Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Second Opinion

I went to the walk-in clinic last night, and spoke to the doctor about my tummy troubles. After barely listening to enough of what I said to form an opinion, he promptly ignored me and spent 5 minutes staring at his computer screen before saying "I'm going to prescribe you these pills." He then went on to tell me (after I practically forced it out of him) that "these pills" will slow down my digestive system to keep the food in me longer, so I'll have a chance to digest it properly, and absorb it. This is where I interjected with "NO. No, no, no, no, NO. Bad idea. It took approximately 24 hours for the food to pass through my system undigested. I've been dealing with a ridiculously slow digestive system my whole life, combined with chronic constipation. Keeping food in me longer is the absolute worst thing you could possibly do to me."

He has referred me to a G.I. specialist, and I should have an appointment hopefully in the next 2-3 weeks. If doctors would actually take proper information, and ask RELEVANT questions, they might have a better chance at treating people. I didn't go in complaining about violent diarrhea and flu-like systems... So why do you assume that when I say I passed food undigested, that it was in liquid form, and immediately after I ate it? If I had flu-like symptoms, I would have said so.

The only question he asked me was what type of food it was, and if I had been tested for gluten intolerance. I told him I've had a negative Celiac blood test, but I've cut gluten out of my diet since this occurred as a precaution anyway.

But anyway, I'll be sticking to my liquid diet until then, I've eaten a few things as far as solid food goes, and it causes quite a lot of pain when I do. Too bad I don't like Jello. That would probably be a good thing for when I want something semi-solid. Oh well... Ensure comes in orange flavor, which combined with the creamy ingredients, should taste creamsicle-ish.

6 comments:

elise said...

Well, I'll be praying the specialist gets to the bottom of this totally weird problem. I hope you can compel them to get you in early! :)
hugs!

BubbleGirl said...

Elise,
The unfortunate thing about convincing them to get me in quickly, is that I still have to wait for them to phone me. Which they won't do until the appointment is scheduled. Another thing is the way they prioritise patients based on severity, and it's impossible for them to know that if the doctor can't even ask a question, or let the patient speak.

Thanks for the hugs,
BubbleGirl

elise said...

Grrrr! How frustrating!

Anonymous said...

it sounds like you might have gastroparesis. Check that out as it seems to have connection with EDS. Very painful from what I read. Kate

Stacey said...

I hope you get in quickly! I am also in the 'waiting game' right now to get into a doctor about my knee. I haven't had stomach issues yet (that i have discussed with a dr at least) and don't envy anyone with them!

I am a fellow Canadian with EDS and a blog, I would be gratefull if you could include me in your blog roll.

Anonymous said...

Wow- I 've had similar digestive problems. I've had GI issues on and off my whole life, but got significantly worse 3 years ago. 15 specialists later, and no clear answers. One thing that does work is a low gluten, high fat diet. Yep- no explaination, but it does seem to help quite a bit.