Very Worried. Please advise

[anyone]

Alright. I need some help. I'm not feeling very well. I have went from 184 pounds to 141 pounds, as of today. I was very fit. I have been loosing weight for about four months. My stomach hurts and it feels like I'm drinking bleach after I eat. My joints are also very soar. My hips hurt. I think it is my body fighting itself. I also get very bad mouth ulcers that leave scars in my mouth. Right now, I'm not eating because it makes me feel so nauseous and hurt. I have not had a bowel movement for 4 or 5 days, which is interesting because I usually have a problem with diarrhea. I have had a few tests done.

I went to the emergency room last week. I was scared that I was going to die. I could not stop throwing up and my head and back hurt so bad. I had low blood pressure, which is scary because I usually have high blood pressure when I'm not feeling good. The morphine did not hardly help.

I have had an upper endoscope test, and a test were they had me drink white fluid and scanned my belly. I have also had a stomach xray. The first test said I have gastritis and mild erosive esophagitis. The xray said I have moderate stool retention and gas pockets that look like it could be caused from entritis. The barium test said that I have a narrowing spot in my colon.

I'm tired of doctors. It took me years to find out that I have sleep apnea, upper airway restriction syndrome, and periodic movement disorder. Thank God I got that figured out. The doctors discounted this because I was only in my 20's and very fit. The sleep doctor looked at me and said he thought I did not have it and wanted me to take a UA.

I feel the same way with the problems I'm having now. I feel like my symptoms are discounted and they are looking for me to say certain things. My Gastro doctor is saying because I'm not having really bad diarrhea she is not recommending any more tests. I have had problems with diarrhea for years. I have learned to deal with it. But right now, I can't go to the bathroom to save my life. She even asked me if I was around sick people. I already had someone stick a thing up my nose, thank you very much!

I'm scared. I'm to afraid to eat. I can't keep loosing weight. It is effecting my work and my supervisors and coworkers keep asking me what is wrong. Its not so bad when I hurt and no one notices. I just want to suffer in piece but I can't because everyone keeps asking me what is wrong. I just joke and say that I'm not on meth because I have all my teeth.

I'm so sorry for this long post. I just wanted to vent. I don't no were to go from here. I'm not going to eat anymore. Its so much worse then not eating. I'm just trying to keep driking water. What are your suggestions?

 

[Adam1971]

Hi there. I am not sure what to advise, but I sure feel for you. All the symptoms you describe sound like crohn's. Have you had a colonoscopy? Perhaps a new gi doc who will take you seriously and pay attention to all the symptoms? I am sure many others here will have better ideas than me. Hang in there. Can you drink things like ensure? Just curious.

 

[Trysha]

Hello Any
Sorry to hear you are having problems.
Some of your symptoms are suggestive of and inflammatory bowel and you need more tests to define the situation.
The first step is to find a good gastroenterologist who will go through a number of tests one of which should be a colonoscopy and extensive blood work.
Do you have a family physician to help you through all this ordeal?
This would be a good place to start.
Have you tried psyllium or other soluble fibre to help with the lack of bowel movements?
It is possible that you may have some kind of intestinal obstruction and again the GI is the best one to sort things out and as soon as possible.
Feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

 

[GFinDC]

Hi,

I've seen where people say that enteral feeding helps when they are trying to recover from a flare. The enteral food (liquid) is supposed to be easier to digest and get nutrients from, also less irritating.

A 2nd doctor's opinion sounds like a real good idea too. Constipation shouldn't be ignored by your doctor.

Do things like Pepto Bismol or or Slippery Elm help? I am sorry you aren't feeling well.

 

[anyone]

Thanks for your comments. I went and got a copy of the tests that I have had recently. The CT said "the sigmoid colon is decompressed and unfilled with contrast. On axial image #71 there is the appearance of "cobblestoning "negative for mesenteric inflammation."
1. A short segment of sigmoid colon with slightly thickened walls, ? Colitis

Recent Blood test: 10-15% Bandemia, Neutophils 91.5 High, Lymphocytes 5.2 Low, Monocytes 2.9 Low, Neutrophils, Absolute 8.1 High, Lymphocytes, Absolute 0.5 Low, Glucose 131 High, BUN/ Creatinine Ratio 8.8 Low. These were the ones that were flagged.

Can you tell me what this means? I had this blood test in the emergency room and I don't have an appointment with my doctor until later this week.

 

[David]

It means you need a new gastroenterologist who is willing to perform every test in the book and even make up some new ones until they figure out what is wrong with you. There are a TON of great GIs out there, get that second opinion everyone above recommended. Please. Get on it NOW and be sure to take that CT info, blood test results, and any other pertinent data you have with you.

Welcome to the forum by the way. I have a feeling you're in the right place. I'd suggest setting up shop in our Undiagnosed Club for now. They understand your pain and frustration as much as anyone and are wonderful people.

All my best to you.

 

[anyone]

Thank you very much for all of the advice. You are all very kind. I have made an appointment with my doctor and I'm bringing along all of my tests. I'm going to ask him to refer me to another Gastro doctor. I will try and keep you guys posted. I want you guys to have this :rosette2:

 

[David]

If you happen to be near Clackamas, Dr. Burke comes well recommended.

 

[anyone]

Thanks, I will keep that in mind. I'm going to post in the undiagnosed forum now.