pain from not eating enough or too much, bloating.

My joints are often very very sore, but never swollen.
I've come down with pneumonia, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, (oral)strep B, and oral thrush since December.
I have had a UA done which came back positive for white blood cells, but no Uti.
I have had 2 upper endoscopies, one colonoscopy, and three capsule endoscopies.
My first endoscopy and colonoscopy were done together in January 2017, and came back clear, aside from some mucous in my stomach.
On March 3rd, 2017, I had my 1st capsule endoscopy done, and the report showed "erythematous villi in the proximal jejunum. Visible vessel with petechia in midjejunum. Possible submucosal bulge in proximal ileum."
I was informed that this is inflammation, ulceration, and a possible abscess or tumor, but they weren't sure.
It took 7.5 hours for this capsule to evacuate my body.
Then somehow, when I asked them to go back over these images, no one seemed to know how to locate these files except the black and white images that are "too dark to see anything."
I was immediately sent back for blood work, where a lot of things have come back low end of normal, although from the looks of it my numbers are slowly heading in a negative direction and my WBC is consistently staying in the 9-12 range.
I was sent for a CTE which came back normal.

I was then sent for a patency test to ensure I could completely pass a capsule. The first patency pill got hung up in my bowel loops. And did not ever leave my system until it started to dissolve 30hrs after swallowing it.
They did a second, and that one passed after the 30 hour mark.
I was then sent for a second capsule study, which, after four and a half hours, had still not left my stomach and they had lost visualization after having a meal. This came back, obviously inconclusive.
It took 42 hours for this capsule to evacuate my body.

Two weeks later, on June 6th, I was sent back for a 3rd capsule study to be placed by EGD.
During my endoscopy, they discovered a 1-2cm Hiatal Hernia, mucous, bleeding and "mildly diffuse" ulceration was found in the "gastric body" and "gastric antrum". I was told this was just "gastritis" and the hernia was likely from all the vomiting I have been experiencing, but they hadn't caught any of this on the capsule study two weeks prior and they could not give me a valid reason why.
They placed the capsule in the the beginning portion of the small bowel, and then removed the EGD tube.
This capsule study came back "clear".
It took 49 hours for the capsule to evacuate my body.

Im now being brushed aside and told it's likely all just IBS and I have no idea what I'm supposed to do, and they're telling me that they have no more tests to run.
I've been dealing with this for seven, almost eight years, if I don't get to give up, then no one else should? How much longer do I have to beg to be heard?
Is this "JUST IBS?"
Is it really possible for all of these things to just manifest out of nowhere and then suddenly disappear?
I really need help.
🙁
Welcome. I am sorry for all you have been through. I would keep fighting until I got some solid answers . Sending support.
 
Thank you for your kind words, they're very much appreciated.
I'm fighting hard, but I'm so frustrated I just don't know where to turn to anymore.
 
Hi trinity,

Welcome, I'm very sorry to hear of all the struggles you have had to deal with, that's not fair at all. I hope you find some new friends and some answers on this forum. I'm around to talk quite a bit, feel free to pm me or talk to me on this thread.

Welcome again,

cmack
 
Ronroush7: I need one, but I'm not even sure where to start with that.
My insurance requires a referral to every specialist I see, so I have to have a referral.
If I ask this GI or my GP for a referral, it could very well be denied, and the city i live in is the same healthcare network, and they have a notorious habit of losing my records and/or dismissing and negating my issues. Which is great.
My only options are to be referred out to the University of Minnesota, or to the Mayo Clinic, and I'm not honestly sure that they'll take my case or how to go about that either. I feel so swamped.
I JUST got done dealing with a year long fight to get a fibromyalgia DX and then i was DXd with Trigeminal Neuralgia in January '17. I'm not in pain killers because I have a huge intolerance to them, so I'm incredibly burnt out and just lost with this.
 
Hi trinity,

Welcome, I'm very sorry to hear of all the struggles you have had to deal with, that's not fair at all. I hope you find some new friends and some answers on this forum. I'm around to talk quite a bit, feel free to pm me or talk to me on this thread.

Welcome again,

cmack

Thank you for reaching out with your kind words, finding friends and support is definitely something I need right now in this.
I've been lurking through this thread for a few weeks to see if I could see if I could maybe find something or some answers somewhere.
It's actually been very helpful, and you all seem very kind and supportive.
 
