Someone Please Help!!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi Tami,

I'm sorry for you and your current problems. But, take it easy.

I can only suggest at this time that somehow you get to and work with a

doctor that you like and that is competent in GI problems. While that may be

difficult in ND then you may need to get to Dr. Strickland ??? ( Sutherland) in

Minneapolis, a lot closer than L

Leaman in Indianapolis. Hopefully others on this board and correctly identify

the expert in MN and provide contact information.

Just keep posting

Best wishes, poncho - GA

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone. I have been suffering from left sided rib cage for

three years after the birth of my daughter associated with vomiting,

nausea and pain. I have had six " attacks " of extremely nausea and

vomiting and diarrhea where I could not even move but just laid

there and cried in severe pain. I was never in the ER for the

pain.

I have seen multiple docs and have had lab work, ultrasounds, CT

scans, HIDA scan, colonoscopy and have been told that I have IBS. I

don't go for that. I cannot lay on my side or put pressure on that

whatsoever as the pain flares up even more which means I cannot

sleep on that side. I wake up in pain after laying on my back from

the pressure so sleeping is just not much fun and it is underneath

my left rib cage and radiates straight around to the back. After

eating the pain usually increases and at times becomes very severe.

I have had tests that show I have malabsorption and have diarrhea at

least three to five times a day that can be very explosive and

usually after a meal. It showed also that my fecal triglycerides

were elevated and suggested a pancreatic problem but the docs refuse

to look at that. I am only a social drinker and notice that hard

alcohol seems to make the pain worse. I am a road cyclist and

exercise will bring the pain on also as well as other physical

activity.

I saw another GI specialist today who was a complete jerk and

wouldn't listen to me whatsoever and told me I had IBS but yet

couldn't explain why I cannot lay or put pressure on my left side or

why I wake up in pain at night. He would like to take my

gallbladder out just to see if it would help. I cannot take this

anymore. No one I have gone to will work me up like I want. I

cannot say for 100% sure that this is what I have but from all the

research I have done my gut is telling me it is.

I live in North Dakota and so am very limited. I have a lot about

you talk about a Dr. Lehman. Is he hard to get into? I don't know

if I should go that route or the Mayo Clinic. I just want to be

worked up so I know what I am dealing with. Could anyone please

offer me some advice? I am willing to go anywhere to just get a

diagnosis. This is taking a toll on my life like you wouldn't

believe and I need to get a grip on this. Sorry so long but just so

desperate for help! Thank you all taking the time to read this!!!

Tami

[Guest guest]

Tami,

Have you ever had a ERCP, or MRCP? Do not settle for GI docs that are jerks. I

had very similar problems. First, I need to tell you not to drink alcohol, even

socially. That is an instant flare up waiting to happen. I also can not sleep on

my left side and sleeping on my back causes my disc to act up and my legs go

numb. I sleep on my right side and that is very limiting in getting a restful

sleep. They thought my pain was due to my gallbladder as well. My CT scan of my

gallbladder was normal as well as all of my lab results. My Hidda scan came back

abnormal and zippo, my gallbladder came out. Wrong.... I still had the pain but

even worse. Too make a 3 year long story short,, I had a jerk GI as well,

dropped him like a hot potatoe and went to see Dr. Lehman in Indy. He is

wonderful. He diagnosed me with SOD, Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction. If you want

a decent work up he is the man. If you can get your insurance to approve it and

if you have the financial ability to go,, he's your man. I like him ( can you

tell !). he is thorough, a good listener and has a great nurse Joyce. Think

about all of your options, do reserach and stay away from social drinking.

Moderate exercize also flares me up. I take Clidnium for my pain, Dr. Lehamn

also put me on Actigal, thins the bile, which has also been helpful. I recommend

conservative approach with meds before you do the ERCP thing as that can flare

up the pancreas as well. Have you tried Actigal or any pancreatic enzymes with

your meals ? Hope this info helps.

