GI Docs

[SjoGirl]

Anyone had any luck finding a good GI doc who doesn't say oh you probably have IBS when you describe syptoms that you are sure are due to med side effects? How did you find success in talking with your GI doc about issues?

[jazzlover]

I had to dump my GI dr because he thought I had IBS .. it was candida/yeast, which he does not believe in. HA!

Have you stopped the meds that are bothering you?? Did the GI DR give them to you?

[Styx]

If it's due to med side effects, the best the GI doc could probably do is have you discontinue the med or give you treatment for IBS. Is he the one prescribing the drug you suspect is causing side effects?

Styx

[SjoGirl]

The first GI I saw, who did my endoscopy and prescribed the med after he found I had H Pylori left the practice. I liked him but had the impression he may not have left under good circumstances.

Thenew GI, who my PCP originally wanted me to see, but who is very booked up, told me to stay on the med. He's the one saying it's IBS.

I felt much better last week after not feeling well on the med for months, kept getting cleaned out about once a week, and cut back on the it. As I felt better and better I cut it out altogether (I told my PCP that I did it). I told her the acid is back but that I don't want to go back to the other doc and why.

How did you find out you had candida?

[Styx]

The first GI I saw, who did my endoscopy and prescribed the med after he found I had H Pylori left the practice.

May I ask which med he prescribed?

I assume he's treating you with antibiotics. If that's the case, then I'm surprised that your GI doc would suspect IBS. It's very possible that his treatment is causing your symptoms.

I presume that your doctor will eventually stop the antibiotic treatment though. Maybe you could push through until the treatment course is finished? You could try various IBS drugs in the interim or try probiotics.

Styx

[SjoGirl]

Thanks Styx. It was Protonix (though I've been taking the generic). I only took antibiotics for about six weeks, but that was about nine months ago. I was kept on the PPI and wonder whether I should have been, though two GI docs told me to stay on it including one I saw just a couple of months ago (though he's the one who said I probably have IBS  ).

I've been in touch with my PCP and am getting a referral to someone elsev . The acid is really coming back badly which is soooo fustrating, though taking the medicine was equally frustrating, just for different reasons. It's making me wonder if the SjS is attacking my stomach and digestive system 

Thanks all for listening.

[jazzlover]

How did you find out you had candida?

-
I have all the symptoms. I've been dealing with it for many years. It sucks.

[Styx]

SjoGirl, that does sound frustrating :| Maybe they could try a different PPI?

Styx

[Lesley_x]

I have had very little luck with GI docs. Personally I've found they don't listen particularly well, and can be quite closed minded.

[SjoGirl]

Lesley so sorry to see your post, you sound so sad and challenged. I know the feeling since I had a terrible night last night and had to take the PPI to help mitigate symptoms and was beyond frustrated.

Thanks all for the support. I have the name of a new GI doc and hope to see him soon. Hoping to find out if it is SjS or something else (or should I say and/or something else) and whether there is a different course of treatment.

[warmwaters]

IBS is a negative diagnosis - you should only be diagnosed with IBS after you've had a number of tests that rule out other issues, such as IBD, Crohn's, celiac and other GI issues. 

If you suspect its one of your meds, you need to have a discussion with the doctor about discontinuing it for a while to confirm the med as a source.

In the meanwhile, my GI suggests fiber and probiotics to help you keep your GI in good shape.  So you should ask if that's appropriate in your situation.

A lot of us here do seem to have GI issues that started after the onset of Sjogren's.  Some researchers think it has to do lack of saliva to break down food, others feel it has to do with impact of the Sjogren's on the nervous system changes how food moves through the digestive tract.   

Hope you get some relief soon!

[SjoGirl]

Thanks. Yes many of us seem to have GI issues.

GI doc seemed unwilling to consider other options. His answer everytimg I have asked about the med is just keep taking it. So, I'm working on getting a new GI doc.

Thanks though I do appreciate your response and those from others.

[odie]

My GI doc is in a large group practice where each has his or her own area of special interest.  Their website lists their sub specialty.  It really pays to try to get one who has the most experience with the type of problem you have. Otherwise they tend to have tunnel vision and look at your problem from only one perspective.