Sick of being sick

LegacyUser

First of all, I know I am extremely lucky not to be suffering from a serious disease or living in a third world country, so please don't respond with those type of comments. I just have to get this off my chest - I'm sick of always being sick.

I'm a 23 year old female, was a healthy child, healthy teenager, then in the last few years, there always seemed to be something wrong with me! A few years ago, I developed IBS, which meant I had bad stomach cramps after meals and was going to the toilet 4-5 times a day. This was unfortunate, but I got on with things and tried not to let it bother me too much. Not long afterwards, I started to feel tired and lethargic all the time, had no energy or desire to do much anymore and became very withdrawn. I felt I was missing out on my time in college, so I went to the GP who did tests and said I wasn't anaemic and that I should eat more fruit and veg. I did so, but to be honest the problem never really went away. I just got used to always feeling wrecked, would come home in between lectures to nap, started going to bed at 10 every night, etc. I have also been suffering from problems 'down there' for the last few years, bacterial infections and so on which never seem to get cured. I have only had one sexual partner and have been for multiple STD tests and everything comes back negative. It worries me but there seems to be nothing I can do about it. I take a course of antibiotics, then I get thrush from those, and its like a vicious cycle!

Things were the same until last year when I got a bad chest infection, followed by ulcers in my thoat, and around the same time I also realised I had hemorrhoids (don't laugh) - apparently this is common for IBS sufferers - this made me feel really down and unfeminine, I didn't expect to suffer from piles as a 21 year old girl!! Then in the summer I started bleeding after sex, got a smear done which came back abnormal and I had to go for a colposcopy which showed I had abnormal changes on the cervix which have to be monitored every 6 months for the next few years. That got me down big time but I got over it. Over the last few months, I've developed various problems which were later disgnosed as major side effects of the Pill - migraines, brown itchy spots on skin, bleeding from cervix, and was told I should come off it right away, and that I should not take any hormonal contraception, and should rely on condoms! That
was just the icing on the cake. I've always been paranoid about getting pregnant, and doubled up condoms and the Pill - I don't feel safe enough using just condoms so at the moment my BF and I aren't having sex, which isn't great for our relationship. And I'm really worried about never being able to go on the Pill again, I'm only 23!

Another thing is I've missed quite a bit of work in the last year because of illness and now my boss thinks I'm a skiver because she can't believe anyone could be genuinely sick that often. I needed a week off with the chest infection (was hospitalised), a few days with migraines and a few half days to go to the hospital and get bloods done at the GP. It's so frustrating because I really, genuinely can't help it! I am not the type of person to miss work with a cold or a bit of a headache, I need to literally not be able to get out to bed to call in sick. I've been on about 6 courses of antibiotics in a year, and I think it's taken its toll on me. I feel completely worn down. I don't know why it is I'm so sickly - I eat fairly well, walk everywhere, never smoked, don't binge drink, never take drugs, always had safe sex. I could do a bit more exercise but other than that, I couldnt really be any healthier living.

Again, I know I'm very lucky not to be seriously ill, and that I have a supportive boyfriend who is amazing, but all these niggly issues have really built up and are getting my down. I'm wondering if I'm suffering from depression but thats a whole other thread. I just had to vent a little bit as it's so hard to put on a happy face all day at work when all I want to do is go to bed and sleep. I would love nothing more than to have 100% perfect attendance at work but its just impossible right now. Please don't attack me and say I could have it worse, it would be wonderful if anyone understood or has experienced the same thing and went on to become really healthy - any diet, exercise or other recommendations would be great!!

Kevster

sickgrlirl wrote: »

Things were the same until last year when I got a bad chest infection, followed by ulcers in my thoat, and around the same time I also realised I had hemorrhoids (don't laugh) - apparently this is common for IBS sufferers - this made me feel really down and unfeminine, I didn't expect to suffer from piles as a 21 year old girl!!

I didn't laugh.

sickgrlirl wrote: »

Please don't attack me and say I could have it worse, it would be wonderful if anyone understood or has experienced the same thing and went on to become really healthy - any diet, exercise or other recommendations would be great!!

I would never 'attack' a person with a problem.

ummm, anyway, I can relate to you on some counts (especially the IBS issue) because I have Ulcerative Collitis, which means that my colon is always either in pain or discomfort. IBS symptoms are never too far away either. What else... ...? - You've mentioned a lot here. Obviously, I can't explain why these things happen to you except for the fact that maybe you are just geneticially predisposed to them all. The chronic tiredness could be caused by a parasitic infection too... ...everyone has parasites, some worse than others. I don't know what else to say really - Sorry.

Take care,
Kevin

Dudess

Gee OP, that's very tough. You've no need whatsoever to explain yourself. Has Crohn's Disease ever been considered a possibility? Don't take that as a diagnosis obviously, but just putting it out there.