Take Care,

Lily RN from Ohio

Someone Please Help!!!!

Hi everyone. I have been suffering from left sided rib cage for

three years after the birth of my daughter associated with vomiting,

nausea and pain. I have had six " attacks " of extremely nausea and

vomiting and diarrhea where I could not even move but just laid

there and cried in severe pain. I was never in the ER for the

pain.

I have seen multiple docs and have had lab work, ultrasounds, CT

scans, HIDA scan, colonoscopy and have been told that I have IBS. I

don't go for that. I cannot lay on my side or put pressure on that

whatsoever as the pain flares up even more which means I cannot

sleep on that side. I wake up in pain after laying on my back from

the pressure so sleeping is just not much fun and it is underneath

my left rib cage and radiates straight around to the back. After

eating the pain usually increases and at times becomes very severe.

I have had tests that show I have malabsorption and have diarrhea at

least three to five times a day that can be very explosive and

usually after a meal. It showed also that my fecal triglycerides

were elevated and suggested a pancreatic problem but the docs refuse

to look at that. I am only a social drinker and notice that hard

alcohol seems to make the pain worse. I am a road cyclist and

exercise will bring the pain on also as well as other physical

activity.

I saw another GI specialist today who was a complete jerk and

wouldn't listen to me whatsoever and told me I had IBS but yet

couldn't explain why I cannot lay or put pressure on my left side or

why I wake up in pain at night. He would like to take my

gallbladder out just to see if it would help. I cannot take this

anymore. No one I have gone to will work me up like I want. I

cannot say for 100% sure that this is what I have but from all the

research I have done my gut is telling me it is.

I live in North Dakota and so am very limited. I have a lot about

you talk about a Dr. Lehman. Is he hard to get into? I don't know

if I should go that route or the Mayo Clinic. I just want to be

worked up so I know what I am dealing with. Could anyone please

offer me some advice? I am willing to go anywhere to just get a

diagnosis. This is taking a toll on my life like you wouldn't

believe and I need to get a grip on this. Sorry so long but just so

desperate for help! Thank you all taking the time to read this!!!

Tami

[Guest guest]

Hey Lily. Thanks for the info... so very, very appreciated!!!!! I have never

talked to anyone else that couldn't sleep on their left side. Does pressure of

any type flare your pain up? My HIDA scan showed that I had slow emptying of

the gallbladder but otherwise was normal. Not sure exactly what that means

though.

I haven't had an ERCP or MRCP. I would do about anything at htis point. Today

this GI jerk told me that my gallbladder was functioning good but yet maybe we

should take it out. That made no sense to me... sorry but everything that came

out of his mouth was wrong.

I know I don't have a definite diagnosis but I do believe this is something that

needs to be ruled out. All the GI docs write me off as IBS and tell me to just

deal with the pain. It just makes me so angry.... I just about started crying

in his office today and just couldn't wait to leave. I can't keep living like

this. I would travel to Indiana in a heart beat just to know. Is he hard to

get into?

I think my problem sounds so much like everyone elses before a diagnosis of

chronic pancreatitis... am I dreaming or am I in the right direction here??

Thank you everyone for your responses!!!!

Tami

bigsister wrote:

Tami,

Have you ever had a ERCP, or MRCP? Do not settle for GI docs that are jerks. I

had very similar problems. First, I need to tell you not to drink alcohol, even

socially. That is an instant flare up waiting to happen. I also can not sleep on

my left side and sleeping on my back causes my disc to act up and my legs go

numb. I sleep on my right side and that is very limiting in getting a restful

sleep. They thought my pain was due to my gallbladder as well. My CT scan of my

gallbladder was normal as well as all of my lab results. My Hidda scan came back

abnormal and zippo, my gallbladder came out. Wrong.... I still had the pain but

even worse. Too make a 3 year long story short,, I had a jerk GI as well,

dropped him like a hot potatoe and went to see Dr. Lehman in Indy. He is

wonderful. He diagnosed me with SOD, Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction. If you want

