I have not been keeping up with this thread, probably because I am trying to sort out my next move, so to speak. I have had a number of doctor's visits and lots of testing, and still not a much clearer understanding of what is going on.
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But going backwards, here is my updated situation:
Tonight met with the GI doc to hear about the results of my colonscopy. Everything, including the biopsies, looks completely normal. So I am back with the diagnosis of IBS. He said I could come back (in two months??) to do a test for lactose intolerance. A breath test. He also wrote down a list of blood tests for my PCP to get done. Also an ultrasound since I was complaining of tenderness in my abdominal area. He did feel around and said that I am filled with gas. My bloating has been HORRIBLE lately, really really awful.
My endoscopy, which I had done a number of weeks ago, showed a hiatal hernia and acute gastritis. I was prescribed an anti-acid, which I did not take, thinking I have too little stomach acid. All the nausea and discomfort I was having prior to this are pretty much gone. Except for after eating a salad I feel a bit nauseous. Would this jive with too little stomach acid?
My face rash, which was coming on every week with increasing and alarming severity, got hugely better after I took out my nose ring, at the prompting of the homeopath I saw. The rashes started before I got the nose ring, but in retrospect, I guess they got much worse after. My skin is still not normal and I get repeated "outbreaks", but it is no where as bad as it was when people were afraid that I was going to go into anaphylatic shock. I did see an allergist/immunologist, who thought I needed to see a derm to get skin patch testing. So I am jumping through the necessary hoops so that my insurance will pay for it and will see the derm who does patch testing in about a month.
My PCP did some blood work on me in the midst of all of this and it came back completely normal, except for my basophil levels are high. According to him, this is in keeping with an allergic reaction, but it is not specific as to point out what my triggers are. Also I might be a bit hypoglycemic.
The homeopath also had lots of things to say. He says I have weak spleen, liver and adrenal function. Lymph nodes were enlarged, possible thyroid involvement, sinuses don't look good (which didn't surprise me -- I have been blowing my nose all the time all my life). Hmmm, what else? Thinks that I should start by eliminating dairy. And sugar since I might have hypoglycemia. Then wheat. Sigh. I am probably low in zinc, so am supplementing with that now.
Oh, and lungs are a bit weak. Blood pressure is on the low side. Goodness, I think that is it. Well, I guess the overall conclusion is that my immune system is down.
So I have more blood work to get done, based on the GI's recommendations, possibly a stool analysis, and an ultrasound. Also the patch testing.
I have more or less stopped all supplements except for what the homeopath has given me. Upon hearing that I am filled with gas, I took some protease enzymes tonight, which have helped with gas before.
I must figure my diet out better. I have also pretty much thrown any rational thought out the window because it seemed like nothing was helping enough. But how I am eating now (way too many grains and dairy) is also very much not ok for me.
to you. It will get better.
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