I saw the gastroenterologist yesterday. After hearing about my last bout of The Pile of Gastrointestinal Suck, he said he had "no doubt" this is Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and that it's aggravated by my period. Niiiiice. I was given a prescription for an anti-spasmodic to stop the stomach cramping (Hyoscine ButylBromide) and for something to help with the bloating (PMS-Domperidone). I'm not so sure about that last one because of the side effects (it's illegal in the States, and while I understand Health Canada wouldn't make a drug available that wasn't "safe," it must be illegal down there for a REASON, y'know?). However, I will likely start taking both preemptively tomorrow in the hopes of staving off symptoms at least until AFTER this wedding on Saturday.
I asked him if stacking my birth control to reduce the number of periods I get in a year would be a viable option; he said that it was a good idea. When I asked if possible IBS attacks might be worse from being put off for so long, he said he really didn't know.
I'm feeling... overwhelmed (what else is new, right?). It doesn't seem that there's anyway for me to control this - certainly not to get rid of it, unless I want a complete hysterectomy - other than with pills, pills, pills, all of which come at a (only-covered-if-Chebbar-has-benefits, because-I-don't) cost. As well, from what I've read, IBS attacks can be brought on by stress. Um, hi! Tightly wound little ball o'stress right here! I'm feeling... guilty? Like I need to instantly just KNOW out how to deal more effectively - I get too upset over too many things that really don't deserve the attention, but I don't know how to just turn it off. I should have discussed this with the gastro, but it didn't really hit me until after I'd forked over almost $50 for prescriptions last night.
I have an appointment with my GP next Thursday to discuss the whole birth control thing. I'll discuss the overall diagnosis and my feelings about it as well. Right now I'm trying hard NOT to think about it (so of course it's the ONLY thing I can think of), and the subsequent feeling that somehow my damned body (brain?) has betrayed me. Dramatic word, I know, but that's how I feel right now. And yes, I know it could be worse - I get that, trust me. But this is still a big deal for me. It's my blog and I'll cry if I want to. :P
I hope you don't mind me adding you as one of my favorite blogs.
ReplyDeletehttp://nevertheskinnygirl.blogspot.com
I'm glad you at least know what it is now. I have stacked my BC because my periods are usually horrid (the PMS, bowel issues, my flow is really heavy, etc.) and I have never experience any sort of hormone backlash when I don't stack the months. Still, ask your doc, but I really haven't had an issues!
ReplyDeleteCaitlin
http://everythingisjustwonderful.wordpress.com/
Sending a ton of ***HUGS*** your way. I hope you start feeling better real soon. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteI have IBS as well, seriously its no joke. I just thought I had a REALLY jacked up stomach, but that jacked up stomach has a name. I couldnt imagine having it aggrevated by hormones, that time sucks to begin with let alone to add IBS attacks to it. I feel for you lady :(
ReplyDeleteWell I guess at least you are getting some answers and solutions which is something. Better than knowing nothing at all. Plus it's natural to feel overwhelmed right now. Of course it's a big deal. Maybe try to sit with it and just feel it. Don't try to ignore your feelings and don't beat yourself up about them but also don't spend too long dwelling on it either (easier said than done I know). Maybe privately write out all the feelings/worries etc. that are going through your head so you can gain more perspective on them. You could also make a start on planning how to reduce your stress or even just a plan on how to find out how to reduce your stress! With little steps you will get there. In the mean time big HUGS from me to you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you finally have an answer! Not that a name for the suck makes it suck any less. At least it gives you something to work with. A foe to battle, if you will.
ReplyDeleteI'm not even going to tell you not to worry about it, because I know you are like me and that will just be meaningless. So, cry and moan and fret all you want to. Have a cupcake or two. Then, start with the pills and whatnot and if they don't work - go back and punch the doctor in the face.
Guaranteed to make you feel better.
I feel so bad for what you're going through. You are such an wonderful person and don't deserve any of this. The stress this is causing is just a vicious cycle. You'll have to use Twitter as an outlet when you get overwhelmed. You have so many people on there in your corner including moi. The worst part is that there is no easy fix but hopefully you can find something to control the symptoms (through trial and error) and be able to live a life without the terrible bouts of IBS. Thinking of you tonight at the wedding and hoping you are getting your dance on. You've spent so much time worrying about tonight and it'll be over in a flash! If people don't like you, there's something wrong with them cuz you are the AWESOME! :-)
ReplyDeleteI stack my BCPs with my doctor's blessing. Of course, I also order mine online from New Zealand because they're cheaper and the ones she really wants me to take aren't in the US. I let myself cycle through "normally" once a year. Hope it all gets better for you!
ReplyDeleteYour blog ate my comment. That sucks. Seriously when your body won't behave it really does affect a lot of other areas in life. I'm hopeful the new meds will have you feeling better. If not I hear chocolate and wine help cure a lot of things ;)
ReplyDeletecry and mourn for now. Things will figure them out, with help. You will be ok. xo
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that, but it does sound like the best explanation for what you've had. I know pills suck, but hopefully this will help you figure out how to best take care of yourself. I know I'm glad that somebody has come up with something that sounds like a solution, of sorts.
ReplyDeleteI feel ya on giving attention to little things that really don't deserve it. I do that a lot. Anyway, just know you're in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope that at least helps some.
BUmmer time Chibi ...... if you are open to a natural approach to the whole thing, drop me an email. Don't want to shove something down someone's throat if it's not their thing! Ha ha ha!
ReplyDeleteI really do hope that you get some relief. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you are having to deal with IBS but the good news is it's been diagnosed and you are able to treat it. Hope you feel much better next time round.
ReplyDeleteI did a chuckle when I read the comment by Karen R Quick about buying her BCPs in NZ. We think everything here is more expensive than the rest of the world. We buy on-line from USA to save. Haha! Mind you we need to be alert to the exchange rate as $10NZ is only worth about $7USD