a decent work up he is the man. If you can get your insurance to approve it and

if you have the financial ability to go,, he's your

man. I like him ( can you tell !). he is thorough, a good listener and has a

great nurse Joyce. Think about all of your options, do reserach and stay away

from social drinking. Moderate exercize also flares me up. I take Clidnium for

my pain, Dr. Lehamn also put me on Actigal, thins the bile, which has also been

helpful. I recommend conservative approach with meds before you do the ERCP

thing as that can flare up the pancreas as well. Have you tried Actigal or any

pancreatic enzymes with your meals ? Hope this info helps.

Take Care,

Lily RN from Ohio

Someone Please Help!!!!

Hi everyone. I have been suffering from left sided rib cage for

three years after the birth of my daughter associated with vomiting,

nausea and pain. I have had six " attacks " of extremely nausea and

vomiting and diarrhea where I could not even move but just laid

there and cried in severe pain. I was never in the ER for the

pain.

I have seen multiple docs and have had lab work, ultrasounds, CT

scans, HIDA scan, colonoscopy and have been told that I have IBS. I

don't go for that. I cannot lay on my side or put pressure on that

whatsoever as the pain flares up even more which means I cannot

sleep on that side. I wake up in pain after laying on my back from

the pressure so sleeping is just not much fun and it is underneath

my left rib cage and radiates straight around to the back. After

eating the pain usually increases and at times becomes very severe.

I have had tests that show I have malabsorption and have diarrhea at

least three to five times a day that can be very explosive and

usually after a meal. It showed also that my fecal triglycerides

were elevated and suggested a pancreatic problem but the docs refuse

to look at that. I am only a social drinker and notice that hard

alcohol seems to make the pain worse. I am a road cyclist and

exercise will bring the pain on also as well as other physical

activity.

I saw another GI specialist today who was a complete jerk and

wouldn't listen to me whatsoever and told me I had IBS but yet

couldn't explain why I cannot lay or put pressure on my left side or

why I wake up in pain at night. He would like to take my

gallbladder out just to see if it would help. I cannot take this

anymore. No one I have gone to will work me up like I want. I

cannot say for 100% sure that this is what I have but from all the

research I have done my gut is telling me it is.

I live in North Dakota and so am very limited. I have a lot about

you talk about a Dr. Lehman. Is he hard to get into? I don't know

if I should go that route or the Mayo Clinic. I just want to be

worked up so I know what I am dealing with. Could anyone please

offer me some advice? I am willing to go anywhere to just get a

diagnosis. This is taking a toll on my life like you wouldn't

believe and I need to get a grip on this. Sorry so long but just so

desperate for help! Thank you all taking the time to read this!!!

Tami

[Guest guest]

It was not hard to get into see dr. lehamn, maybe a couple of weeks. They are

easy to deal with. I was also dx with IBS and the slow gallbladder. If I had to

do it all again, I would of seen Dr. Lehman before I let anyone do surgery on

me. Just to be absolutely sure that it needs to come out. You can minimize your

pancreas damage by watching your diet, and consulting with the best in the

field. Take your time in making decisions that may affect the rest of your life.

Ask plenty of questions and don;t let anyone blow you off. dr. lehman is not

like that , he will at least listen and he does not pressure you for an answer .

I chose not to have the ERCP but try the medicine approach and so far it has

helped. ERCP's do have their own set of complications so you need to outweigh

the advantages and disadvantages. he is good in explaining if he can help you or

not.

Lily

Someone Please Help!!!!

Hi everyone. I have been suffering from left sided rib cage for

three years after the birth of my daughter associated with vomiting,

nausea and pain. I have had six " attacks " of extremely nausea and

vomiting and diarrhea where I could not even move but just laid

there and cried in severe pain. I was never in the ER for the

pain.

