explodingguts's Status Updates

"Suddenly the last few weeks the explosions have increased - ZERO warning, just whoosh! - and very painful cramping. No food is safe. The whole digestive system is broken. The Aloe Socotrina no longer has any effect. Immodium is the only thing that works but one takes it only after the fact. It's not a preemptive strike. And it doesn't address what's broken.
Even worse, GP despite 2 subsequent requests has not conferred the promised referral to a new GI after many months. Punishment for having a chronic condition unresponsive to the 2-3 reductionist tests MDs offer in Canada.
Plan B: Roll up to ER to beg for something more pre-emptive/longer lasting than Immodium.
Plan C: Appeal in writing to previous GI to confer one or more of the drugs discussed in the conclusion of https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7971407/pdf/12325_2021_Article_1676.pdf. "

"I've been doing much, much better since I made the decision to acquire a small apt back in my previous beachside neighborhood which, unlike family hood, has many parks and sea walks with public washrooms. I am able to walk everywhere I need to go and there are lots of walkin clinics if I feel inclined to see a GP. Had been contemplating a consult with Mayo but I'm so much better in the old hood, no need. "

"As there is no treatment or diagnosis available locally (British Columbia, Canada), I have sought consultation with the Mayo Clinic. Unfortunately, all they will tell me is that expert who reviewed my records feels it would be beneficial for me to attend. They won't reveal why the expert feels that way. The only way to find out is by effectively signing a blank check. Having lived in Calif previously, I am not unfamiliar with outrageous hospital billing. No idea how to act for the best. Anyone here with IBS-D ever helped by Mayo Clinic? Any info most gratefully received. We have nothing like it in Canada, alas. And the Covidiot restrictions are pretty severe IF I'd even be allowed to travel to the US. "

"Sent application to Mayo Clinic this week. When asked whether they've had success treating IBS-D, they described their test as follows: 'Unfortunately, the appointment office is not medically trained thus we cannot provide any medical or treatment advise. However, once our reviewing physician reviews your medical reports, they will determine whether Mayo Clinic has additional care to offer to you based on your reports. If Mayo Clinic has no additional or significant care to offer you, they will deny this request for an appointment and the assigned coordinator to your case will communicate that information with you. If our physician's feel that we do have additional or significant care to offer, an appointment will be offered. The review for an appointment is free of charge. Charges may only occur if our reviewing physician's have to interpret any imaging studies (MRI's, X-rays, ect.) or pathology slides. If appointments are offered, there is no obligation to proceed with the appointments. We only ask that if they are scheduled, to cancel them ahead of time to make them available to other patients.' This makes sense. No sense repeating tests and procedures that failed to enlighten. So now we wait. I post this for anyone contemplating the famous diagnostic center as I am. One thing: Reading others' narrative has suggested to me that others may have the same or worse circs so weary of whining we've decided that after 32 yrs of marriage, we can survive separate living arrangements. My new location has parks with washrooms and MUCH easier access to all services, including medical walk-in clinics. There are almost none here. It's VERY tough but in the event the Mayo Clinic declines appt, I will at least have some liberty to walk and swim and shop nearby. In other words, quality of life and liberty. Thanks to all for the support. It means a lot. B/c I don't drive I have always arranged housing in the midst of essential services. Our place currently fulfills all other householders' need but few of mine. It's a big step but essential. "