Back From First Gastro Doc Appt

[MrsC]

Hi! Well some of you know I had my first appt today with the Gastroenterologist. It went really well I think. He took time to look over my chart, bloodwork, CT scans, etc. and then he started by asking me what medical problems I have that I think are unrelated to my digestive issues.

I explained the thyroid stuff and neurological symptoms. Then he asked me about family history of colon cancer, etc. Then he finally got to the what brings you here today to see me question. I thought he was very thorough. I shared my "gastro issues". He examined my belly (you know tap tap, knock knock, listen with the stethoscope...)

Then, he ordered at stool sample for parasites, and called the nurse in to schedule me for a "double". Sounded like he was ordering a drink, LOL.

I go in for an Endoscopy and Colonoscopy on June 26th at 10am.

In the meantime, he told me to use the word WHEAT instead of the word EAT. Basically, eat as much gluten as possible before the test.

Tonight, I had pasta, and I am already in such gas pain it is unbelievable! How far until the 26th? Geez.

[ravenwoodglass]

Hi! Well some of you know I had my first appt today with the Gastroenterologist. It went really well I think. He took time to look over my chart, bloodwork, CT scans, etc. and then he started by asking me what medical problems I have that I think are unrelated to my digestive issues.

I explained the thyroid stuff and neurological symptoms. Then he asked me about family history of colon cancer, etc. Then he finally got to the what brings you here today to see me question. I thought he was very thorough. I shared my "gastro issues". He examined my belly (you know tap tap, knock knock, listen with the stethoscope...)

Then, he ordered at stool sample for parasites, and called the nurse in to schedule me for a "double". Sounded like he was ordering a drink, LOL.

I go in for an Endoscopy and Colonoscopy on June 26th at 10am.

In the meantime, he told me to use the word WHEAT instead of the word EAT. Basically, eat as much gluten as possible before the test.

Tonight, I had pasta, and I am already in such gas pain it is unbelievable! How far until the 26th? Geez.

If you have been gluten free for a while make sure you let him know if you get really sick. Call and tell him whats going on and ask for an emergency opening. If you have been gluten free he may be able to make the diagnosis on your symptoms. After being gluten-free for a month my GI made me gluten overload. I was so sick we had to cancell my scope and he 'officially' diagnosed me without it. Pepto Bismal is gluten free and helps me a lot with the gas and heartburn. Don't take Tums though some of those are not gluten-free. I hope you get through this and get a definitive diagnosis soon.

[MrsC]

If you have been gluten free for a while make sure you let him know if you get really sick. Call and tell him whats going on and ask for an emergency opening. If you have been gluten free he may be able to make the diagnosis on your symptoms. After being gluten-free for a month my GI made me gluten overload. I was so sick we had to cancell my scope and he 'officially' diagnosed me without it. Pepto Bismal is gluten free and helps me a lot with the gas and heartburn. Don't take Tums though some of those are not gluten-free. I hope you get through this and get a definitive diagnosis soon.

Thanks for the reply. I will keep an eye on things as I ramp up the gluten. I was only gluten-free for about 2 weeks, and then the GI medical assistant told me to go back to a regular diet when this appointment was made 2 weeks ago.

I have been having other symptoms that are causing the doctor to want to do the colonoscopy at the same time - and now of course, I have it in my head that I could have cancer. I am trying to keep a sunny outlook, but man, sometimes it is tough!

[ravenwoodglass]

Thanks for the reply. I will keep an eye on things as I ramp up the gluten. I was only gluten-free for about 2 weeks, and then the GI medical assistant told me to go back to a regular diet when this appointment was made 2 weeks ago.

I have been having other symptoms that are causing the doctor to want to do the colonoscopy at the same time - and now of course, I have it in my head that I could have cancer. I am trying to keep a sunny outlook, but man, sometimes it is tough!

The colonoscopy is pretty routine. Doing both at one time is really the way to go. Be sure to write "take lots of biopsies" on your forehead and your butt. If they are going to be in there they might as well be through. Were you getting any relief from the diet yet? I noticed a difference in D in just a week. I was actually scared cause I didn't go for 3 days. I had had constant D for 15 years though so I was really lucky it was so obvious and it took much longer for everything else to go away.

[penguin]

I am 3 weeks into gluten overload and I'm pretty much a stoned monster. That's bloated. And 10 lbs. fatter than 3 weeks ago.

I'm going to try to make it the whole three months, since I was gluten-free four months before deciding I wanted a biopsy (I'm so smart ).

In my case, it seems like my body is just so overwhelmed it doesn't know what to do with itself. D, C, normal, it can't decide!

Hang in there and do what you can! I highly reccommend phazyme, and also ask your doc for bentyl or another antispasmodic if you get stomach cramps from the gluten.

Godspeed

[dlp252]

I had a "double" myself, lol. I agree, having them at the same time is really the way to go. I have lovely pictures of my digestive tract too.

[jerseyangel]

I had both done the same day, too--the nurse called it a two-fer! I was just as glad to only have to be put out once--it was not bad at all, try not to be nervous

[queenofhearts]

I too had both done on the same day. If you need both that is definitely the way to go.

To be honest, the day before was the hard part-- I am one who normally eats small nibbles basically all day long, & a day's fast was really tough for me (even with all the juice). The Fleet was really unpleasant to choke down on an empty stomach. And since diarrhea was one of my main symptoms, it was kind of overkill. I was supposed to take a pill on top of it & after 2 doses of enema I just couldn't. I was very weak & shaky by the next day, & I went in feeling frightened & spacey. The nurse was a little mad at me for skipping the laxative & made me worry I'd wrecked everything.

But from the moment they gave me the anesthetic I was completely out, & before I knew it the whole thing was over.

When I was more or less awake, the doctor went over the procedure & showed me pictures of my eroded villi & said he was pretty sure that it was Celiac but would wait for the biopsies to confirm.

I had virtually no discomfort afterward, though had a bad headache all that day & the next, but since I get headaches from not eating & from stress, I'm not sure I can blame it on the actual procedure!

Anyway I don't think any of the unpleasant part would change from having only one procedure. I say get the whole blame thing overwith!!!

Good luck. It's worth all this to know for sure!

Leah

[MrsC]

The day before is definitely going to be hard for me...it's my son's first birthday party.

[ravenwoodglass]

The day before is definitely going to be hard for me...it's my son's first birthday party.

First happy b day to the little guy. My doctor gave me something that I didn't have to start taking till after dinner time. Try to enjoy the day and try not to worry too much about the prep. I was expecting a great deal of pain but there was no cramping just hard to get the 'go lightly' (what a misnomer) down. Keeping it real, real cold helps. Good luck and just eat lightly, or however your doctor tells you, during the day.