I have seen multiple docs and have had lab work, ultrasounds, CT

scans, HIDA scan, colonoscopy and have been told that I have IBS. I

don't go for that. I cannot lay on my side or put pressure on that

whatsoever as the pain flares up even more which means I cannot

sleep on that side. I wake up in pain after laying on my back from

the pressure so sleeping is just not much fun and it is underneath

my left rib cage and radiates straight around to the back. After

eating the pain usually increases and at times becomes very severe.

I have had tests that show I have malabsorption and have diarrhea at

least three to five times a day that can be very explosive and

usually after a meal. It showed also that my fecal triglycerides

were elevated and suggested a pancreatic problem but the docs refuse

to look at that. I am only a social drinker and notice that hard

alcohol seems to make the pain worse. I am a road cyclist and

exercise will bring the pain on also as well as other physical

activity.

I saw another GI specialist today who was a complete jerk and

wouldn't listen to me whatsoever and told me I had IBS but yet

couldn't explain why I cannot lay or put pressure on my left side or

why I wake up in pain at night. He would like to take my

gallbladder out just to see if it would help. I cannot take this

anymore. No one I have gone to will work me up like I want. I

cannot say for 100% sure that this is what I have but from all the

research I have done my gut is telling me it is.

I live in North Dakota and so am very limited. I have a lot about

you talk about a Dr. Lehman. Is he hard to get into? I don't know

if I should go that route or the Mayo Clinic. I just want to be

worked up so I know what I am dealing with. Could anyone please

offer me some advice? I am willing to go anywhere to just get a

diagnosis. This is taking a toll on my life like you wouldn't

believe and I need to get a grip on this. Sorry so long but just so

desperate for help! Thank you all taking the time to read this!!!

Tami

[Guest guest]

Tami,

The advice that I would give you is if you wish to stay closer to

home for your treatment that you need to find a GI doc that

specializes in pancreatic problems. That being said, there are

not very many GI docs that do so. The two names that have been

mentioned (in Minneapolis and Indy) are probably the best

around. I second what people have written - go to the best if you

can afford it and can travel to them.

As far as your symptoms: What you are experiencing is very

similar to my last four years. I had acute pancreatitis as a result

of a surgery then had trouble ever since with pain, nausea,

weight loss, etc. I was initially diagnosed with pain predominate

IBS (or surgically induced as my jerk GI called it). In the

meantime, I had the HIDA, MRCP and several CTs and USs with

gallbladder removal even though all those tests for functioning

came up normal (but there is a good reason for suggesting GB

removal - it is called microlithiasis and that may be what your GI

is thinking when he mentioned it to you - afterall pregnancy is a

big cause of gallbladder disease). I then started having

moderately to highly elevated liver enzymes which led to another

MRCP where the diagnosis was finally discovered but my jerk GI

never told me about it. Instead I underwent an ERCP for SOD

(sphincterotomy performed). After I felt even worse, I decided to

seek a second opinion and while pulling my medical records

together, found out that the radiologist from the second MRCP

found that I have a birth defect with my pancreas called pancreas

divisum. The second opinion doc, concurred that that was the

cause of my last four years of agony and performed three

additional ERCPS to widen the duct that has to carry the bulk of

the pancreatic juice - this duct was too narrow and was causing

all of my pain. The sad part is, because we didn't detect the

problem for three years, irreversible damage had already

occured - so I am left with a chroinic condition, similar to what

you describe (pain when sleeping, eating problems, nausea,

etc). So the moral of my story is, you have to investigate this - you

should not wait until things get so bad that any chance of a cure

or improvement is virtually impossible. However, even with

treatment, there are risks, so this is a very heart rendering, soul

searching decision whether to pursue treatment that can cause

more problems if things don't go absolutely right.

So my advice, is to have the MRCP - CCK or MRCP - secretin

done to determine if you have pancreas divisum or other

pancreatic anomolies, then do some research into your options

for treatment. Up to 10% of the population has this, most show

no symptoms ever, but when you do, it is a birth defect that can

be treated and maybe even cured.

