I don't think I can take this anymore

[Ladybug9]

I was first diagnosed with silent GERD, then Chronic Colitis. Next came Diverticulosis, Gastroparesis, Barrett's Esophagus, Gastritis, and IBS. My symptoms continue to just get worse and worse and every doctor after 3 colonoscopies say I need to change my diet. I've had diarrhea for over 2 years now. Not one diet has helped and I am tired of the pain, tired of spending too much time in the bathroom, and I am at my wit's end. I'm at the end of my rope and ready to just say to hell with it. Thanks for letting me vent!

[happiernow]

I have had diverticulitis and have collagenous colitis. I have spent untold hours in the bathroom with lots of pain and have lost a lot of weight because of it. My diet is very limited - only skinless chicken, cooked vegetables, pasta, potatoes, some fruits - no chocolate, no red meat, no dairy, no spicy food, no prepared foods. It is very hard to stick to such a limited diet, but I am better now, too thin, but better. The only thing that has helped me is the medication Budesonide, which I now take only occasionally. Have you tried that ? It works for me. Let me know, as I had the same problem as you for several years, and it is very, very hard to deal with. Hugs to you, my friend. XOXO

[Ladybug9 in reply to happiernow]

Yes, my surgeon prescribed it for me but it didn't do anything. Sigh.

[Honey456]

Just wanted to send you a hug 🤗

[Tmouse]

Obviously I’m not a doctor. I had the same journey as you are on. Seven years of tests, Imodium, more tests, Imodium ad infinitum! I finally did some research myself and thought it might be bile acid malabsorption. I requested a sehcat test, and after a bit of a fight (drs don’t like self diagnosis!) got one, it proved I have severe BAM. I’m still on the road to getting some medication, COVID gets in the way of everything else currently, but I actually feel sooo much better just knowing I’m not just a disgusting incontinent old woman. The link between gut and brain is huge, I found just worrying about an accident was likely to cause one. And I worried a lot. Ask your dr.to check it out. It is documented that it may be the real problem with over a third of people currently diagnosed with IBSD? There is also a strong link with gall bladder removal, so if you’ve had that it increases its prevalence. Hope life improves for you soon, there are a lot more of us than you would guess, you are not alone.