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Chronic Constipation and Other GI Issues
I've been struggling with GI issues that have gotten progressively worse over the last 10 years including GERD, Barrett's Esophagus, diverticulosis, chronic constipation, and unintentional weight loss. I tested negative for Crohn's, Celiac, Ulcerative Colitis, etc. but GERD and motility issues are ruining my life.
Currently taking esomeprazole, motegrity, MiraLAX, Senokot, Citrucel, and digestive enzymes. I've experimented with lactose-free, gluten-free, and low FODMAP diets with no improvement. Eating more fiber just makes things worse.
I've had a recent CT scan of my abdomen and a recent colonoscopy. No root cause issues were identified. My current GI doctor is not interested in any other testing like SIBO, pH monitoring, colonic transit, or secretin pancreatic function (PFT). I have an appointment scheduled at a Digestive Disease Center that has a Motility Disorders Program, but that is more than six months away.
I've looked into some Integrative Medicine providers in my area, but none take health insurance, and most operate using a membership or subscription-based approach. Many of those providers also sell their own supplements. I'm a bit skeptical of this approach and it feels like a patient grasping at straws for help might spend a lot of money chasing a solution in this space.
If anyone has any other ideas for me, please feel free to share. Open to experimenting with other meds, supplements, diets, etc. Also, if you had a positive experience with a GI doc or Integrative Medicine provider in Philadelphia or the surrounding suburbs please share.
Thanks!
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So you've never had a colonoscopy?
Trulance has helped me!! I tired Linzess (made me sick) and Amtezia and another one.. occasionally I take MIralax.. also I take 2 VSL3 probiotics every Am.. I have been thru 7 years of agony.. been constipated all my life.. but in Dec 2019, an antibiotic that was double the strength blew a hemorrhage in my stomach.. all down hill from there.. I got down to 98 lbs and leveled at 104 for 3 years.. developed pyloric stenosis (adult) they used to botox it.. then it healed.. I even got scurvy my Dentist was appalled..so I had colitis so bad I almost died.. couldn't get anything up or out and sweated out all my fluids.. BP 60/40.. hospital 1 week.. many many trips to ER ..so they did the Stitz marker test.,.colonoscopies upper EDGs and all of that.. diagnosed with gastritis, hiatal hernia, diverticulitis and tortuous colon.. and systemic scleroderma and fibromyalgia and CSU .. Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.. everything was under control until I took a Xolair shot JUly23.. ohh..but anyway.. I feel your pain.. I live in rural OK and not may good drs here.. took me 6 years to find a great gastro.. and now I'm overweight but going!! I did the whole leaky gut think for months too.. allergist said "that's not even a valid test and all it does is scare people" and then she gave me the "killer " Xolair shot.. so.. I drink Vanilla plant based Ensure.. has no sucralose.. sucralose sent me to the hospital once.. for 3 days (It's sneaky and you have to read labels).. I don't know if this is helping you.. It's a miserable lonely life with the gut issues.. I will say ..God healed everything except the gastritis ..until.. the Xolair shot. so..prayer works!!(I still standing on the stripes of Jesus..and won't be budged!! 72 widowed 15 years..and stubborn.. when then enemy kicks in.. I dig in and pray!! Praying you will get the help you need!! Like you , I am very leery of those who sell their own supplements.. praying God will give you strength and wisdom and healing!!
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