Secondly, I would advise, whatever happens concerning your

pancreas (if that is what it is) that you start pursuing a

relationship with a pain doctor. There is no doubt that your pain

is altering your life significantly and these clinics specialize in

helping you manage the pain, whatever your diagnosis. In fact, a

tentative or even no diagnosis is acceptable - because when it

comes to chronic pain - what difference does it make what is

causing it? The goal is to reduce or manage it. But when

looking for a pain clinic find one that can treat chronic abdominal

pain. Many clinics specialize in back, neck or head pain only and

do not deal with abdominal pain. Also, pain clinics will do

diagnostic workups if they believe that there is a treatable

anatomical or physiological problem (for example - with

migraine headaches -they want to rule out a tumor or endocrine

problems before just treating the pain itself). But while the

diagnostics are going on, they will treat the pain - by medication

or other methods. It is a true partnership and one that I highly

recommend for those that need help managing chronic pain. Do

not get caught up in the false idea that you need to know what is

causing the pain in order to get treatment. That is a horrible

attitude for any doctor to take: that " there is nothing wrong with

you, you shouldn't be feeling any pain, so therefore it is all in your

head and I there is nothing I can do. " BS!!! All pain should be

treated and you need to get aggressive at least with that. Have

your PCP or GI get you a referral to a pain clinic even if that is the

only thing you decide to do right now.

This is my advice in a nutshell but if you want to ask more

specific questions feel free to email me at

goutbuster@....

Laurie

[Guest guest]

Tami,

Just to let you know, I am another firm believer of Dr. Lehman.

I've only been to him once but that was enough for me. I also had

been to numerous GI docs that kept telling me that I had IBS and to

just deal with the pain. I was not so smart one time and actually

broke out in tears in one doctors office, needless to say, he told

me he didn't have time for this, and left the room. Yes I had a

major melt down that day but it forced me to travel around and keep

going until I found a doctor who really wanted to help. That's when

I took another leap of faith and went to Dr. Lehman. I called and

they got me in , in 3 weeks. I was impressed. The rest is

history. I travelled 5 hours to get to Indiana. I would travel 20

if need be.

Hope this helps

Kris

-- In pancreatitis , Tami Alveshere <bikerblue@y...>

wrote:

> Hey Lily. Thanks for the info... so very, very appreciated!!!!!

I have never talked to anyone else that couldn't sleep on their left

side. Does pressure of any type flare your pain up? My HIDA scan

showed that I had slow emptying of the gallbladder but otherwise was

normal. Not sure exactly what that means though.

>

> I haven't had an ERCP or MRCP. I would do about anything at htis

point. Today this GI jerk told me that my gallbladder was

functioning good but yet maybe we should take it out. That made no

sense to me... sorry but everything that came out of his mouth was

wrong.

>

> I know I don't have a definite diagnosis but I do believe this is

something that needs to be ruled out. All the GI docs write me off

as IBS and tell me to just deal with the pain. It just makes me so

angry.... I just about started crying in his office today and just

couldn't wait to leave. I can't keep living like this. I would

travel to Indiana in a heart beat just to know. Is he hard to get

into?

>

> I think my problem sounds so much like everyone elses before a

diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis... am I dreaming or am I in the

right direction here?? Thank you everyone for your responses!!!!

>

> Tami

>

> bigsister <Bigsister@w...> wrote:

> Tami,

> Have you ever had a ERCP, or MRCP? Do not settle for GI docs that

are jerks. I had very similar problems. First, I need to tell you

not to drink alcohol, even socially. That is an instant flare up

waiting to happen. I also can not sleep on my left side and sleeping

on my back causes my disc to act up and my legs go numb. I sleep on

my right side and that is very limiting in getting a restful sleep.

They thought my pain was due to my gallbladder as well. My CT scan

of my gallbladder was normal as well as all of my lab results. My

Hidda scan came back abnormal and zippo, my gallbladder came out.