LegacyUser

Have you had a full medical at any stage? Bloods etc? As opposed to treating each thing in isolation as it comes up.
Or allergy tests? Proper ones, not those health food shop quacks.
You might be allergic to a food or group of foods that is causing you to be generally run down and susceptible to being ill.
I don't think anyone is going to attack you, it's awful to be ill for so long.

LegacyUser

I'm not sure if I was ever tested for Crohn's but I've had numerous blood tests done and they always come back pretty much normal. The doctors usually act like I'm making a big deal out of nothing, as I don't have blood in my stools or any of the usual symptoms of Crohn's, just frequent diahrrea and bloating.

W1llz0rz

sickgrlirl wrote: »

First of all, I know I am extremely lucky not to be suffering from a serious disease or living in a third world country, so please don't respond with those type of comments. I just have to get this off my chest - I'm sick of always being sick.

I'm a 23 year old female, was a healthy child, healthy teenager, then in the last few years, there always seemed to be something wrong with me! A few years ago, I developed IBS, which meant I had bad stomach cramps after meals and was going to the toilet 4-5 times a day. This was unfortunate, but I got on with things and tried not to let it bother me too much. Not long afterwards, I started to feel tired and lethargic all the time, had no energy or desire to do much anymore and became very withdrawn. I felt I was missing out on my time in college, so I went to the GP who did tests and said I wasn't anaemic and that I should eat more fruit and veg. I did so, but to be honest the problem never really went away. I just got used to always feeling wrecked, would come home in between lectures to nap, started going to bed at 10 every night, etc. I have also been suffering from problems 'down there' for the last few years, bacterial infections and so on which never seem to get cured. I have only had one sexual partner and have been for multiple STD tests and everything comes back negative. It worries me but there seems to be nothing I can do about it. I take a course of antibiotics, then I get thrush from those, and its like a vicious cycle!

Things were the same until last year when I got a bad chest infection, followed by ulcers in my thoat, and around the same time I also realised I had hemorrhoids (don't laugh) - apparently this is common for IBS sufferers - this made me feel really down and unfeminine, I didn't expect to suffer from piles as a 21 year old girl!! Then in the summer I started bleeding after sex, got a smear done which came back abnormal and I had to go for a colposcopy which showed I had abnormal changes on the cervix which have to be monitored every 6 months for the next few years. That got me down big time but I got over it. Over the last few months, I've developed various problems which were later disgnosed as major side effects of the Pill - migraines, brown itchy spots on skin, bleeding from cervix, and was told I should come off it right away, and that I should not take any hormonal contraception, and should rely on condoms! That
was just the icing on the cake. I've always been paranoid about getting pregnant, and doubled up condoms and the Pill - I don't feel safe enough using just condoms so at the moment my BF and I aren't having sex, which isn't great for our relationship. And I'm really worried about never being able to go on the Pill again, I'm only 23!

Another thing is I've missed quite a bit of work in the last year because of illness and now my boss thinks I'm a skiver because she can't believe anyone could be genuinely sick that often. I needed a week off with the chest infection (was hospitalised), a few days with migraines and a few half days to go to the hospital and get bloods done at the GP. It's so frustrating because I really, genuinely can't help it! I am not the type of person to miss work with a cold or a bit of a headache, I need to literally not be able to get out to bed to call in sick. I've been on about 6 courses of antibiotics in a year, and I think it's taken its toll on me. I feel completely worn down. I don't know why it is I'm so sickly - I eat fairly well, walk everywhere, never smoked, don't binge drink, never take drugs, always had safe sex. I could do a bit more exercise but other than that, I couldnt really be any healthier living.

Again, I know I'm very lucky not to be seriously ill, and that I have a supportive boyfriend who is amazing, but all these niggly issues have really built up and are getting my down. I'm wondering if I'm suffering from depression but thats a whole other thread. I just had to vent a little bit as it's so hard to put on a happy face all day at work when all I want to do is go to bed and sleep. I would love nothing more than to have 100% perfect attendance at work but its just impossible right now. Please don't attack me and say I could have it worse, it would be wonderful if anyone understood or has experienced the same thing and went on to become really healthy - any diet, exercise or other recommendations would be great!!

Hey there!

Well reading the first half of the first paragraph there was very weird for me cause it was almost as if I had wrote it myself, I'm a 22 yr old male and I also suffer from IBS (Crohn's disease) and I'm anemic, now I cant relate to any of the feminine problems as I'm male (:P), but as well as what I've mentioned I get very bad migranes, low blood pressure, asthma and lack of white blood cells, whatever thats called.

I get like you sometimes too, sick of being sick, but at the same time, like you again, I just think that compared to some people we really cant complain, I consider myself lucky that there's nothing really severe wrong with me!

It was really weird because before i even clicked to enter this thread I had a really strong feeling that it was gonna be something similar to me! I don't really come in here very often so the fact that it was the top thread is a bit of a weird coincidence too!

