topic Re: Gastro doc visit in Wellness

Gastro doc visit

LilacTree — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 14:11:15 GMT

I went to my gastro doc yesterday with my complaints about my digestive difficulties. I have had them for several years. He had previously diagnosed liver cysts years ago but said they were benign in that I've probably always had them. However, many of my symptoms are that of liver issues. I told him I would like a complete liver workup.

He and I have always had a special relationship since I had known him for years as he and his practice were clients of the CPA firm I worked for for 24 years. I trust him.

After an exam and a breath test which showed bacteria in my stomach, he wrote up labs, an MRI (with and without gadolinium) and ultrasound of my stomach, liver and pancreas. I already had the labs yesterday . . . 33 individual tests taking ten vials of blood. The most blood I've ever had taken has been six vials. I wondered if I would faint, but miraculously I did not. I would call that a significant "workup."

He thinks the problems are mostly in my stomach, not my liver, but we will see. I will get the tests done as soon as possible because he has also scheduled me for a "Gastrolyzer" breathing test which takes one to two hours in his office, after which I will see him two days later.

I'm concerned about the gado . . . I've had it before with CT scans, but never with an MRI. I may opt out of that one because it is so toxic. I've never heard of the Gastrolyzer test, but that is benign, one just sits in a chair and breathes in, holds it for a certain amount of time, and then breathes out into a tube. As I said, I have already done it once in his office yesterday, but I guess two hours of it will be more in depth. Thing is, the prep for this test starts one month prior and includes strict dietary and medicinal modalities which are going to be a real challenge. However, I will do what I have to in order to find out what's been going on with me.

Anyone have any experience with any of this?

Re: Gastro doc visit

wagirl — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 14:53:01 GMT

I have a fatty liver---it sounds alot worse than it is, in my case, but I went thru some of the testing but not the extensive blood labs, just normal ,that checks the AST/ALT and all were in normal range. Was dx in 2012 with breast cancer so that is the reason for the MRI/CAT scans with contrast. And I did the breath test too--the one at the gastro office to see if I had a virus in my gut ; I didn't. And I had to prep 2 weeks out for a combo of a colonoscopy and endoscopy Not aware of the toxic nature of gado and don't know what it is, however, all those tests I had were because my chemo was toxic as well. Guess as long as you feel your dr is competent, you will be good. And ask any questions you think of. Good luck!

Re: Gastro doc visit

Q4u — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 14:54:31 GMT

It sounds like your doctor is on top of everything and giving you the best tests. My very best to you and hope your ultimate outcome is a very good one. Take care....

Re: Gastro doc visit

LilacTree — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 15:02:59 GMT

@wagirl wrote:
I have a fatty liver---it sounds alot worse than it is, in my case, but I went thru some of the testing but not the extensive blood labs, just normal ,that checks the AST/ALT and all were in normal range. Was dx in 2012 with breast cancer so that is the reason for the MRI/CAT scans with contrast. And I did the breath test too--the one at the gastro office to see if I had a virus in my gut ; I didn't. And I had to prep 2 weeks out for a combo of a colonoscopy and endoscopy Not aware of the toxic nature of gado and don't know what it is, however, all those tests I had were because my chemo was toxic as well. Guess as long as you feel your dr is competent, you will be good. And ask any questions you think of. Good luck!

@wagirl

Sounds like you came through all of that healthy and whole. Thank you for your good wishes!

Re: Gastro doc visit

LilacTree — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 15:04:00 GMT

@Q4u wrote:
It sounds like your doctor is on top of everything and giving you the best tests. My very best to you and hope your ultimate outcome is a very good one. Take care....

@Q4u

Thank you Q4U!!

Re: Gastro doc visit

LilacTree — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 15:05:47 GMT

@wagirl wrote:
I have a fatty liver---it sounds alot worse than it is, in my case, but I went thru some of the testing but not the extensive blood labs, just normal ,that checks the AST/ALT and all were in normal range. Was dx in 2012 with breast cancer so that is the reason for the MRI/CAT scans with contrast. And I did the breath test too--the one at the gastro office to see if I had a virus in my gut ; I didn't. And I had to prep 2 weeks out for a combo of a colonoscopy and endoscopy Not aware of the toxic nature of gado and don't know what it is, however, all those tests I had were because my chemo was toxic as well. Guess as long as you feel your dr is competent, you will be good. And ask any questions you think of. Good luck!