Wrong.... I still had the pain but even worse. Too make a 3 year

long story short,, I had a jerk GI as well, dropped him like a hot

potatoe and went to see Dr. Lehman in Indy. He is wonderful. He

diagnosed me with SOD, Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction. If you want a

decent work up he is the man. If you can get your insurance to

approve it and if you have the financial ability to go,, he's your

> man. I like him ( can you tell !). he is thorough, a good

listener and has a great nurse Joyce. Think about all of your

options, do reserach and stay away from social drinking. Moderate

exercize also flares me up. I take Clidnium for my pain, Dr. Lehamn

also put me on Actigal, thins the bile, which has also been helpful.

I recommend conservative approach with meds before you do the ERCP

thing as that can flare up the pancreas as well. Have you tried

Actigal or any pancreatic enzymes with your meals ? Hope this info

helps.

> Take Care,

> Lily RN from Ohio

>

> Someone Please Help!!!!

>

>

> Hi everyone. I have been suffering from left sided rib cage for

> three years after the birth of my daughter associated with

vomiting,

> nausea and pain. I have had six " attacks " of extremely nausea

and

> vomiting and diarrhea where I could not even move but just laid

> there and cried in severe pain. I was never in the ER for the

> pain.

>

> I have seen multiple docs and have had lab work, ultrasounds, CT

> scans, HIDA scan, colonoscopy and have been told that I have

IBS. I

> don't go for that. I cannot lay on my side or put pressure on

that

> whatsoever as the pain flares up even more which means I cannot

> sleep on that side. I wake up in pain after laying on my back

from

> the pressure so sleeping is just not much fun and it is

underneath

> my left rib cage and radiates straight around to the back.

After

> eating the pain usually increases and at times becomes very

severe.

>

> I have had tests that show I have malabsorption and have

diarrhea at

> least three to five times a day that can be very explosive and

> usually after a meal. It showed also that my fecal

triglycerides

> were elevated and suggested a pancreatic problem but the docs

refuse

> to look at that. I am only a social drinker and notice that

hard

> alcohol seems to make the pain worse. I am a road cyclist and

> exercise will bring the pain on also as well as other physical

> activity.

>

> I saw another GI specialist today who was a complete jerk and

> wouldn't listen to me whatsoever and told me I had IBS but yet

> couldn't explain why I cannot lay or put pressure on my left

side or

> why I wake up in pain at night. He would like to take my

> gallbladder out just to see if it would help. I cannot take

this

> anymore. No one I have gone to will work me up like I want. I

> cannot say for 100% sure that this is what I have but from all

the

> research I have done my gut is telling me it is.

>

> I live in North Dakota and so am very limited. I have a lot

about

> you talk about a Dr. Lehman. Is he hard to get into? I don't

know

> if I should go that route or the Mayo Clinic. I just want to be

> worked up so I know what I am dealing with. Could anyone please

> offer me some advice? I am willing to go anywhere to just get a

> diagnosis. This is taking a toll on my life like you wouldn't

> believe and I need to get a grip on this. Sorry so long but

just so

> desperate for help! Thank you all taking the time to read

this!!!

>

> Tami

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Feeding jejunostomy tube placement

What is jejunostomy tube placement?

A feeding jejunostomy tube is a tube which is placed through the skin and into

the small bowel to allow administration of food directly into the small bowel

for

satisfying the nutritional needs of the patient.

Why is it ordered?

A feeding tube is ordered for the patient who is unable to take in enough food

or

drink through their mouth to maintain their body weight.

What should my health care professional know before I have this

test/procedure done?

Are you allergic to X-ray dye (iodinated contrast material)?

Do you have any other allergies?

Do you have blood clotting problems?

Do I need to have someone drive me home afterward?

You will stay in the hospital for two days after the tube is placed.

Do I need to do anything to get ready for this test?

You must not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the procedure.