Basically what I'm saying is if ya ever need to talk give me an email or a PM, I know it could probably help to vent to someone who know's what you're going through, to some extent anyways!

bored and tired

i know how you feel, ive spent the last 2 years recovering from a car accident and my energy levels are rock bottom. im sick of being sick, sick of people looking at me, sick of going to the gp, and i find the less exercise i do, the more tired i feel, so ive enrolled with a personal trainer to kick start my routine again.

have you tried taking any bacteria friendly yougurts or supplements??, i have to take them when im on antibiotics as my stomach isnt the greatest after taking painkillers longterm. Also my aunt has ibs, and you probably know this already, but she kept a food diary when she was diagnosed to try and isolate what caused flair ups. she now avoids tomatoes onions white bread and pasta!! i would have thought things like rhubarb beans and cabbage but there you go:)

on the thrush side, does your partner treat himself when you are being treated??, thrush in men doesnt seem to be as agressive in women (in my own experience) and can be passed back as soon as youve thrown out the tube of caneston.

talk to your gp again, you may be slightly depressed, there may be something connecting all the dots, you may need a break from routine, or you might just need a sun holdiay to recharge the batteries, or try something off the radar like acupuncture

either way, i hope you find something that starts to make you feel better

Jim

If you haven't already I'd go and get tested for allergies.

emy-87

Sorry to hear you have had such a rough time. I dont have IBS, but I have had the same lack of energy and thrush for the past couple of years. I went to a Homeopathic doctor who put me on a No Sugar- No Yeast Diet. Basically you cut the ****e out to cleanse your system. It really helped me, especially for the Thrush. The Antibiotics would have made your thrush infection even worse. My Mum gets migraines also, but since she has been on the diet it really helps her. Its not forever, its just for a few weeks. I just thought I would let you know. I hope that helps.

Clare_Guy

if i were you i'd check out some info on macrobiotic diets.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrobiotic_diet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrobiotic_lifestyle

Also check out a book called "the choice"

http://www.changesimply.com/

i'm no doctor or expert but i'm a really strong believer in the foods that we eat today cause damage. Too many additives, over processed, too much salt, too much refined sugars, too much dairy, too much red meat.

Also doctors too readily hand out pills to treat problems and that just piles tons more weird chemicals etc into our bodies.

It seems to me that IBS is just another example of "science" giving a fancy name (and therefore treatment) to symptoms of our bad modern diets.

I'm not trying to preach or belittle your problems. Please check out the info above and make up your own mind...

miss no stars

I'd get yourself tested for Coeliac Disease and Lactose Intolerance if I were you. I was similar, always getting stomach cramps, always under the weather, always mysteriously ill and then I discovered I was lactose intolerant. Cut out the dairy and my health is superb since. Your post just rings alarm bells in my head about food allergy/intolerance. Lactose intolerance is easy to self test for - cut out lactose, if your symptoms stop, reintroduce it, if the symptoms reappear you can be fairly certain you're lactose intolerant. It's certainly a good test to do so you can go to your GP and conclusively say "I cut out dairy for a week and it had no effect" or "I cut out dairy and felt a bit better" which gives the doctor a better starting point.

Ask to be referred to a specialist in gastroenterology.

cuckoo

sickgrlirl wrote: »

Over the last few months, I've developed various problems which were later disgnosed as major side effects of the Pill - migraines, brown itchy spots on skin, bleeding from cervix, and was told I should come off it right away, and that I should not take any hormonal contraception, and should rely on condoms! That
was just the icing on the cake. I've always been paranoid about getting pregnant, and doubled up condoms and the Pill - I don't feel safe enough using just condoms so at the moment my BF and I aren't having sex, which isn't great for our relationship. And I'm really worried about never being able to go on the Pill again, I'm only 23!

There are other hormone free options regarding contraception, eg the diapragham, I'd suggest finding a doctor that has an interest in that area and discussing it further with them. There's lots of info in the stickies at the top of the forum, and places like the Irish Family Planning Association and Well Women clinics have evening appts so you wouldn't have to miss work.

Regarding all your other illnesses - my heart does go out to you on this. I'd suggest a really detailed diary of any and all symptons, food, and energy levels. Log exercise as well. It'll be helpful whenever you're dealing with docs, and if you're on/off prescription drugs it's good to keep a record of them, otherwise you'll end up like me and have the "well, i think the tablets were blue and brown...." conservation with medical ppl.

Are you having fun as well in your day? If you do keep a 'health diary', also keep a 'list of fun'. Just make sure that you do one thing you enjoy every day, just for the sake of it. Could be laugh at a silly cartoon on the internet, pause when walking somewhere and really look at the clouds, watch a dvd with your bf/family, cook something that you really like.....whatever floats your boat. Just make sure it's something (no matter how small) each and every day.

b3t4

Right, go to a different doctor, go to as many doctors as you can till you start to feel better and get answers. Yes, this is going to cost a fortune but I'm afraid there isn't much else you can do.

