People Who Just Don't Get It

[WarriorPrincess]

I've been dealing with torrential rains, at least one tornado warning that I was unaware of, since I lost internet, phone and TV for 3 days. Thankfully the power only went out for a short period before being restored. In the midst of that, I ended up in the Emergency Room. My stomach was distended, really painful, and burning to the touch. I'd been sick with explosive diarrhea for days, and was very dehydrated, despite drinking water and pedialyte. My side and back were swollen and also burning. My head was throbbing, and my blood pressure was around 220 over something that I can't even remember.

I have IBS and multiple other issues, as well as (or related to) the Fibromyalgia, and it seems what's good for one thing has a negative impact on others, etc. It's a fine line, and I often feel as if I'm walking a tightrope, just waiting to fall. I couldn't even zip or button my loosest pants that typically fall down past my hips. I'm really tired of family and friends (and sometimes medical professionals) who think it's just a freaking stomach ache and I'm making a big deal out of nothing.

 

[Eyesup]

You know I usually call u ms. Princess but today you are the warrior, I'm so sorry your in battle right now. You and Trellum have been in my thoughts and prayers. Not many know about it but Nashville flooded bad back in 2010, it was horrific, we were stranded with no electricity on what had become an island with helicopters bringing in fresh water. You feel so helpless and confused when the communication is cut of in the mist of weather turmoil.

I too went to the ER about a week before I was diagnosed with fibro for the exact same circumstances. CT scans and blood work revealed nothing and they gave me no suggestions. And even though I never asked for pain meds the informed me they couldn't perscribe any. That told me what they really thought of my condition! Until they themselves or someone they love gets this they won't understand nor will they make any effort, they have formed their opinion. I am so sorry. Hang in there.
The only things I can remember helping was soaking in the tub (I only felt better while in the tub, not when I got out. Maybe it helped by taking pressure off?) and a hot oil pack on my stomach.

It's been raining here since Sunday and my pain is wayyy up, I'm beginning to think it's either barometric pressure or the humidity triggering biotoxins. My fog is clouding my thinking so I'm waiting for my brain to start workin before I figure out what next.

I'm here if you need a shoulder. You of corse can private message me and I'll get an email so I'll know to check.

I'm sending you a warm gentle hug and a prayer for your safety and some relief

 

[diamond]

I think when IBS is in a really bad flare the pain burning and diarrhea is awful.

Maybe with fibro we experience it all differently to others??

I had a spell of almost three weeks just before Christmas where i was on the loo 10 or more times through the day and night. In the end i stopped eating solids to give my system a complete rest and eventually the worst passed. The pain was horrendous and not just a few cramps one might imagine.

This was my first proper run in (pardon the pun) with IBS and i feel for you Warrior Princess...it's not just a bit of stomach ache at all....and it's on top of all the other issues you have daily.

I know what you mean about one thing affecting another....you adjust your diet or meds to relieve one problem but then you are not helping or maybe worsening another.

Take Caare

 

[Trellum]

OH MY GOD... I had the same two weeks ago, and let me tell you I totally get you. It's awful! Was it infections diarrhea? Did you get something later just in case it was an infectious diarrhea caused by something like a amoeba infection? I ask because sometimes it's an infection caused by some parasite, that is what happened to me. I was feeling so weak and tired despite I no longer had the runs for several days. I just finished today the 3 day treatment with a wide spectrum anti parasitic med the doctor gave men, I feel much better. Ask your doctor about it. Best of luck and hang in there You will be in my thoughts!

 

[diamond]

Hi Trellum not sure if you question about infectious diarrhea was for Warrior Princess or me .....but I had my poo checked twice by my GP who sent it away for a full spectrum of tests for bacteria parasites and yeast. It was all ok.

 

[remnant]

It is disheartengng that people get to understand one's affliction when they undergo the same or a related episode. You feel left out and isolated, misunderstood. Its like a man for himself and God for us all. I have for this reason learnt to be my own best friend. Could your stomach acid be related to the meds you take? Though you have IBS, you could do yourself some justice by replenishing your gut with beneficial bacteria from yoghurt and sour milk. Best regards.

 

[sureimsore]

Uggh, sorry, know the weather has been a bear out there WP!

IDK, I know what works for one may not work for another, but if you haven't tried it, maybe like a teaspoon of ACV in a glass of water--takes away my heartburn and helps me belch. For burning pain I eat a few/palmful of walnuts (high in omega-3s and have anti-inflammatory effects). I know someone started a blog with their experience taking DE, I never tried it but am ruminating it now. I know people that give it to their pets in their food, if they have parasites.

Prayers out to you.