If you are allergic to X-ray dye (iodinated contrast material), you must take

medication for 24 hours before the procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

The patient will put on a hospital gown and lye on a table. An IV will be

started.

Medication will be given through the IV by a nurse to make the patient

comfortable and sleepy. The area where the feeding tube will be placed (the left

side of the abdomen) will be washed off. The doctor will numb the skin and place

the catheter. Sometimes it necessary to use endoscopy to place the tube. A

doctor performs endoscopy by passing a tube through the mouth and into the

stomach and intestine. The tube has a camera in it that helps in the placement

of

the jejunostomy feeding tube. X-rays will be taken during the procedure.

Is this test/procedure painful?

The procedure can be painful but medications given into the patient's vein block

the pain and make the patient comfortable. If the patient is experiencing some

discomfort, the nurse administers more medication.

How long does it take?

The procedure usually takes 1 hour.

What happens after the procedure?

The patient is taken to a recovery room where a nurse observes the patient until

the patient is alert enough to go to their room safely, usually 1-2 hours.

What are the risks with this procedure?

The patient may have an allergic reaction to the X-ray dye. Infection can occur

in

the area that the catheter was placed into. Bleeding can occur, making an

emergency operation necessary to stop the bleeding.

Call your doctor if any of these things happen to you.

Call your doctor if you have redness or swelling around the area that the

catheter

was inserted into or if you have fever or chills.

How will I get the results of this test?

Your doctor will give you the results of your test.

http://cancer.duke.edu/pated/materials/Procedures/feedingjujostomytube.pdf

I hope this finds you and yours well

Mark E. Armstrong

casca@...

www.top5plus5.com

PAI NW Rep

ICQ #59196115

Someone Please Help!!!!

>

>

> Hi everyone. I have been suffering from left sided rib cage for

> three years after the birth of my daughter associated with

vomiting,

> nausea and pain. I have had six " attacks " of extremely nausea

and

> vomiting and diarrhea where I could not even move but just laid

> there and cried in severe pain. I was never in the ER for the

> pain.

>

> I have seen multiple docs and have had lab work, ultrasounds, CT

> scans, HIDA scan, colonoscopy and have been told that I have

IBS. I

> don't go for that. I cannot lay on my side or put pressure on

that

> whatsoever as the pain flares up even more which means I cannot

> sleep on that side. I wake up in pain after laying on my back

from

> the pressure so sleeping is just not much fun and it is

underneath

> my left rib cage and radiates straight around to the back.

After

> eating the pain usually increases and at times becomes very

severe.

>

> I have had tests that show I have malabsorption and have

diarrhea at

> least three to five times a day that can be very explosive and

> usually after a meal. It showed also that my fecal

triglycerides

> were elevated and suggested a pancreatic problem but the docs

refuse

> to look at that. I am only a social drinker and notice that

hard

> alcohol seems to make the pain worse. I am a road cyclist and

> exercise will bring the pain on also as well as other physical

> activity.

>

> I saw another GI specialist today who was a complete jerk and

> wouldn't listen to me whatsoever and told me I had IBS but yet

> couldn't explain why I cannot lay or put pressure on my left

side or

> why I wake up in pain at night. He would like to take my

> gallbladder out just to see if it would help. I cannot take

this

> anymore. No one I have gone to will work me up like I want. I

> cannot say for 100% sure that this is what I have but from all

the

> research I have done my gut is telling me it is.

>

> I live in North Dakota and so am very limited. I have a lot

about

> you talk about a Dr. Lehman. Is he hard to get into? I don't

know

> if I should go that route or the Mayo Clinic. I just want to be

> worked up so I know what I am dealing with. Could anyone please

> offer me some advice? I am willing to go anywhere to just get a

> diagnosis. This is taking a toll on my life like you wouldn't

> believe and I need to get a grip on this. Sorry so long but

just so

> desperate for help! Thank you all taking the time to read

this!!!

>

> Tami

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>