6 anti-biotics in a year?? You're system is shot, if you ask me. Has your doctor not suggested you go on multi-vitamins? Has your doctor not suggested you eat youghurt to up the good bacteria in your system? Did your doctor not tell you how bad all these anti-biotics will be for your system? In my experience, doctors can sometimes give out anti-biotics like they're sweets.

I can sympthise (or is that empathise) with you. I've been quite sick recently with a very bad chest infection, infections due to insect bites, thrush and there is now the chance that I might be developing abnormal cells on my cervic. I've now started taking those pro-biotics drinks and taking a multi-vit every day. My immune system is on the up. I recently got a bad cough but it didn't take hold like it did in January of this year.

With regard to contraception have a think about the diaphragm. Iguana has a great post about using the diaphragm here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=56376774&postcount=311 For contraception options you're best bet would be to head along to your locak IFPA (they are meant to be very good when it comes to this sort of thing )

And again I'd like to reiterate that I'd strongly advise you to attend a different doctor.

A.

The Bishop Basher

First of all sympathies with you for your problems. I would definatley agree with a couple of posters above who suggest accupuncture and homeopathy. Having battled specific health issues for the last 8 years I have found alternative medecine to be far more effective for everything. Doctors just prescribe drugs and treat the symptoms. A good qualified holistic practitioner will treat the cause.

It's also self perpetuating as in, when you start to feel a little bit better your body and mind kick in to action and speed up the recovery process.

I'd recommend Reiki as well to get the body in tune again and help reduce stress and depression. These treatments generally aren't that expensive but you need to find someone good.

Good luck

pickarooney

IANAD but a lot of your symptoms suggest a gluten allergy.

The problem with this thread is that nobody is (quite rightly) allowed to give medical advice other than to go see a doctor, which you've done countless times to no avail. All I can suggest is to go see a good doctor. Your constant repetition that you don't want to be scoffed at for making a big deal out of nothing makes it sound as though you've seen some pretty lousy doctors who, because they can't diagnose you, make you feel you're making things up, leaving you with little backup to defend yourself against your bosses insinuations that you're dossing.

You deserve to be treated with respect by a medical professional and don't have to accept being fobbed off by the first doctor you have the misfortune to come across. I realise it's pretty expensive in Ireland, but you should keep going to doctors until you find one that will take you seriously and help you get better or better yet get a recommendation from someone.

rescue26

Have you tried Bio Energy. Might sound stupid but believe me I was the biggest skeptic of all but the people I have heard going to this guy have always felt better coming out. I no of 1 little girl who was always unwell and was very sick, doctors couldnt find anything wrong so they brought her to bio energy, the girl ended up getting sick everywhere and after that started to improve. If ya want more info let me know, hope you feel better soon. Chin up:D

mikewest

I think you know this yourself OP but if you are constantly being sick with various complaints not always related then it points to an underlying cause. As has already been pointed out go to another doctor and bring the list of symptons, complaints & illnesses you suffer from and if that doctor cannot see a pattern go see a different one. Yes it can be expensive in time and money but you need to get this sorted. I won't even begin to speculate as to what the root cause is but in the meantime spend time with google and your sympton list. Look for the simple solutions e.g. a food intolerence or a common parasitic infection and please ignore the exotic ones because until your doctors have ruled out all the common ones there isn't any reason to look at them.

I don't know what your diet is like but maybe it needs a makeover. When I returned home for a few years I had a continous small scale illness which never really went away but when I moved in with my OH the problem faded away because my diet changed and if I go back home the problems begins to return. I still haven't figured out what foods are causing this because I am probably too lazy but in both cases the diet is relatively "healthy" according to all the common advice.

bstar

hi Op,

im exactly the same as you been suffering severe abdominal pains for 3 years now hospitalised several times for it and each time cant find a cause so they have went for the default diagnosis of IBS. ive done everything seen the dietion changed lifestyle etc nothing helps has given me ulcers and other stomach infections as well. unlike u though i am having symptoms for chrons disease but my consultant at hospital refuses to test me for it says im to young -22- to get it. hes the head of the department so no one will contradict him ive tried.

as everyone said you just have to keep trying other doctors and listen to your body. you do begin to feel like the doctors think your a hypochondriac but when somethings not right you do know.

Just be thankful for your supportive bf and that its not something more serious. feel free to pm me anything esp if ya find a doctor to help id love his number .