Cmack: thank you, I'm thank I found this too. I really look forward to getting to know you, and others too.
And I've had a few friends in Mayo, I don't live far from it, I'm also from MN so I've heard many stories from all over the spectrum on how Mayo is when it comes to patient care and empathy to Dr competency. It's more often positive though, atleast. They do have Crohn's disease specialists, which is important, but I worry that they won't refer me or take my case because I don't have a diagnosis or a positive study.
 
Undiagnosed here as well, I do have a diagnosis of permanently disabled due to surgical procedures. I think if I would have had a specialist to begin with I would still be working. I mean my life isn't totally destroyed but I could have ended up better I suppose. I got a very caring general surgeon, he tried his best but I'm pretty mucked up. I wish better for you.
 
I've received a diagnosis of permantly disabled as well due to this, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, Trigeminal neuralgia, depression, and anxiety. I'm fighting disability right now and I have a seven year old, so I'm feeling a lot older than I'm supposed to be.
I'm greatful so far I haven't had many surgeries or procedures, just a lapcholy, those scopes, and a few nerve blocks to my face that I wouldn't wish on my enemy. I wish better for you as well, I hope you're feeling well, and if you're not, I wish you better.
 
Hang in there, there are treatments that may very well improve things. I'm hopeful that I may be retrained. There are jobs for disabled people it's just a little harder. Together we are strong! :)
 
That would be so awesome haha! I used to run my own store two years ago before I was fired for "under performance". I've worked a few times in between, and man.. not working SUCKS. I start pool therapy in a few weeks and I'm hopeful it helps with some of my spasms and muscle pain. And who knows about everything else? Maybe exercise will be good, I don't know. Haha.
 
Hi Tim: I hope the appointment with the new doctor goes well and they give you some answers. Let us know how you are.
 
It is supposed to be 4 hours - we also had it done with scrambled eggs and toast. At our hospital, they only send you home at 2 hours if your stomach is SO delayed that there is no way the stomach will have <10% left after 4 hours.

We stayed the full 4 hours. My daughter's stomach had about 40% of the meal left at 4 hours.

I wonder if they just tell patients it's 1-2 hours but it can last 4 hours. I wonder if I should call them and ask the procedure. I told my boss I would try to come in that afternoon, but I won't be able to if it's 4 hours long.

I'm bringing my own GF bread since I have Celiac disease.
 
MissLeopard my GES was 2.5 hours long but it used a different meal (cottage pie but only the mash was radio labelled) so I think that had some impact on it. Either way it picked up my gastroparesis and they worked out from it my emptying is double what it should be. They didn't give me a percentage just times.

I spoke to my consultant today and I'm back on the admission list to go in and try the NJ again so just got to wait for the call to say a bed is available. She has said early next week all being well but it could end up being the week after depending on beds. I'm pretty nervous if I'm honest, I'm just worried the same thing could happen again even though all my bloods etc at the time point to it being some sort of infection that made me so poorly. I guess I will just have to wait and see how it goes!
 
MissLeopard my GES was 2.5 hours long but it used a different meal (cottage pie but only the mash was radio labelled) so I think that had some impact on it. Either way it picked up my gastroparesis and they worked out from it my emptying is double what it should be. They didn't give me a percentage just times.

I spoke to my consultant today and I'm back on the admission list to go in and try the NJ again so just got to wait for the call to say a bed is available. She has said early next week all being well but it could end up being the week after depending on beds. I'm pretty nervous if I'm honest, I'm just worried the same thing could happen again even though all my bloods etc at the time point to it being some sort of infection that made me so poorly. I guess I will just have to wait and see how it goes!
Hope the best for you.
 
I spoke to my consultant today and I'm back on the admission list to go in and try the NJ again so just got to wait for the call to say a bed is available. She has said early next week all being well but it could end up being the week after depending on beds. I'm pretty nervous if I'm honest, I'm just worried the same thing could happen again even though all my bloods etc at the time point to it being some sort of infection that made me so poorly. I guess I will just have to wait and see how it goes!

Good luck Sarah!! Try to remember your experience was REALLY not typical - I've never heard of such an awful reaction to an NJ tube. You might have some belly pain with the feeds for a bit, but that should be it.

And of course, your nose/throat might be a little sore from the insertion. My daughter's NJ tube was thicker than her NG tube so it was not her favorite to say the least (she was also a teenager and very self-conscious). But it worked wonderfully for her Gastroparesis!!
 