 

[WarriorPrincess]

@Eyesup I remember the flooding. I posted about it extensively on Twitter, Facebook, and elsewhere, in the hope of increasing news coverage. It seemed as if there was somewhat of a news blackout for some reason, and a lot of people were totally unaware of the situation. I think perhaps something was going on internationally at the same time that took precedence, but my priority is to 'my people', whether they're in the same city or state as me. I believe funds should start local, and spread out from there. Until there's no need here, keep it local, then help as many as possible once it's all good in the family/neighborhood/city/state/country. Sorry you had to deal with health concerns during that. It seems stress exacerbates our many conditions, and during stressful times, we often don't have the resources we need.

Re: my poo, they didn't think to check it until after I had eliminated everything that was in me, so it wasn't examined.

Re: Cat scan, mine did show two major issues, but unrelated to what I was experiencing. Those are things looming in the future for me to deal with, but right now, I'm battling cellulitis (bacterial infection), and am on antibiotics that are of course tearing up my stomach. I told the people at the ER I had a bacterial infection related to this tooth issue, and they ignored me and treated me for dehydration, nausea and vomiting related to IBS (despite me repeatedly telling them I have an aversion to vomiting since I can't stop once I start, and somehow over the years have developed some way of rarely vomiting, and that I hadn't vomited at all.) I've had issues for years with this one tooth, going back and forth between dentists, doctors, neurologists, allergy specialists, all at great cost, of course, only to find out the other day that there's a piece of a dental instrument broken off inside my gum. That area is all infected now, and the infection had spread throughout my body. I could have died without antibiotics. I'm trying to come up with the money for oral surgery. I'm not going to get better until I can have the surgery, but even though the antibiotics are tearing up my stomach and causing their own diarrhea, I actually feel a little better than I have in years. If I could, I'd go get the surgery tomorrow, then focus on the other two issues, but of course things are never that easy.

 

[Eyesup]

I'm glad your feeling some better. I spoke to my dr about a month ago regarding how all my symptoms seem to feel better when on antibiotics. He just scratched his head! I really nead to find a new pcp but my husband is considering a job offer that would entail moving again so I don't want to go through the "hunt" all over.
I'm a firm believer we all have parasites, I just think some do more damage and our bodies are already weekend down so they do havoc on us and Dictors don't take them seriously as a threat.
The ER probably ignored you because they think they know what's best, they are taught to rule out the most likely caused first. The piece left in your gums is not life threatening so they're not going to help! But at least they found it.
Scary they found stuff on your CT, it seems like we just keep having more and more problems mount up and no one wants to help us fix them unless they get $$$. It's a sad world for the health care industry, the human factor is gone.
I'm not sure if you would qualify (I don't, my husband makes to much to qualify but not enough to cover everything we've had to pay for!) but there are organizations that can/will help with medical. I once knew a dentist that volunteered a 2 days a year for free dental procedures (no not cleanings, cavitieies, crowns exc) there are still good ones left. I will try to find the info that was sent to me and pass it on to you.
The flood was over looked, but we didn't have tv so we didn't know until after! Three homes in our neighborhood where carried away by what was a creek. Nashville was on its own for a while, it was actually very comforting to c people pulling together and taking care of strangers.
I've had a "bug" and am already exhausted this morning. I can only imagine how you've felt.
Keep taking care and resting and let us know how you doing.

 

[WarriorPrincess]

Thanks @Sureimsore, but I seem to be on the opposite end of the spectrum. Apple Cider Vinegar and many other acids (and acidic foods) seem to exacerbate everything for me. I will sometimes treat with a little baking soda in water, to calm my system down, and it seems to help, even with the Interstitial Cystitis. I learned that years ago in a book about bladder disorders. I guess some of us have systems that are too alkaline, and others too acidic, and sometimes it helps to tip it over, using whichever type works best for us.

@Eyesup I'm sure it's scary to think of moving again. One thing is, though, nowadays, there are online focus groups (there are several on Facebook), as well as this forum, where you can inquire about treatment providers in a particular area. What a blessing that is for us these days, that wasn't available in the past. I probably won't qualify, but I'd appreciate you sharing the information when you come across it. The funny thing is, I could have died (and still could, if I can't afford to get the surgery soon), because cellulitis can be deadly. Once I run out of antibiotics, the infection will come back, until that piece of instrument is removed. I'm going to see if I can get the dentist to renew the prescription, and I'm going crazy trying to come up with the funds. The antibiotics are tearing up my stomach, but at the same time, I can feel the infection leaving my body, as various parts of my body feel better, and I am feeling a slight resurgence of energy, and I don't want to go back to a state of overall infection and feeling even worse than I do right now.