McGinty

Hi Op

I am sorry that you are having all these illnesses and there has been some fantastic advice given here, and I am going to add something else, I don't know if you have Sky/Cable tv but every year they have a programme called 'The Spa of embarressing illnesses' and basically it is this holitistic detox centre (google it) where x number of people who chronic symptoms like yourself (and it is chronic because its ongoing and affecting all areas of your life: relationship and work) and basically these people have a complete detox, are given alternative therapies and also try to understand what their body is telling them. See I think (and it is gaining currency) that our thoughts and mind affects our body, and we can create illness in the body. You mentioned depression and said that was a whole new thread, so it is possible that you have (unknowingly I mean) transferred your issues from your head to your body. What I am trying to say is that you are so busy dealing with illness you have no time to deal with what is going on inside your head. This detox centre I have mentioned helps both mind, body and spirit. Now if I had your illnesses, I would do anything to get rid of them, so I would urge you to check this place out, it is expensive (I was thinking of going because I had excezma and it was driving me nuts, plus tiredness, etc but they have largely passed because of the therapy I had here) but its worth thinking about. You can also read up on those who suffered the illnesses, and because you have so many problems, maybe Living TV could send you there for next year's programme. I know this all sounds a bit nuts, but I felt I had to say it to you. I hope you get some help, because in my opinion there is nothing worse than being sick all the time.

visitorhere

I completely agree with McGinty. There is a definite mind body link. I was diagnosed with an illness years ago that would require medication for the rest of my life. I think this diagnosis gave me an excuse for things-tiredness and lack of energy etc which granted were symptoms of the condition but in hindsight I was most likely depressed. I still have the same illness but feel in full health and have bags of energy that I don't put down to medication. In reality I think if anyone sits down at any time and tries to make a list of their illnesses, ailments, aches and pains it would be fairly substantial. I know I felt as if I was just waiting for more symptoms to appear to add to my list of complaints.

In terms of the IBS it's really common and a food diary would be the best way to keep track of it esp wheat, dairy, coffee and alchohol. Your constant worrying about the state of your health will only exacerbate IBS. IBS is something you can control yourelf to an extent. Water is also really important to consider it's no good having this great diet if you don't combine it with sufficient water intake. Cycles of antibiotics will deplete your immune system as will being depressed. Cyclical use of antibiotics also lessens their effectiveness. Antibiotics can also cause IBS flair ups but obv if doctor prescribes them you need them.

You have said you could do with more exercise. Seriously I think people underestimate it's importance in conditions like IBS it does wonders in regulating.

I think maybe focusing on building up your immune system and energy levels would be a good start.

As for the pill issue go back and discuss it with your doctor don't allow it to wreck your relationship. It's no wonder you would be feeling down at the mo.

TI21

Hi Op!
Also like another poster, the minute I saw the title of this thread I could relate to it! Im a 22 yr old female and have suffered with so called IBs since my early teens which also has had a knock on effect with other areas of my health. I constantly get thrush, suffer horrible periods as each period increases the severity of my ibs attacks and i also suffer from extreme tiredness- I can never get thru a day without at least a two hour nap!
I completely understand your situation for years iv seen numerous doctors only for every test to come back clear.A few months ago I was even contemplating going to my GP and asking for anti-depressants because years of being told their is nothing wrong with me had took its toll.
However I then switched GPs to a lovely doctor who was a lot more helpful and let me talk for a good 20 mins about how ibs was ruining my life.Trying to keep down a part time job and go to college full time had become impossible.
After talking to this doctor who admitted that ibs wasnt an actual diagnosis only a diagnosis given when all other major illness were eliminated I found myself even more angry as i felt for years noone had listened to me about a genuine illness.
This GP refered me to a gastroentrologist and even though it was a lengthy wait i have to say it was one of the best things that has ever happened me. There was some hiccups along the way it was revealed a colonoscopy that i had down couple of years ago well the results had just disappeared and about two months ago i had to have another one just in case those results had something on them needless to say i was not a happy camper!
Also like one of the above posters i met what can only be described as the most ignorant man i have ever met as my doctor. I was more or less ignored whilst he talked about me and anything i did say was dismissed as he was the head consultant and noone would dispute him. He was also completly dismissive of running anymore tests.
On a return visit to the hosp by sheer luck i happened to meet a different team of doctors and a lovely female consultant who took me seriously and actually listened to my opinion.She has booked me in more numerous tests that i haven't had before to try and determine whats wrong.And even if those results come back clear she is the first doctor that actually hasnt treated me as though i am making things up and I know will actually do her utmost to help not just write a script for painkillers that don't work!

Apologies for the extremely long post but i just wanted the op to realise their is so many people in the same situation.I also realise how hard it must be for you to be in a relationship cause Iv been there and the sheer embarrassment and fundamental need of having to be near a toilet at all times can put a strain on any relationship.

I would ask you to get refered to a consultant and get every test known done even for your peace of mind and dont take no for answer even if the doctors dont feel such a test is necessary. Hospitals and especially consultants can be so intimidating but its only in the past 6mmnths i have realised i had to stand up for myself and make them take me seriously. For eg now in the hosp I ask to see the female consultant instead and there is absolutely no problems .

Fell free to pm me any time as I really understand your situation and I hope posting this thread helps you realise your not alone and the way you feel is completely justified.
Hope you feel better soon
Lyn.