@wagirl

"Fatty" sounds as though it may be the same as "cystic." Do you have any symptoms?

Re: Gastro doc visit

chrystaltree — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 15:17:41 GMT

Sounds like a good doctor, he's very thorough and he's ordered all that testing because he want's to find out what's wrong, so he ordered every test now. I like that.

Re: Gastro doc visit

LilacTree — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 15:24:17 GMT

@chrystaltree wrote:
Sounds like a good doctor, he's very thorough and he's ordered all that testing because he want's to find out what's wrong, so he ordered every test now. I like that.

@chrystaltree

Yes, he cares about me. Sometimes we just sit a talk for a few minutes. Yesterday was unusual because I was his last patient on a half day. I was so shocked to walk in there and see no one in the waiting room, which is usually packed!!

Re: Gastro doc visit

Trinity11 — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 15:40:40 GMT

@LilacTree.....good luck with everything.

One thought I had, though, was haven't you morphed into a vegetarian diet. No time have I ever had such a distinct issue with my stomach as when I went vegan for a month. I ended up anemic and showed low protein on my labs. The moment I added a little fish, beef and chicken I started feeling a lot better. It may be you are lacking enough protein in your diet....check with your gastro and see what he has to say.

Hope you are having a good day today.....

Re: Gastro doc visit

cherry — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 15:44:15 GMT

I recently had an endoscopy. It showed I had chronic gastritis

Re: Gastro doc visit

LilacTree — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 15:48:21 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:
@LilacTree.....good luck with everything.

One thought I had, though, was haven't you morphed into a vegetarian diet. No time have I ever had such a distinct issue with my stomach as when I went vegan for a month. I ended up anemic and showed low protein on my labs. The moment I added a little fish, beef and chicken I started feeling a lot better. It may be you are lacking enough protein in your diet....check with your gastro and see what he has to say.

Hope you are having a good day today.....

@Trinity11

Hi Trinity . . . you are correct in that I eat no meat, nor dairy. However, chopped spinach is my only vegetable these days . . . the others seem to aggravate my stomach more than ever. Oh, I can eat asparagus tips also.

Knowing my doctor, he will probably suggest a dietitian when we find out what's causing all of this ruckus.

You have yourself a good day also! : ) : )

Re: Gastro doc visit

Trinity11 — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 16:05:06 GMT

@LilacTree wrote:
@Trinity11 wrote:
@LilacTree.....good luck with everything.

One thought I had, though, was haven't you morphed into a vegetarian diet. No time have I ever had such a distinct issue with my stomach as when I went vegan for a month. I ended up anemic and showed low protein on my labs. The moment I added a little fish, beef and chicken I started feeling a lot better. It may be you are lacking enough protein in your diet....check with your gastro and see what he has to say.

Hope you are having a good day today.....
@Trinity11
Hi Trinity . . . you are correct in that I eat no meat, nor dairy. However, chopped spinach is my only vegetable these days . . . the others seem to aggravate my stomach more than ever. Oh, I can eat asparagus tips also.

Knowing my doctor, he will probably suggest a dietitian when we find out what's causing all of this ruckus.

You have yourself a good day also! : ) : )

I hope your doctor gets to the root of the problem. If you are not eating dairy or meat of any kind.....that in and of itself could be causing issues.

Keep us posted and good luck with the tests. Feel better!

Re: Gastro doc visit

LilacTree — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 16:08:08 GMT

@cherry wrote:
I recently had an endoscopy. It showed I had chronic gastritis

@cherry

I have (and may still have) gastritis also. I've never had a strong stomach, so I'll not be surprised whatever it is.

Are you being treated? If so, what is your diet/treatment . . . if you feel comfortable with revealing that.

