Back on Track

[Trace]

Hello! I posted earlier this year, but then disappeared. I just got overwhelmed and tired! The D was just bad. I can't go anywhere without having to stop. And, you know how life gets in the way sometimes. I've been trying not to eat gluten, but I'm not obsessive about searching it out. I think that's going to change!! The last few months have been interesting, and I got my wake-up call.

Briefly, I'm 42. Always told it was IBS. Moved across country in 2003. Dx in 2004 with MC, Fibro, and MPS. Dr. told me that the MC was nothing to worry about. He said the biopsies were wrong; there was no visual indication of MC. Eat fiber. (You all know the same story.) Have had some pretty major episodes (fever, pain, migraine, D) and some minor ones (22 weeks of D) for the past 15 years.

After an awful vacation in February, I went back in March to my gastro and requested the Entero Lab panel. He told me that I didn't have celiac b/c there was no intestinal involvement when the biopsies were done in 2004. And he didn't SEE anything when he did the sigmoid in 2006. I pointed out the rash on my leg. He said it was eczema. It's just IBS; drink Pepto, eat fiber, take Immodium. Get a handle on stress. Well, I just about told him what to do with his "stress". How can a person have D for 15 years, vomit for 7 years, and just about have to go potty every hour? That's normal? I didn't make a follow-up.

This April, though I got a ringworm spot on my neck. (We believe it was from my horses or just the ranch dirt) That one patch erupted all over my upper torso and arms within 2 days. I went to my GP on day 5 ..I hadn't seen him in 4 years. (I'm really not ever sick except for the D and vomiting.) He took one look at me and said, "You aren't right."
It took four rounds of anitfungal pills, 6 tubes of Lamasil, and 3 tubes of a perscription creme to get it managed. Now, 7 weeks later, I still have three patches (on my leg, my shoulder, and my arm). I've had another blood panel test, an allergy test, skin test, AND he tried to get my Entero Lab test. (Insurance won't pay.) He told me that he thought I had DH with yeast overgrowth. Waiting for all the resuts. (I really like this guy..he was sorry that this Gastro had dismissed me for so long. He told me he would FIND OUT what the deal was!!! He's the Dr. that dismissed me 4 years ago as being depressed b/c I wasn't sleeping b.c of pain. His wife was Dx with some autoimmune issue since then. I think he gained empathy!!!)

Well, I'm a mom, and there's always something to buy for the kids or horses. But, my DH had a fit when he realized that I had spent for the horses' teeth and shots and wouldn't spend the money for my own tests. He's right. I ordered the tests.

Long story short, got the Entero Lab tests..full panel plus milk, soy, egg, and yeast. My GP told me that he'll find a new Gastro for me. So, hopefully within the next three weeks we'll know what's up, and hopefully, I can start living my life again.

Okay, I feel better knowing that there is hope for me. Thank you all for sharing your stories. I feel like I'm not alone with this. Thanks for letting me share mine.

trace

[tex]

Hi Trace,

Welcome back. Wow! Your ex-GI doc was really a jewel, wasn't he. He touched all the bases, (incorrectly, of course). He could be the poster child for the International Association of Incompetent and Egotistical Gastroenterologists, (IAIEG). LOL.

It's very gratifying to see that you're finally on track, after suffering for so long. I hope that your GP can find a fully functional GI doc in your area who will be willing to work with you, rather than against you.

Please post your lab results when you get them, and keep us updated on your progress.

And good luck on your journey back to good health.

Tex

[mini]

Hi Trace

Oh I certainly hope you get some treatment this time around and the new GI knows his area! Sorry you have been having such a horrid time, I think we all know and understand exactly how you feel. Sadly it always seems to be stress or IBS until they are proved wrong. Hope things improve soon, let us know how you get on.

[JJ]

Hi Trace....hope you feel better soon...I hope the new doc is just the ticket! Take care....JJ

[annie oakley]

Wow, What an ordeal>>>I hope a New Doc helps , And yes there is hope at the end of the tunnel. Love Oma

[barbaranoela]

Greetings Trace------almost sounds like the first GI that I wasted years with--

Not to be funny but----your description 4 rounds----6 tubes---3 tubes hope there wasnt a partridge in a pear tree too---
U have been thru alot---and sometimes a little humor can soothe the inners too--

Feel better---and U are not alone----trusting the next time we hear from U ---it will be with a different *melody*

Barbara

[starfire]

WoW, what an awful (can't find words to really express it) time you have suffered through. I surely hope you are almost through the tunnel now and I really hope your GP will be able to find a GI for you that knows what he is doing OR is at least willing to work with you to find out what does work.

I had what I called "ringworm from H*ll" once but it wasn't nearly as bad as what you have gone through, and are still fighting. Since moving to Florida I have picked it up (I presume from the ground while working in the flowers, etc) more than once. I use Clotrimazole Cream USP, 1%. It used to be prescription but has been OTC for at least 3 years. I tried Lamasil the first time I got it while living here but the fungus seemed to love it. HaHa ---- but not a laughing matter. Good luck with getting the remaining patches cleared up.

Please let us know how you are coming along...............

Shirley