LegacyUser

For some reason when I read the title "sick of being sick" I knew IBS was gonna be in there. I have it too. Symptoms started when I was a child, they always thought I was just faking, that I hated school and would do anything to get out of it, ended up sending me to a psychiatrist of sorts, after that they decided I had IBS but NEVER TOLD ME!!! Or my parents!

I went on for years just putting up with the pain, with my parents firmly believing that it was all in my head. Until I was about 19 and the stress of my job made it sooooo much worse, just like you I was missing days and made to feel like I was just being a dramaqueen. I went to my GP, and he asked am I following a diet for my IBS? I said "what's that?" and he said you were diagnosed with it when you were 12, that must be the problem so!

Anyways, that's a long story about nothing really, point being that it went on for years like that so I understand how you feel. The doctor told me to eat more fruit, veg and brown bread. But that didn't work so he recommended a dietician to me (who actually happens to have a particular interest in IBS) so I went to her and it turns out that pretty much everything I was eating and what the doctor told me to eat was wrong for me. I changed my diet and it did wonders, haven't had major problems for years now.

So I would suggest going to a dietician (If you're in Dublin I can give you details of my one, She might be better as it's her special interest she has a keener understanding that the severity and causes vary from person to person).

LegacyUser

bstar wrote: »

it says im to young -22- to get it. hes the head of the department so no one will contradict him ive tried.

OK, if this is true you really have to move on. That is just very wrong.

OP, some general comments and advice from someone who maybe went through something similar.

I didn't have anything like all the symptoms you mention when I was first diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I was about 17 years old at the time. I was diagnosed by having a colonoscopy where biopsies were taken and later examined in a lab. This is a very common procedure.

Anyway I went through a long period of maybe 2-3 years where things were tough, up and downs, plenty of drug usage, and plenty of strife and crap.

Eventually things got to where they are now, about 7-8 years later. Where are they now? Full normal life, of course I have my fair share of other problems regular folk suffer from - ie. life. And of course I'll always be diseased!

What did I learn from my experience;

Doctors are not Gods.
They are flawed like everyone, and it is up to YOU to do the best for yourself. Remember as much as you would like not to think it, you are just a customer for them.

I had a doctor who would have been regarded as best in class.
I did incredible research online for a prolonged period (I'm not talking scare mongering sites, I am talking proper investigations including clinical research and I used read a really good forum run by a IBD specialist that was hosted by the ccfa.org, taken down years ago now) and came to a view of what was actually regarded as best practice, treatment wise. My specialists conclusions, medication, determination for surgery, and various other details pushed me towards finding another doctor (at this stage I had already had a second opinion, which was more of cash-cow for the doctor involved).

Anyway, fast forward a few months, I got myself, through persistence an appointment with a top specialist in Ireland and told him my views - he agreed with much.
I got a new doctor who was willing to listen to me and I started a more rigorous treatment regime.
It soon began to bear fruit, and life rolled on.

Conclusion; you have to look after yourself and insist on the best. Educate yourself and be demanding.

Also there are a few comments about the mind-body thing. Even if there is something physically and pathologically wrong with you, your attitude and state of mind will affect greatly how you feel.

Depression can get to people so bad they can't get up out of bed, or walk down the stairs. It can destroy people. Likewise, fatigue, you have to beat it.
Finding out if/what is wrong with you, will help lift your spirits- HOPE to get the all clear, don't be wishing they find something.

My advice,
DEMAND every test under the sun. Insist upon it.
Find out what the issue is, if there is any.
Get on with life.

Ultimately, you gotta keep truckin'.

LegacyUser

Ask to get your thyroid checked out.

Bottle_of_Smoke

I reckon go to a Nutritionist/Dietician. Goes for all the IBS sufferers on the thread too.

list of nutritionists/dieticians by location & speciality

bstar

hi ibs,

can you pm me the number of the dietician and prices roughly? the one i seen before just said im already on a high fibre diet so she cant do anything for me.

stcatherine

OP, same as a few others I knew when I saw your thread title there would be mention of IBS, I know a lot have mentioned the usual suspects, Yeast, Lactose etc but another culprit believe it or not is caffeine.

I have cut it out completely and although my IBS is not gone 100% it is 80% better.

HydeRoad

Funny enough, I was contemplating opening a thread on just this subject!

I suffer from IBS. It first manifested itself when I was about twelve years old. I woke up in the middle of the night on NEW YEAR'S MORNING in agony! The doctor was called, and he made a big fuss out of my being his first patient of the new year! He called it 'inflammation of the bowel' and I suppose I was given tablets or something.

Anyway, the symptoms got worse over the years, until eventually I would roll in the bed all night in agony, as if a giant, razor sharp butcher's knife was slowly ripping my insides downwards from my breastbone to my gut. Many nights I pleaded with God to die, the pain was so bad!

