Frustrated. Vitamins, Labs. Flagyl. IBS. Diet

Which probiotics are you taking? Have you tried using chia seeds? Have you tried immodium? How low is your cholesterol? Mine is 95 and nobody has yelled at me yet.

I think it's just Fish Zole right? Anyway, have you tried to see if it is just one of your vitamins causing issues or tried other brands? Maybe you don't need to avoid them all. Just play around a bit.

Don't know where you live but I have a gastro that knows all about the DS, and he still see me. In fact I'm working myself up to have a colonoscopy. But I digress..you must 1) see Dr. Stewart in person; 2) find a gastro that will work with you. You must take you vitamins...I don't have any advice on what to do to figure out which ones are causing the problem...it sounds as if you have done an elimination regimine and that didn't work. You need professional help...pure and simple. Try to find another grastro. Explain what is going on...but in order to do that, you need to see your surgeon first and perhaps he has an idea what is going on.

I took iron infusions and they worked really well, in fact I don't take iron tables anymore since the infusions. I think, I'm not sure but I think calcium can be given via IV, but you will have to ask about that one.

Fish sole is the stuff you need to get online...I don't have a reliable source but somebody on here must know where to get it. Wait for a reply on that one.

You are absolutely right to be concerned. You must get this acidic poo stopped and only a gastro can help you with that. Perhaps there is something anatomically wrong in your gut...Dr. Stewart is the person that can answer that question. Tell his nurse you want to see him and don't take no for an answer. Maybe you need some pictures of your gut taken to asertain what is going on.

I know my IBS seems to have resolved itself after my second surgery (a resleeve) so I do know what you are going through. Keep the faith and go step by step to resolve this...call Dr. Stewart first then get to a good gastro...just cause one said no, not all of them will, I promise.
Betty

I deal with a lot of MD ignorance too - having trouble finding a PCP (tried several family practice docs and internists) who is willing to deal with DS needs and not be all condescending and act like I'm a clueless twit. grrrrr

ANYway, I get fish zole on ebay
www.ebay.com/itm/Fish-Zole-Forte-Metronidazole-500mg-60-Capsules-/160777069533?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item256f0f63dd

I don't use it often, but nice to have it without going through waiting for an appt with someone who just looks at me like I've sprouted a new head and then says, "No."

Do read up on the different kinds of greeblies in your probiotics - each type deals with different stuff. So many DSers swear by Primal Defense Ultra, but it didn't work for me. Sorry you're having such a shitty time (pun only mildly intended) and I hope it gets better!!

Have you thought of going to an allergist? I had a complete allergy test for a dry painful blistered mouth, and bladder pain. My allergist had me do an elimination diet for a few weeks. My urologist suggested my issues were based on too much citric acid with my endless lemonade protein drinks. My issues are not like your issues, but foods, seasonings, additives, sweeteners, protein supplements all can have an effect on your system. Chicken breast and green beans were suggested by my allergist to clear my system for a week, then add your usual foods one at a time. Journaling your experiences with each food helps, my allergist studied my journal. His conclusion was to say there are just too many additives in my diet with all the shakes, supplements, diet products for him to determine the cause of my issues. I kept up the journaling, and eliminated each sweetener for a week, and re tried them all. Splenda was the cause of my mouth dryness, blisters and bladder pain. Its in everything. Too much citric acid also causes bladder pain for me. I need to pay attention to new episodes of pain, and cut back when needed. Hope you can find a solution to your issues. I believe no "one "Dr can figure it all out. D.S.ers are way to complicated for most Dr's. ;-)

Are you taking a PPI?

I am not on an antiacid at all. I have some, so I will take those today and see if it helps.

I went out to eat twice yesterday and stayed up half the night praying for death. This is the second time I have had cramps so bad I wanted to die after I ate a piece of pizza. So, my promise to God is to never eat pizza again. Went to the Chinese Buffet for lunch and ate my usual egg foo yung, beef out of the beef and broccoli, a few wontons in soup, and some shrimp. My gut was mildly upset after that, but nothing like after I ate that pizza.

