Connect
Could use some insight about a strange medical appointment
I saw a gastroenterologist for chronic constipation who was highly recommended by a friend. At my last colonoscopy I learned I have a redundant colon. The doctor kept discussing getting back to "normal" but I have literally never been "normal." They said I should not eat bread or gluten but I don't have celiac disease or any sensitivity. They also said pasta from the US was ultra processed--it is minimally processed, and said I should shop in stores where products are grown in Europe because they are far superior. They also discouraged organic quinoa. They recommended Benefiber and Miralax, Benefiber is highly process and has gluten and Miralax is petroleum based. They also prescribed Nortriptyline without revealing it was tricyclic antidepressant off label. They said to ignore the 3 pages of warnings that come with the prescription. I did not fill the prescription. They also recommended pelvic floor therapy but my issues are not with the lower bowel. No mention of the issue of a redundant colon was mentioned. They felt my stomach and said I was seriously constipated, but that was not true. I am still reeling for the bizarre visit. Has anyone had a similar experience?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
What an awful appointment you had! It's good that you didn't fill the prescription that had 3 pages of warnings! We have to be so careful these days when it comes to doctors and medications. You know your body and what is going on with it. Perhaps you should see another doctor.
Prayer also works. Just ask God for guidance and he will get you to the right doctor. I'll say a prayer for you also.
I wish you the best.
PML
A nickel allergy is often confused with IBS-like symptoms and a number of other issues. You might try seeing a dermatologist for a Nickel Patch Test. It must be a patch test, no other test. Nickel is in the food we eat, mostly fruits and vegetables and there is diet information online. The allergy has a host of symptoms you may want to check out as well to help determine if you have other symptoms to confirm the possibility of the allergy. Also check out Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome (SNAS) which is becoming much more prevalent in the US from all of our processed foods.
By “they” are you referring to the gastroenterologist? It does sound like a highly unusual visit.
I have never had an experience like you describe, but if I did I would immediately seek a second opinion with another gastroenterologist.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI certainly can relate. I know how so many of them seem to want to push PFD therapy whether or not it addresses your issues- especially if they have their own program that can cost a small fortune. $$$ That certainly makes no sense when they warn about US grains but push those two products.
I am scheduled to see a gastroenterologist next week but am tempted to cancel. Last time I went to one about 14 years ago was a total waste of time and $$$. He did a test to check for food sensitivities even though I told him that it probably wouldn't be accurate for gluten because I had been eating gluten-free for awhile. Then he did a colonoscopy which he led me to believe was going to be a starting point for trying to figure things out. But once I had it done he didn't even want me to come back to talk to him. I felt ripped off and I remember my share of the cost was over $700.00.
Also had bizarre appointments with Colon Rectal places who acted like I was nuts or became hostile when I told them I was passing air through my bladder and didn't want to investigate. Guess they weren't taught about abscesses and fistulas. You really have to wonder about these people and the places they work for, and what kind of training they get. Even when you try going to someone else, many of them just look at what the previous Drs had to say and won't do anything for you either so it feels like you can no longer get a 2nd opinion. At least that has been my experience.