need words of hope
 

For the past two months, I've been dealing with a very serious problem. It started as simple constipation, but has turned into a nightmare. I have severe pain in my stomach, sides and back. Shaky dizzy, can't sleep, can barely eat. Lost a lot of weight. Look like a skeleton. Anxiety and depression are through the roof. Can't work or go to the gym. My doctor put me through a lot of tests but nothing turns up. Saw a specialist. Suggested an OTC med and that's helping. The thing is, I don't know how much longer I can go on like this. Thought of going to an ER, but think they can't do much. The only two reasons to get out of my bed is working and the gym. Without them, I have nothing. Will give the new medication a week to see if that helps. If I feel the same way that I do now, I an done. Something has to give. This is no way to live. John

I’m really sorry you’re in pain John.
Ongoing pain can be so debilitating.

I really hope the new meds will work for you.
If not, do seek a second opinion - things like this must have a cause?

D

Sorry to hear John

I'd definitely see another Dr.
I had bad stomach pains and my doc ran tests for 6 months and had no idea.
Went to a specialist did 2 tests and was diagnosed.
Not all specialists are equal.

Hope the OTC helps
Sending healing vibes

I would definitely see a second doctor, you need another opinion. :hug: and give the new medicine at least two weeks to see if it helps.

It sounds like gastroparesis to me or some kind of GI dysmotility disorder. I'd highly recommend seeing a GI doc. They have a number of drugs they can prescribe to get your GI tract to empty more quickly.

Please guys - Share you experience by all means, but no diagnoses or medical advice.

Dee
Administrator
SR

That sounds horrible, John. I've experienced impaction and it is just the worst. What helping me, in addition to the OTC oral medication, was to use a glycerin suppository. Sounds gross, I know, but I was in such pain it didn't matter, as long as it helped. And it did!

If that doesn't do the trick and you have an urgent care in your area, I'd suggest that as your next stop. And I sure wouldn't wait a week or two if I were in that kind of pain.

Take care of yourself, drink water...

I really feel for you - sometimes stomach pain is caused by anxiety and stress - you sound very stressed in your post - have you talked to your doctor about how you are feeling , not just the pain, but how you are actually dealing with life?
Perhaps it might be good to mention it.

Drink at least eight cups of water a day, staying hydrated is always a good thing to do.

John, I strongly agree w either a second opinion ASAP or ED if the pain gets worse. A week seems a long time to wait…..

I'd see another doctor or go to er. Second opinion.

John, you've gotten lots of good advice here. I really hope you find some answers soon.

2muchpain, I had terrible stomach pain, cramping, bloating early last year and it kept worsening. So much so that I had to hold something to get up from bed. I was wondering if I had something big going on.

During my trip to Maryland, I had lactose free milk at my brother's place and the symptoms started reducing. I did not notice all that, all i knew was - I am feeling better. Back to Seattle, again heavy pain starts....Eventually I thought through and found out myself that I have extreme lactose intolerance.

Now I am having lactaid, and all bloating, cramping, pain long gone. I know of some friends who suffered similar symptoms due to gluten allergy too.

I read the same thing about stress causing my problems. But I don't have much stress in my life. Maybe I'm more stressed than I thought. Thanks, John

I've been taking the medication the GI doctor recommended for almost a week and it seems to be helping. If I'm still feeling bad by the end of next week, I'll look for a second opinion. John

I hope you feel better and get full relief soon John. My spouse has gastro issues and the physical does affect mental—how could it not? :grouphug:

Sorry to hear your spose is also dealing with this. I wouldn't wish this on anybody. I haven't felt this depressed in a long time. Keep telling my that this too will pass, and the sooner the better. John

Prayers.

Has anyone mentioned trying to change your diet? Maybe it is a gluten thing? Or lactose as someone has mentioned. You may want to try gluten free. What have you got to lose? I hope you feel better soon.

My doctor did suggest eating more vegetables like brocoli, but that was it.Thanks for the advice. John

Tried to get a second opinion from another doctor, but the hospital does not refer someone to a different doctor in the same clinic. My only hope is to contact the VA to schedule an appointment. I did leave a message to my regular doctor, but he hasn't got back to me yet. John

You may have to go out of network and pay out of pocket, but the tests can get expensive. Perhaps you can bring your previous test results. I think a GI specialist def would be indicated.

So sorry to hear you are in such pain, John.

I called my health insurance company and give me a list of other hospitals that are in network. I called the VA for an appointment. They will get back to me. I also have another appointment with the specialist I saw last week. Someone has to figure out what's going on. I really take this much longer. John

Called the VA suicide hotline. We talked a long time. She connected me to a VA nurse. She is going to contact my doctor to get some sleeping medication. A good night's sleep would help a lot.
More then my regular doctor would do. John

I'm glad you are getting some help John.

D

John, I'm glad you persevered and got some help today.

I'm glad you reached out until you got some help.
Keep fighting

Glad you are getting some support—please keep updating and I sincerely hope they can help you figure this out quickly so you get some relief—

Really glad you reached out and got some support. Sending hugs and prayers xx

Thinking of you John.

me too—any improvement?