MissLeopard my GES was 2.5 hours long but it used a different meal (cottage pie but only the mash was radio labelled) so I think that had some impact on it. Either way it picked up my gastroparesis and they worked out from it my emptying is double what it should be. They didn't give me a percentage just times.

I spoke to my consultant today and I'm back on the admission list to go in and try the NJ again so just got to wait for the call to say a bed is available. She has said early next week all being well but it could end up being the week after depending on beds. I'm pretty nervous if I'm honest, I'm just worried the same thing could happen again even though all my bloods etc at the time point to it being some sort of infection that made me so poorly. I guess I will just have to wait and see how it goes!


Thank you for your input. We'll see how it goes with the test. I've been to this hospital department before for a HIDA scan and it went really well, which is why I chose them again.

I'll say some prayers for your NJ tube placement. I hope it goes better this time than last.
 
Hi everyone. I haven't posted in a while because I've been too sick, and I knew all I would do is complain! I have been reading everyone's posts though, when I can. I just seem to be getting worse and worse for some reason. It's really bad. I told myself that 2017 was going to be the year that I got better. Turns out it's the year that I got even worse. I can't even leave my house anymore. And I can't find a doctor to help me. But that's all the complaining I'm going to do, because I wanted to reply to a couple people.

Sarah, I really hope the tube placement goes well. What you went through before truly sounds like a horror story. I'm honestly really proud of you for trying again, even though last time was so horrible. That takes strength and bravery! I don't blame you for being nervous. I have a good feeling that it's going to go really well this time though. How have you been feeling with your tube feeds? Are your symptoms any better?

Trinity, welcome to the forum, but I'm so sorry that you have to be here. I can't believe that your doctor would say that you just have IBS. That is such a cop out, in my opinion. It sounds like you have way more going on. Your tests have even shown stuff! I actually did go to the Mayo Clinic, and although it wasn't helpful for me, I don't think it would be a bad idea for you to consider going. It was easy for me to get a referral. I don't have a diagnosis, and all my tests have basically come back normal. I just asked my GI for the referral, and he did it. I live in Alaska, so I had to travel there, but since you live close, it should be even easier for you. I'm 26 years old, so I understand what it's like to be (kind of) young and sick. I thought that I would be in such a different place at 26. But I'm unemployed, a graduate school drop out, and pretty soon I'll be living off my husband because I'm about to run out of my savings. It sucks seeing my friends doing fun stuff and chasing their dreams, when I'm stuck in bed or on the toilet. I cry all day long, every day, basically. I can't imagine having to take care of a kid while being sick. I can barely take care of my cats! You must be tough! I really hope you find answers soon. I know how frustrating and disheartening this all can be. But you can come here for advice or to just rant anytime!
 
I cannot wait to get the GES on Monday. My stomach is a mess today - I keep getting painful stomach cramps and I'm not sure why because I didn't eat anything out of the ordinary last night. I don't want to say that I am wishing it's gastroparesis, but I would like an answer as to why my stomach has iffy symptoms. The worst lately is cramping and nausea. :(
 
Thank you everyone for the good thoughts! I will keep you all updated.

Maya thank you, I can cope with some tummy pain just not what happened last time haha! I expect I will feel bad from the sedation so I'm going to ask for my IV antisickness and fluids to help (sedation and POTS are a bad mix). Thankfully the last NJ tube was the same 8fr that my NG is, it just had a bigger connector so wasn't as comfortable sleeping when I rolled onto it. But again I can live with that!

MissLeopard keep us updated on the GES, I will keep everything crossed for you. I totally understand wanting a diagnosis, it's so difficult living with something when you don't know what it is isn't it. I really hope the GES gives you an answer.

Akgirl thank you, it's good to hear from you again, I'm so sorry you've not been doing well. Are you any further forward with getting a diagnosis or treatment? The tube feeds so far have been okay, the gastroparesis seems to be steadily getting a little worse again so my pain has been increasing which sucks, but the feeds mean I've slowed my weight loss down so that's good and I put some on in my good spells then lose a little in my bad spells. I haven't noticed a difference in energy but with everything that's been going on that doesn't surprise me!
 
Thank you everyone for the good thoughts! I will keep you all updated.

Maya thank you, I can cope with some tummy pain just not what happened last time haha! I expect I will feel bad from the sedation so I'm going to ask for my IV antisickness and fluids to help (sedation and POTS are a bad mix). Thankfully the last NJ tube was the same 8fr that my NG is, it just had a bigger connector so wasn't as comfortable sleeping when I rolled onto it. But again I can live with that!