I found myself facing a gastroenterologist one morning in James's, in fear of my life of the dreaded camera down the neck. To my blinding relief, he took one look at me and said, you don't need a camera, that's classic Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I was sent to a dietician, who gave me blandishments about eating more high fibre, etc.

Anyway, I found that the major culprits were cheese (I ate copious amounts of cheese sandwiches as a child), crisps and white bread, and after I cut these out, I have practically eliminated the terrible agonies out of my life altogether, for going on three years now! Dietary considerations are different for everyone, and what works for me may not work for someone else. But you can be damn sure that those three food items are top of most sufferers' lists!

Alas, I am left with the other great symptom of IBS, which is tremendous tiredness. I sleep an average of ten hours a night. If I sleep any less, I go around all day yawning, with burning eyes, and unable to concentrate on anything. It is no surprise for me to have a mammoth sixteen hour sleep-in occasionally, and to wake up feeling like my veins are full of glue, and physically unable to move even a finger. On these occasions, no amount of alarm clocks will disturb me - it's as if I am actually in a coma.

This as you can imagine, plays havoc with every aspect of my life, but mostly, my work and ability to earn money. For years I drove buses, and often worked eighty and ninety hours a week during the busy summer months, going from bed to work and back to bed, falling asleep over the wheel. Drunk driving has nothing on sleep driving, believe me, I know! I had no option at the time, but looking back, I cannot imagine how I sustained it! I now drive a taxi, and find that getting up late and driving into the early hours only makes a bad situation worse.

I have consulted many doctors over the years, and as soon as I brought up the subject of being unnaturally tired all the time, I was ignored in every case! I now find I suffer from a sore back ontop of all the tiredness. I am considering an appointment with a chiropractor for my back trouble, but in all honesty I think the problem is more fundamental.

I think the question all the sufferers on this thread, and I in particular, would like an answer to, is WHERE to go to find someone who understands the root of these problems, and who can cure the tiredness in particular. Because when you are exhausted all the time, you are in no fit state to deal with any of the other problems you face either. Alternative medicine? Where do you begin to find someone suitable? Has anyone got any recommendations?

pablo21

Well all the replies so far should enlighten you to how common this is and you can add me to it too. I've had every test under the sun completed at huge expense by times and tried all sort of experts with varying degree's of success. Without dragging you through all the details of my symptoms, I'd like to impart three little gems of advise that put me on the right road to living a normal life, the first is the york test, its not an allergy test because lo and behold, IBS does not necessarily mean you are allergic to something! What the york test did was show me what foods I was intollerant to. Very simple little test which told me what foods to stay away from. The second advice I would like to impart is awareness of the services of a little lady in offaly who's knowledge and advice made my life bearable again when all the top men were telling me I was imagining things and there was nothing wrong with me. I'm the general manager of a multi national company and these guys had me doubting my own ability to be clear about what was wrong with me!! If you want the name of the person and her business that helped me please pm me. She has a website but I'm not sure if I'm allowed post it here? Anywho, piece of advice number three. Alot of people mention the extreme tiredness suffered by IBS suffer's. While it can be a direct result of your inability to manage the effective throughput of your food through your bowl, dont allow it to rule out the possibility of haemochromotosis, a hereditary disease that effects up to one in four of the celtic race. Despite it being as common as muck doctors do not test for it as a matter of course!It leaves you extremely tired! You need to request a Ferritin Blood Test.Once I eventually got the diagnosis on this and started treatment my energy levels slowly returned to their normal levels and now I'm feeling fantastic!

Remember, educate yourself on what is happening in your body because armed with the right information you are as capable as anyone of diagnosing yourself or at least requesting the right tests.

Pm me if you want the name of the clinic.

Best of luck with getting your health back on track!

Candidiasis (sp) is also a major culprit for these type symptoms. A major diet overhaul for a while, and then gradually reintroducing things over time can give huge relief. You mentioned thrush and antibiotics.... thrush is candida, whether "down there", in the mouth or elsewhere. Antibiotics completely wipe out all bacteria in your system both good and bad, so when the poor refined diet continues the bad bacteria proliferate and you know the rest. Acidophillus replenishes the good bacteria but first the diet must be dealt with. A proper diet figures for so many ill-health complaints.

barbiegirl

bstar wrote: »

hi Op,

im exactly the same as you been suffering severe abdominal pains for 3 years now hospitalised several times for it and each time cant find a cause so they have went for the default diagnosis of IBS. ive done everything seen the dietion changed lifestyle etc nothing helps has given me ulcers and other stomach infections as well. unlike u though i am having symptoms for chrons disease but my consultant at hospital refuses to test me for it says im to young -22- to get it. hes the head of the department so no one will contradict him ive tried.

as everyone said you just have to keep trying other doctors and listen to your body. you do begin to feel like the doctors think your a hypochondriac but when somethings not right you do know.

