Continued worsening of my GI symptoms in spite of treatment by a dozen GI specialists. Anyone else have had a similar experience?

[matttx1158]

Hello! I just joined the IBS Network in the hope that someone in the forum have had similar experience and learn from their approach to dealing with it.

I started having GI issues about a year and half ago. Started with having abdominal pain followed by sudden change in my BM pattern of several decades. Standard diagnostics e.g. CT SCAN, MRI, X Ray, colonoscopy, EGD, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy didn't reveal anything anatomically abnormal. So the GI treated me empirically for CIC, then IBS-M, followed by SIBO, H Pylori and GORD. Tried all the new, expensive medications as well as the gamut of traditional laxatives, suppositories and enemas to no relief. My symptoms have become more severe since the onset with new ones added almost weekly. Lately I am having excruciating ano-rectal pain not associated with time of BM. I have seen a dozen GI and colo-rectal specialists and each has a different diagnosis. Four colo-rectal surgeons want to perform 4 different surgeries. I don't know who believe. I am losing hope that someone will be able to diagnose my issues correctly and apply the appropriate treatment.

[Dolly38]

I sympathise awful symptoms. Never rush into surgery

[Frasina]

I cannot be of much help but just want to say that perhaps the stress of different consultants/GI specialists giving different opinions and diagnosis could be in part causing more new distressing symptoms - the link between the brain and gut is so true. One thing you do know for sure - you do not have anything sinister having had many tests which is good, so maybe go back to your GP and see if they can unravel giving you meds to help without going down the surgery route (at least for now). Good luck!

[Jenny3267]

I can sympathise. I’ve seen several gastroenterologists and a colorectal surgeon. They all suggest very different treatments. I find some know more about upper GI, others lower GI and then colorectal are separate. Can’t find anyone who has good experience in all areas.