MissLeopard keep us updated on the GES, I will keep everything crossed for you. I totally understand wanting a diagnosis, it's so difficult living with something when you don't know what it is isn't it. I really hope the GES gives you an answer.

Akgirl thank you, it's good to hear from you again, I'm so sorry you've not been doing well. Are you any further forward with getting a diagnosis or treatment? The tube feeds so far have been okay, the gastroparesis seems to be steadily getting a little worse again so my pain has been increasing which sucks, but the feeds mean I've slowed my weight loss down so that's good and I put some on in my good spells then lose a little in my bad spells. I haven't noticed a difference in energy but with everything that's been going on that doesn't surprise me!

Thank you for your support. I'm really hopeful that the test will provide answers. I think I may request a repeat endoscopy because last year there was erythematous mucosa found but it was negative for h.pylori. Reddened tissue suggests inflammation and/or irritation which my former GI doctor did not explore further. He simply brushed it off and moved on. It sounds now like I had non-HP gastritis. If the GES is negative, this may be the cause of the problem or it may exacerbate it if it's positive. My current GI already impressed me because she didn't automatically assign a diagnosis without tests.
 
Hi MissLeopard,

I'm thinking this may be a better GI. I sure hope she manages to figure everything out. It's a good thing to be impressed with the current doc. I wish you the very best. This one sounds very promising.


Best wishes to you,

Chris
 
Hi MissLeopard,

I'm thinking this may be a better GI. I sure hope she manages to figure everything out. It's a good thing to be impressed with the current doc. I wish you the very best. This one sounds very promising.


Best wishes to you,

Chris

I could not agree more. I've only seen her one time and I'm already happy with how she approaches a diagnosis - she doesn't assign one without doing tests. She gave me some lab slips for stool samples which I completed today (very gross, but I did it) and I'll be dropping them off at the lab on the way to my GES. One of the slips was for fecal calprotectin. She also had me do a blood draw for a sedimentation rate which I means she is checking for inflammation. I saw my old lab work done by another doctor a few years ago in 2013 and it showed a high CRP - I may bring that to my next appointment to see what she thinks. A follow-up test was never done. Autoimmune disorders run in my family - both my paternal aunt and grandmother have rheumatoid arthritis. My aunt also has ankylosing spondylitis. I have Celiac disease. Where there is one autoimmune disorder, there is potential for more, so I'm wondering if I've got something else going on.
 
Hi MissLeopard,

I never would wish a disease upon anyone but if you do have one, I think it is very important to get the proper treatment. I'm both happy for you that you are having better luck with the new medical team and also hoping for the least serious diagnosis. Hang in there, it sounds like you are on the right track.

All the very best,

Chris
 
The GES was very easy. I got there early so I started earlier than planned and it was really nice. The same tech that did my HIDA scan last year was the one doing the GES, so it was nice to see her again. I ate a scrambled egg and drank some water and then stood in front of the camera. Every 30 min for 2 hours, I would be called back to the room and scanned again. I could feel the egg just sitting in my stomach, so I'm pretty sure the scan will be conclusive. My doctor will get the results in 24-48 hours. I also turned in the stool samples today on the way to the hospital, so that should come in soon. The sed rate was normal from Saturday - the doctor's office uploaded the result in the patient portal. I wish she asked for a CRP level, though.

In other news, my endocrinologist has tested my hormone levels twice because my DHEA is really high - the first was over 600 and the second almost 500. She is having me get an adrenal CT scan to rule out a virilizing adrenal tumor (most likely benign, but hormone secreting) as well as 2 saliva cortisol tests to rule out Cushing's. If the CT scan is positive, I may have to have surgery for the 3rd time in 12 months. :(
 
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I'm glad the GES went well MissLeopard, I hope it doesn't take too long for you to get the results from your doctor. I hope the CT goes okay and it doesn't mean another surgery for you!

I've had a call from the ward and it looks like I will be going in today then I guess my NJ placement will be tomorrow as they can't book it until I'm on the ward if that makes sense?

I had really bad D yesterday and took an imodium which obviously stopped everything and I can tell it has started t wear off so of course I'm worried it will choose the worst possible time to wear off completely, either on my way to the hospital or half way through the paperwork or something. I know it probably sounds daft but I don't want that happening while I'm in hospital again, I would rather be in the privacy of my own bathroom! I'm pretty sure it was only because I got overheated and spent time in the sun on Sunday (it always gives me awful D, no idea why) so I'm hoping it is effectively out of my system but you can never be sure can you. There's a lot of suspicious grumbling and bubbling and churning going on. At least I should have a few hours before I need to head to the hospital! Does anyone else find hot weather affects their bowels badly?!
 