Made my veggie soup today: Chicken, squash, zucchini, cauliflour, tomatoes, chicken broth and so far so good. Broccoli and Cauliflour do not give me as much gas as white carbs do. But, I stay away from those in general.

Purchased a new brand of probiotics + enzymes, some digestive advantage for IBS, and Primal Defense. Will look online for the Fish Zole and get some of those too.

Dr Stewart has a gastro that he recommends, two hours away from me, but he has a three week waiting time for his first available appointment. Guess I will get on the list and suffer until then.

My diet is basically meat cheese eggs, and organic fruits and veggies from my co-op. I can tolerate Quinoa, a little brown rice (not much), and rice noodles (PHO).

I just don't get it. Something will work one day, and not the other. Feel like I am walking thru a mine field when I try to decide what to eat/drink.

Thank you for all the help.

Petham, It is the same as the human medicine, Metronidazole. I buy it when I travel out of the country where it is available without prescription. But I must say that I am saving it for emergency use only. It is not to be taken lightly.
Poodles, I am surprised that you can tolerate Pho. It is a notorious DS no no. I love it but had to give it up and I tolerate most everything. Wish I had more advice for you. Good luck in getting this sorted out. You have been given some seemingly good ideas.

I love Pho. It is my soup of choice. I even get the instant packets for emergency food at work. I can not tolerate Ramen very well at all. When I get the "real stuff" from my local Pho shop, I don't put alot of the noodles in. They are just filler food to me. I like the mung bean sprouts, meat, cilantro, onions, etc more than the noodles. When I get sick, I get the chicken Pho and only drink the broth. Something about the ginger makes my tummy feel better. Wonder if I can tolerate it because I don't use a ton of the noodles?

Now regarding the Fish Zole. It seems quite creepy to take fish antibiotic, but if it is the same as Flagyl I will do it, since both my doctors are not doing what I need them to, and my insurance has started over and I now have a 1200.00 deductible to meet. That 40.00 bottle of fish medicine looks pretty good right now.

From the link it looks like I need 500 mg, but don't know how many to take or for how long.

If you were to get it from a doctor, what would a typical prescription look like? I know we are not medical doctors here, but if anyone has experience would love to know what you did. May just start a new thread and see if there are examples out there too...

I find the low cholesterol comment interesting, mine usually runs in the neighborhood of 30. My dads is 46 at his last blood test. Neither of us has ever had a comment of concern from any of our physicians. Sorry to hear you are dealing with stubborn mules.

I appreciate the advice. Know you all are trying to help. I am just so frustrated at this point I am ready to totally give up and suffer. Seems to be my lot in life. (pity party here). If it's not kidney stones, or IBS, or back pain, its bloated guts and hemmoroids.

I have self medicated for the acid reflux. Will see if it works. I bought the stuff that you have to take twice a day, because I know time released stuff does not work for us.

Sure wishing more doctors would know more about us. They do look at me like I have a third head when I say I have the DS. Had an ER doctor say "Isn't that a video game?". That made me feel really comfortable.

But, anyway. I have had a rough few hours. Tired and Hungry and afraid to eat. No fun for me at all.

Thanks again for the advice.

Poodles, How do whey protein isolate shakes go down for you? If it works for an early post op?...
At least you will be sure you are getting in the protein, and perhaps a day without solid, irritating food will be good. Then add the next safest food you know, like chicken or egg.

Skip the coffee, sweetners, spices EVERYTHING. Then add the vitamins bit by bit, starting with the ones you are pretty sure will not affect you.

My thinking is that perhaps there is something in your diet that is triggering this mess.

I wish I had an answer for you. I guess what I really want to tell you, is that I am thinking of you, and praying for you. Get all the help you can.

Late to this thread but I will throw in one thing that my surgeon told me years ago when I had fire ass - and it seems ridiculous, but it worked. FIBER. There are chewables that don't taste bad at all and honestly it worked for me.

Good luck.