Chronic Digestive Disorders

I have a type of microscopic colitis, collagenous colitis. Some dr.s don’t believe in it. You have to ask your gastro if they believe in it.
When they do a regular colonoscopy the dr. Has to take several large biopsies to find it. The dr.s Can’t see it so they are just hoping to catch it in a sample they send the lab. Took me 11 years to get diagnosed. I hope you find out what’s going on soon.

I am so sorry Rosemary. I am at Mayo this week trying to find root cause of SIBO. I assume you have had an endoscope to test for that? Trio Breath test is good as well. It will show hydrogen sulfide Sibo Other breath tests will not. In addition I went down the integrative medicine road and did the GI map test. Something to consider. Hang in there. Wishing you some answers soon!!

I have been suffering from similar symptoms for many years. It goes into remission and then comes back. I am currently in a flair for about three weeks now and don't know when it will end. May I ask how they are treating you and if your symptoms have lessened?

Hi Rosemary
I Stay at hotel indigo for convenience Can walk through subway right to any appointments. This time I have 3 days of tests or appointments. First time I was here I had weeks of appointments with many different docs for other issues beside GI. I have had egg test for motility. And other motility tests where you do things like poop out a balloon. Crazy stuff but will do anything to feel better. Have ruled out UC and Chrohns but I do have some motility issues. Best test for SIBO is endoscope into small intestine if you can get one. Hoping this visit will be productive. Wish all your visits are good. All kinds of places to eat here but you and I don’t care too much about that but good for those with us. Headed to a barium enema test now. Wishing all the best

@collage even though my SIBO tests came back negative a ( few times ) over last 7 years. I asked the Dr’s to put me on Xifaxan ( antibiotics for h pylori ) anyway to see if it would help my chronic digestive disorders. The 1 st time it was 14 days on it . It seemed to help me for a month or so . Then everything came back . 2 nd & 3 rd time a year apart it didn’t help at all .
If all you have in nausea in morning, you are very lucky . I know it’s horrible to feel like that …but being so chronic in my digestive system and intestines for 7.5 years and so many tests and Dr’s later .. I would take what you have and be really happy that’s all it is .
I’m still searching and struggling daily w/ so much . I do finally have a televisit w/ Gastro Dr at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville on Sept 7 th . Been waiting since May .
My 6 th Gastro Dr. but never from there before. It’s 3 hrs away so I want to start w/ televisit. I cannot lead any type of normal life . This is my last ditch effort. I hope you find the relief you need . God Bless , Rosemary

I don't know all your issues but GI issues are often linked to an out of whack thyroid. I know. I had GI issues for years and when my thyroid issue was found and resolved, it got soooo much better. Good luck!

This is true but I've been on thyroid all my life and I'm 70. I still have a "tortuous intestine" and complications that must be dealt with by other means. I really wish I could just take my thyroid and it would resolve everything. I'm truly happy for you! And again, it is true the thyroid does affect digestion.

Wow keep me posted on results and treatment @keetafox !! I can’t be there for weeks . Days ok like 3 nights . That’s it .
I can’t afford every test they do either even w/ insurance.
I just had a second endoscopy & 3 rd colonoscopy Jun 2020 .
I’m sure that’s first thing they do again .
I will ask for those other two tests you told me about .
I’ve done about all the gastric emptying and C scan and ultrasounds , upper GI , stool sample , SIBO and Hydrogen breath tests . I still belch over 3000 x deep wet belches no acid fault / nightly and constant churning loud gut and intestines all hours day and night . It’s relentless and 7.5 years going . It’s ruined my life .
I’ve done ✅ a laundry list of things to try to help it .
It’s depressing.
I pray 🙏 this Dr will figure me out .
Best wishes !!

Hi Rosemary Just got back from Mayo after 3 days. For me the messge was stay the course with SIBO treatment after twisted colon surgery (which removed by cecal valve). This might be a chronic situation for me. I also have Sjogrens but dont treat it with immunosuppresants as I dont like them ( personal choice). I will say a prayer for you to get answers after 7 years. I have only dealt with this for 2 years now. Sounds like you have done so much to try and figure this out. Hang in there. I dont think they do the Trio Breath Test at Mayo. I asked about it as well. That would probably be through a functional practictioner but Mayo should definitely be able to do an endoscope that goes into the intestines and takes a biopsy/culture. Have you had one of those done yet? I am wishing you all the best. Remember to be your own advocate. If you think there are other doctors you need to see there besides GI for various symptoms do not hesitate to ask. This is your shot to figure it all out so be brave, be strong and politely demanding. They are there to help you!!! Keep us posted.