I never had a name for what we always called "The Stomach" - pain, bloat, burning stomach, constipation and diarrhea. It was just the way my stomach was - annoying but not life-altering.
Then in early March, on a very stressed-out trip I swung into a cycle of diarrhea that no amount of babying and "white food" seems to be able to break.
In the past 7 weeks, I've lost about 25 pounds, continued to have diarrhea (not every day, but every other or so)and am now on leave from work. I cannot eat anything of substance without diarrhea striking in an hour or so afterward, and I am now into a weak and listless stage with awful stomach pains. I suspect that I have screwed up my metabolism or have aggravated my often empty stomach with all of the stomach acid or something...
I have not had a physician since moving here three years ago -- tried one three weeks ago who had no suggestions for nutrition but told me I seemed awfully emotional (6 weeks of diarrhea doesn't make one emotional?!!) and ought to let her write me up a prescription for anxiety meds. She did run a series of blood tests and stool tests (don't know for what) that all came back negative. Their next step is to have me go in for a colonoscopy at the end of May.
I am trying another doctor but can't get in until next week and by then I can't see that I'll be able to drive the 30 miles to the appointment!
I'd appreciate any support or suggestions you all can give me -- I'm feeling very alone and very scared. Seems like I just get worse and worse instead of any better.
Thanks.
-------------------- "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it!"
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