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Dr can’t help my IBS. Now what?
Hi all, I hope you’re well?
I have IBS for over 20 years and managed it well until 2020 when I contracted c diff in the UK (I now live in the US). Since then I have struggled with constant pain in my lower abdomen and now the area where my gallbladder is located.
I have had all the tests that the GI will do and nothing shows, apart from a small polyp in my gallbladder. My GI dr has said that there is nothing they can do for the pain as I have tried all the meds they could “offer” and essentially be on my merry way. The only information they told me was that I must be depressed or anxious which is what is apparently causing it. To clarify, I’m pretty happy with my life and I’m most definitely not either of those.
I can’t have fibre as it makes the pain worse, I’ve tried homeopathic meds and the ones the dr can prescribe. I’ve done a FODMAP diet previously and know which foods make it “worse.” I just don’t know what to do anymore as the specialist has said they don’t need to see me anymore. I feel lost and know that this pain isn’t normal.
My IBS before was nothing like it is now. I’ve been told it can change after c diff but I would happily have another round of c diff over this pain.
Has anyone else experienced this from the dr or have any advice as to what to try or do now?
Thank you so much
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Look at Low Dose Naltrexone and see if it sounds like it is right for you. There is lots to read about it.
Hi @suetex - if you have any particular publications on low dose naltrexone you'd like others to read, please share the links here.
The medics do not have much advice for IBS and I do not think that there is an awful lot of research done on it.I would be more worried about the polyp in your Gall Bladder.Did you have it removed I wonder.
Have you ever had a patch test for a nickel allergy? Look up research on Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome. One of the indicators is misdiagnosed as IBS.
I have had this condition since 2001 with no help from doctors. Symptoms are different for each individual. My started as severe anal itching, then skin issues on hands and feet, then severe foot issue with implanted heel device.
I’ve recently learned it is from the food I eat! I’ve had recent success with the itching and skin issues by following a low nickel diet, various amounts of nickel being found in the food we eat, especially fruits and vegetables which are grown in the ground where the nickel is found. Meat and dairy are the safest.
I have yet to find a doctor in US who is aware of this but my GP was astonished when I recently told him as it is often masked by symptoms of IBS.
Most research comes from Europe where Italy now has a vaccine. It is now becoming somewhat prevalent in the US, affecting women more than men, especially women of color. They estimate 16 - 20% of women in US now have the allergy. Nickel Patch testing is the only proof. I encourage it for someone with any IBS symptoms!
I’m still looking for treatment but the diet has made a SIGNIFICANT difference in my symptoms!
I suggest ANYONE with bowel symptoms try a Nickel Allergy PATCH TEST to rule out a nickel allergy!!
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1 Reaction@cardigan
IBS is often misdiagnosed with a nickel allergy. I suggest getting a Patch Test for nickel.
I have had this same issue for 25 years and have recently picked up on research done in Europe, particularly Italy, where they now have a vaccine, I’ve heard.
It affects more women than men, especially women of color and manifests itself in different forms, one often being IBS symptoms. They estimate 16 - 20% of women in the US are now affected. Check the research with AI.
Mine began 25 years ago with severe itching, then skin issues on my hands and feet, then a severe reaction to a foot implant.
Recently, a low nickel diet has worked miracles on my skin but the IBS remains. I’ve been seeking doctors of every sort for all the years, especially dermatologists and allergists. Now one is aware!
Check out Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome (SNAS) research on your computer.
@nickelsyndrome
Thanks for info. It seems US docs behind European amd Australian docs
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1 ReactionAllergy patch testing isn’t easy to find. Be sure to ask a dermatologist before you go in if you decide to try being tested. It takes about three days to determine