Re: Gastro doc visit

cherry — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 16:13:36 GMT

@LilacTree I took Prilosec and Zantac. The Dr's nurse told me I could take 2 Prilosec a day, and also 2 zantac

I would wake in the middle of the night with gnawing stomach pain and a banging headache. I was just miserable for almost a month

They did help me. They told me not to take nsaids, and if I take an antibiotic to make sure I took it with food

I ate a bland diet and didn't let my stomach get too empty. Try eating some crackers with peanut butter ,or cheese, cottage cheese, potatoes. Things that are gentle. You could also eat jello

Good luck

Re: Gastro doc visit

LilacTree — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 16:20:14 GMT

@cherry wrote:
@LilacTree I took Prilosec and Zantac. The Dr's nurse told me I could take 2 Prilosec a day, and also 2 zantac

I would wake in the middle of the night with gnawing stomach pain and a banging headache. I was just miserable for almost a month

They did help me. They told me not to take nsaids, and if I take an antibiotic to make sure I took it with food

I ate a bland diet and didn't let my stomach get too empty. Try eating some crackers with peanut butter ,or cheese, cottage cheese, potatoes. Things that are gentle. You could also eat jello

Good luck

@cherry

Thanks cherry, these are some of the things I normally eat anyway. But right now I'm thinking perhaps it's more than gastritis. We will see.

I do take a Zantac sometimes during the night also. It's a good OTC med.

Re: Gastro doc visit

gracie2014 — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 20:54:54 GMT

@LilacTree I am familiar with some of the testing...a few months ago I had the MRI with and without the gadolinium...it made me sick to my stomach..my doctors had noted never to use it on me again..if I recall correctly they draw blood to make sure your kidneys can handle the dye...can they use the another dye? Praying for you and sending positive thoughts your way~Gracie

Re: Gastro doc visit

SaRina — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 22:41:50 GMT

Hi @LilacTree, I just mentioned gadolinium in another thread -- can't remember which one. As @gracie2014 alluded to, you'll want to make sure your kidney can "handle" the gadolinium by having blood work done in advance. I don't know if gadolinium presents any problem for the liver, however.

I know you live in NJ and perhaps you are near a major medical center. Please check to see if they have a fast spin technology MRI. A number of years ago, my doc wanted a contrast MRI and I didn't want to risk the gadolinium, so I researched and found this technology at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC. They assured me it was as accurate as a contrast MRI.

With all those prescribed tests, maybe you could start with the least invasive ones like the ultrasounds, which could reveal your problem. Then you won't even have to have an MRI. ?

Also, the breath test would be for H.pylori if I'm not mistaken. That certainly could be a cause for your problems and it is treatable.

Best wishes.

Re: Gastro doc visit

Lorik62 — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 02:16:35 GMT

@cherry I have been dealing with what my Dr. thought was gastritis for almost 2 months. I had an endoscopy a week ago and it was confirmed to be that and also some type of esophagus inflammation. No H.pylori, thank goodness. I have been taking omeprazole and sucralfate. I also have a condition with my tailbone and the gastritis has made it worse, even aching down into my legs. I have lost a lot of weight and now I'm starting to get depressed. It's been difficult knowing the right foods to eat. I followed the BRAT diet ( bananas, rice, applesauce and toast ) for awhile but was losing the weight. I go back to my gastro Dr. this week so we'll see what she says. Honey has become my go to on toast or tea because I have a pretty big sweet tooth. I will never take my health for granted again!

Re: Gastro doc visit

cherry — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 12:08:29 GMT

@Lorik62 I am a type 2 diabetic. Your diet wouldn't work for me. Its very high carb

I hope you find an answer soon

Re: Gastro doc visit

LilacTree — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 14:23:34 GMT

@Lorik62 wrote:
@cherry I have been dealing with what my Dr. thought was gastritis for almost 2 months. I had an endoscopy a week ago and it was confirmed to be that and also some type of esophagus inflammation. No H.pylori, thank goodness. I have been taking omeprazole and sucralfate. I also have a condition with my tailbone and the gastritis has made it worse, even aching down into my legs. I have lost a lot of weight and now I'm starting to get depressed. It's been difficult knowing the right foods to eat. I followed the BRAT diet ( bananas, rice, applesauce and toast ) for awhile but was losing the weight. I go back to my gastro Dr. this week so we'll see what she says. Honey has become my go to on toast or tea because I have a pretty big sweet tooth. I will never take my health for granted again!

@Lorik62

Ah yes, the lessons we learn. We're lucky if we're not too late. However my days are numbered anyway . . . 80 by next January. I never in the world expected to live this long with such a bad start in my childhood. And yet here I am, despite all the mistakes! So I still feel lucky.