I have been so busy lately that I’m not sure if I’m getting ahead or behind. I go clean houses with my son during the week and now my daughter got her driving permit so spare moments are spent teaching her to drive. She has anxiety issues as I do, so it’s going to be a while before she is road ready. But, I am so proud of her that she is facing the fear and trying!
After my colonoscopy and removal of many polyps back in March, I felt so wonderful for a month or so. But, slowly, my intestinal troubles have been returning. I saw a specialist just to talk to her and see if there is anything that can be done without thousands of dollars in tests. It cost me $250 to be told that no, it’s not possible. They need the tests and blood work. So, for now, I just struggle along and hope I can get to work in the morning and not have an intestinal meltdown while at work.
I was actually told to take Metamucil daily. That confused me as I thought it was a laxative, which is the LAST thing I need, but I bought some (it’s kind of pricy!) and took it every day for a week. Worst week of my life lol. I stopped taking it and will not think about that week again! I’m fine with everything else, just the morning exercise running to the bathroom LOL. Sorry, TMI I know.
I don’t have as much reading time as I did, but I try to jump on WP at least twice a week and catch up a bit! I hope you all are doing okay in our crazy world.
Chat soon
granny reports 
We can’t add anything to the advice you’re getting here, so we just send some good vibes that it helps !
Thank you! I’m fine, just frustrated at the world. I think most people are frustrated right now. I’ll take the good vibes, thank you!
I too was told a number of years ago that I probably had gastroparesis, but it is hard to diagnose. With your anxiety, it could be what is bothering you. Your gut just shuts down. That may be the reason for the laxative prescription, but I can’t imagine doing that for a week. I had a drug that calmed my digestive tract and it worked. Once my system was calm, then it seemed to be okay with a good diet. You do need lots of fiber in your diet. I also take a probiotic (but that is very costly) to keep my gut healthy. Try to stay away from preservatives which means don’t eat processed foods.
I’ve been eating mostly plant based. I don’t like meat and have to gag most of it down lol. I might need more fiber and will research the best ways besides wheat to get it. I know wheat can bother my stomach and try to avoid it as much as I can. Our bodies are tricky!
Fruits and veggies are the best source of fiber. Grains, too, and not just wheat which may cause gluten issues. I cannot eat cornmeal for that reason.
thanks! I have lots of veggies, some fruit, and eat rice and oats mostly for grains.
congrats to your daughter… and hugs to you… we hope everything goes like planned and like it fits the best for you
thanks!
That “advice” sounds like the same thing my primary care provided told me to do. Fortunately, I have a childhood history of being treated by doctors who thought that M.D. was pronounced “God.”
I was very lucky to have people in my life who could lead me in the right direction, and had a diagnosis within 3 months. But another woman with the same problem went through a run around and they never gave her the gastro emptying test. It took her at least 2 years to be diagnosed with gastroparesis. Once she had the diagnosis, they gave her liquid erythromycin to take when she ate — and never told her about the gastroparesis diet! The first time I met her was at the wedding reception of a friend. She was about to eat the worst food possible for someone with gastroparesis: Broccoli.
I don’t know which part of the country you live in. My doctor is in St. Augustine, Florida.
I get so frustrated sometimes. I know diagnosing can be hard, but when it costs $250 to just TALK to a doctor, how the heck are you supposed to get anything done? I live in Idaho.
If you have Medicare, it shouldn’t cost that much. Most doctors have a reduced rate for people who pay out-of-pocket. Is there a university hospital near you?
Idaho state has a health center and if they’re not near you, they should know a university hospital that is:
healthcenter@health.isu.edu
Phone: (208) 282-2330
Fax: (208) 282-4036
Mailing Address: 921 S. 8th Ave., Stop 8311 Pocatello, ID 83209
Physical Address: 990 Cesar Chavez Avenue (S 8th Ave) Pocatello, ID 83209
I’m not old enough for Medicare yet. Idaho state is not near me. Well, it’s only like 240 miles but that is too far without a decent car that might make the trip LOL. Good idea, though! I will get it figured out and my son thinks he found a sliding scale fee doctor in Boise.
There might be other university hospitals closer. We have about 4 in this state — from north to center to south.