I'm glad the GES went well MissLeopard, I hope it doesn't take too long for you to get the results from your doctor. I hope the CT goes okay and it doesn't mean another surgery for you!

I've had a call from the ward and it looks like I will be going in today then I guess my NJ placement will be tomorrow as they can't book it until I'm on the ward if that makes sense?

I had really bad D yesterday and took an imodium which obviously stopped everything and I can tell it has started t wear off so of course I'm worried it will choose the worst possible time to wear off completely, either on my way to the hospital or half way through the paperwork or something. I know it probably sounds daft but I don't want that happening while I'm in hospital again, I would rather be in the privacy of my own bathroom! I'm pretty sure it was only because I got overheated and spent time in the sun on Sunday (it always gives me awful D, no idea why) so I'm hoping it is effectively out of my system but you can never be sure can you. There's a lot of suspicious grumbling and bubbling and churning going on. At least I should have a few hours before I need to head to the hospital! Does anyone else find hot weather affects their bowels badly?!

It might be the Vitamin D stimulating your colon. I know, when I get too much sun, I have cramping and diarrhea, too. I just found this article:

https://www.livescience.com/38842-extreme-heat-may-aggravate-gastrointestinal-problems.html
 
Sarah, yes, hot and humid weather definitely gets my guts upset. And if I exert myself in hot & humid weather then I end up feeling horrible. I get awful cramps and lots of d. A couple of years ago I had to help out at a work event that was outdoors, it was hot and humid and I was running around doing a lot of physical activity, and I didn't drink enough water. I felt horrendous the following day! On warm days I need to stay indoors in the air conditioning and rest as much as I can.
 
Grrrr! I really want the results of my gastric emptying study to be posted! I may call them tomorrow and see if they have been received. They posted the blood work results, but I'm still awaiting the GES and stool sample cultures.
 
Hi!
Been reading trough the forum for a couple of days now, and made my first post today to tell my story so far (you can read it HERE if you are interested) but I'm in the same boat as you are, have no diagnosis as of now, and waiting for some more tests and results at the moment.

Wishing you all the best
 
MissLeopard I hope they don't take too long to grt back to yo with your GES result, let us know how you get on with it!

I had my NJ tube placed today! I've literally just started feeds up at 35ml an hour so we will see how that goes, if last time is anything to go buy it won't be until tomorrow that I find out if my body has a problem with them. Saying that so far I've not had any of the problems I had already had by this point last time so that's reassuring. Just about to get another dose of IV ondansetron/Zofran then it will be bed time for me, although my fluids will finish in a couple of hours and no doubt wake me up haha.
 
MissLeopard I hope they don't take too long to grt back to yo with your GES result, let us know how you get on with it!

I had my NJ tube placed today! I've literally just started feeds up at 35ml an hour so we will see how that goes, if last time is anything to go buy it won't be until tomorrow that I find out if my body has a problem with them. Saying that so far I've not had any of the problems I had already had by this point last time so that's reassuring. Just about to get another dose of IV ondansetron/Zofran then it will be bed time for me, although my fluids will finish in a couple of hours and no doubt wake me up haha.

I called them today and the girl said it usually takes 7-10 days for results! The guy at the imaging center said it takes 24-48 hours for reading, so why does it take so long for the doctor's office to get them to me? Ugh! I've been experiencing more nausea the last few days and I'm tired of it. :(
 
Miss leopard
The ordering doctor and the radiology reading the GES
Have to go over the test results prior to a report being issued
once they discussed the results then the official report is issued
This is why they get 7-10 days to get together and talk

If you looked at the camera screen during the GES
It would should glowing pixels
With a clear stomach area in the beginning of the scan
You could watch the pixels slowly leave the stomach

Ds scan was done but we had to wait almost two weeks for the GI to decide what to do :(
That was almost two years ago and ees is amazing for letting him eat again

Some start with just diet
Many small low fat low fiber meals 6-8 per day
Ds only eats 200-300 calories at his big meals
But he supplements with formula since his liquid emptying is normal


Hope they have answers soon
 
Miss leopard
The ordering doctor and the radiology reading the GES
Have to go over the test results prior to a report being issued
once they discussed the results then the official report is issued
This is why they get 7-10 days to get together and talk