Just be thankful for your supportive bf and that its not something more serious. feel free to pm me anything esp if ya find a doctor to help id love his number .

Ypu're not too young but you do need to push to get them to take you seriously. Two cousins, one from each side of the family were diagnosed with Chrohns in their teens. Get a referral elsewhere.

emy-87

I thought I would add a bit to my post before.:) I go to a doctor who is a GP and homeopathic practitioner as well. His name is Dr Brendan Fitzpatrick. Here is his website: http://www.allergy.ie/default.aspx. I would highly recommend him!! I went to him for Candida and he really helped me. I hope that helps!

The_Conductor

With all due respect to the OP and all other posters on the thread, the problems need to be properly investigated by a gastroentrologist. While there may be underlying trigger (such as any of a range of different possible allergies) its not a reasonable assumption to pinpoint any one possible thing as a culprit from the information above, and to suggest that because you are suffering from similar sympthoms and have been diagnosed with X- thus it might be a factor for the OP, is misleading and possibly dangerous.

OP- you need to get properly assessed. There are very good consultant gastroenterologists in many of the larger hospitals- even seeing them publicly is normally quite quick.

If a moderator would like to move this thread to the Longterm Illness Forum- perhaps further suggestions might be forthcoming.

S.

HydeRoad

sickgrlirl wrote: »

Please don't attack me and say I could have it worse, it would be wonderful if anyone understood or has experienced the same thing and went on to become really healthy - any diet, exercise or other recommendations would be great!!

With regard to the last poster, the OP asked if anyone else had experienced the same thing. Now the OP could have a rare, unidentified tropical disease, which causes the symptoms she describes, but IF it is IBS, she will most likely encounter the same negative reaction many people encounter when visiting the doctor, which is an attitude of complete indifference. I DID see a gastroenterologist, who correctly diagnosed IBS, but basically went on to tell me I had nothing to worry about, and I spent another good few years suffering a lot of pain before I self diagnosed what was causing it.

At long last IBS is being recognised and discussed, but many GPs seem to be the last people to diagnose or remedy the symptoms of IBS. Of course the OP should get professional advice rather than look for answers here, but it will help her to know that many, many people, in fact quite a large percentage of the population, suffer the same things, largely because the medical establishment for years seemed unwilling to recognise an ailment for which numerous tests would return a supposed clean bill of health.

You can learn about the symptoms, overcome them, and lead a much healthier and more vigorous lifestyle, once you find and speak to people who do understand the underlying problems, and this thread has thrown up a few good suggestions about where someone like the OP might turn.

The_Conductor

I do agree with you- it took me almost 10 years to be diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, not only did I encounter medical indifference- but I was told it was all psychosomathic and referred to a psychiatrist because I was unable to eat. I ended up in hospital several times severly malnourished and often had to be put on a drip because of dehydration- before Crohn's was eventually diagnosed and I discovered that I could lead a relatively normal life (after having had to have surgical intervention several times).

The biggest disconnect of all- is actually getting a diagnosis. Things have gotten better in recent years- but there are still numerous members of the medical profession out there who view Crohn's, Colitis, Colorectal cancer and many more serious medical conditions with a distinctly worrying degree of total indifference.

In the case of most IBS conditions- there simply is not a blanket prescription that works across the board. Some people discover problems with particular types of food- in my case I cannot handle anything with Maize in it (despite the fact that Cornflakes were my most favourite food as a kid), but other foods would be those with gluten, artificial flavour enhancers (such as Mugami or MSG), or often things like onions, tomatoes or any of a large range of other possibilities.

From personal experience I found that trial and error was more helpful when determining what helped than any advice on the internet or from doctors. I also found that some foods were fine to eat at some stages- but had to be avoided at others.

The big issue I have with the internet- is inevitably you get all the extreme stories- worst case scenarios but also miracle cures- related back to you. You don't tend to get the average stories of what happens to other people in their every day life- the mundane things that you might actually be able to relate to your own existence.

S.

irishbigfoot

As numerous posters have said I think starting an elimination diet and keeping track of absolutely everything you eat is one thing that can help. It does take time to narrow down certain food items but it is worth it in the long run. In addition to food though, I would keep track of all other products that you would be in contact with- soap, shampoo, toothpaste, perfume, laundry detergent and basically anything and everything that has contact with your skin.

I don't have IBS but suffer from somthing called OFG (orofacial granulomatosis) which leaves me highly sensitive to various things- wheat, oats, msg, dextrose, maltodexterin and sodium benzoate are some of the major ones to avoid for me. It is a hassle to constantly check the lables of everything but as there is no treatment eliminating these items is the only thing I can do.

I did come across two good books a while ago from Dr. John McKenna- Hard to Stomach and Natural Alternatives to Antibiotics which were helpful. As far as I know he still sees patients in Kildare- I never actually went myself but a friends husband did and his advice and treatment were helpful so it might be worth a shot.