Dear @guthealth, I am so glad to meet you here at Mayo Clinic Connect. I cannot think of a better place to meet other people who are going through the same things that you are. Support, encouragement, and knowing that you are not alone are some of the best tools that you can have on the road to getting better

As a Volunteer Mentor here I have the responsibility of being objective, and not giving advice, per se. I am not a medical practitioner by any means. I am blessed, however, with some really good physicians, and have gone through innumerable tests to find out what was wrong with me. I experienced bloating. Muscle spasms so intense that it felt like labor pains. Pain so bad That I would have to get off work, go home, and hug the sofa the rest of the day. Nothing helped other than this.

Long story short, it took multiple testing and a lot of research on my part to come up with s solution for me. Most doctors are not thoroughly trained in using food as medicine. They are aware of many things, but when we present with multiple symptoms where nothing helps, the proverbial ball lands right back in our corner.

Gastroparesis, Diverticulitis, IBS, Gluten Sensitivity, Severe Food Allergies, all worked together to make me one miserable patient. I focused all my efforts toward learning what I could do food wise to help my situation. So, now I take probiotics every day, and have yogurt several times a week. I take a multivitamin every day, and am on a gluten free diet. I rarely eat rice or potstoes, as they raise blood sugar. (Type 2 Diabetes, here.)

I rarely have to take any medication for the conditions I have mentioned. I keep the prescribed meds on standby, in case I accidentally get "glutened" when I am out somewhere. I rarely have any issues at all, otherwise. I help take care of my daughter, who is disabled and on 100% oxygen 24/7. She has tons of physical ailments and is totally housebound.

I am wishing all the best for you and everyone else on this page. It is not an easy road but you will get there if you don't give up. Get the best doctors you can find, preferably those who are connected to a great teaching hospital. Check their reviews online. And when you do get your specialist, have a notebook and pen on your lap. Take notes and ask questions. Please check back with us and let us know how you are doing. You help all of us here just by sharing your story.

Mamacita