If you looked at the camera screen during the GES
It would should glowing pixels
With a clear stomach area in the beginning of the scan
You could watch the pixels slowly leave the stomach

Ds scan was done but we had to wait almost two weeks for the GI to decide what to do :(
That was almost two years ago and ees is amazing for letting him eat again

Some start with just diet
Many small low fat low fiber meals 6-8 per day
Ds only eats 200-300 calories at his big meals
But he supplements with formula since his liquid emptying is normal


Hope they have answers soon

The tech had the screen turned away from the scanner, so I was unable to see the picture. I'm pretty sure it was positive, though, because the egg just felt like a brick sitting in my stomach - it wasn't moving. I'm trying to refrain from eating large meals, especially at night because I feel so nauseous and bloated in the morning from food just sitting in my stomach. Last night, I ate light and felt a little bit better this morning, so it may work. I've noticed I can't handle popcorn very well - too much fiber and it causes stomach pain. Both nights I ate it, I had horrible stomach cramps. :(

Anyway, I just hope this test is conclusive. I have been having YEARS of stomach/digestive issues and never knew the cause. Celiac disease was definitely my problem and gluten-free has made a huge difference, but it didn't get rid of everything.
 
We also avoid fiber and high fat things. Definitely no popcorn but that is also because my daughter has Crohn's.

We started with meds and but also changed my daughter's diet at the same time. Small meals - four a day. She also used to get formula at night through her tube because she was just unable to eat enough to keep her weight up but recently stopped that (though we may need to restart soon).

She tolerates veggies best in soups. We stick with lean protein - lots of chicken and fish and turkey and very little red meat.

We started with Bethanechol and then tried Erythromycin and then switched to Domperidone. My daughter was very severely underweight and also really needed the feeding tube.

She can eat about 300 calories at a time, no more or it causes extreme nausea. She also takes Zofran but we try to minimize using it.

We heard about the gastric emptying study after a few days, but it varies based on the hospital. I would look at the GP diet guidelines while you are waiting.
 
http://gastroparesisclinic.org/treatments.php?pageId=1186&moduleId=204


This explains diet a lot
No skins
Mushy fruits /veggies
Next to no fiber (more than 1g is dslimit )

Some docs make you try dietfirst
We had to try it and then combine it with meds

I may try and experiment with my diet to see which causes problems and which doesn't. I've noticed protein really seems to work well - I did well on a ketogenic diet (both in terms of digestion and weight loss). I'm kind of the atypical GP patient in that I'm overweight, not underweight. My endocrinologist thinks I may have either an adrenal tumor and/or Cushing's and is doing further tests to rule both out and both cause weight gain. I have a BMI over 30 and I'm only 5'3". My OB/Gyn kept putting me on birth control for ovarian cysts (he diagnosed PCOS) but the endocrinologist thinks that may have caused additional problems with my hormones. I should get answers within the next week or two about lab results. She also wants an adrenal CT scan to look for tumors.
 
My daughter was just diagnosed with Cushings but from steroid use. The treatment is very different if you have a tumor (surgery usually). Her symptoms were a very puffy face, weight gain and purple stretch marks.

In her case, we just have to avoid steroids and wait for symptoms to go away. She is already losing weight.

The other thing to remember is that if you have been on steroids, birth control makes them more potent and can cause more steroid related side effects.
 
My daughter was just diagnosed with Cushings but from steroid use. The treatment is very different if you have a tumor (surgery usually). Her symptoms were a very puffy face, weight gain and purple stretch marks.

In her case, we just have to avoid steroids and wait for symptoms to go away. She is already losing weight.

The other thing to remember is that if you have been on steroids, birth control makes them more potent and can cause more steroid related side effects.

I was on steroids multiple times due to asthma - both Advair and Prednisone. I now take Singular, which controls it pretty well. The ironic thing was that I asked my former internist if I could have it because I was studying Concepts of Disease and one of our lectures was on it - she was adamant that I did not but did not do any lab work. I have many of the classic symptoms:

-central weight gain with thinner limbs
-round red face
-buffalo hump
-thin skin that bruises easily
-hirsuitism (which is also caused by PCOS and excess DHEA - both of which I have)
-dry, brittle hair that falls out
-depression and anxiety with irritability
-High cholesterol

I've even read that excess cortisol can cause GI disorders. I'm doing the last saliva cortisol test tonight and then my mom will drop them off at the lab for me tomorrow.
 
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