Monday, February 20, 2012
Ask the Doctor: Irritable Bowel Can Be Treated
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I think I have irregular bowel syndrome. Has it anything to do with diabetes?
I have real bad stomach cramping and pain, and a lot of bowel movements.
I’ve been tested for everything else. All my tests have come back normal. What can be done? - N.N.
ANSWER: I’m sure you mean irritable bowel syndrome.
However, I like the “irregular” word and believe it is most appropriate.
To qualify for a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, a person must have abdominal pain at least three days a month for the past three months.
The pain greatly eases after a bowel movement.
Bowel movements change in their appearance.
Diarrhea, constipation or alternating diarrhea with constipation is another important sign.
I know of no connection between irritable bowel syndrome and diabetes.
Just as you say, all blood tests, all scope exams, all X-rays and scans of the digestive tract are normal.
It is important that the doctor consider other digestive-tract illness like celiac disease and lactase deficiency, for which there are diagnostic tests.
Keep a diary of what you eat. See if you can relate a particular food to a worsening of your symptoms.
If you can, eliminate it and keep looking for other food triggers.
Fiber is helpful for both constipation and diarrhea.
Psyllium (Metamucil, Fiberall, Konsyl, Perdiem) are fiber products most often chosen.
Lomotil and Imodium work to control diarrhea.
Bentyl or Paxil are useful for pain.
The message should be much more important than the messenger but still people just don’t read or take the responsibility of independent thinking. It seems more important to know who said it, to be on the “right” side. I don’t like bullies. I don’t care for people telling others what they should and should not say or how to say it. That’s my right, my opinion. Don’t have any problem signing my name to this but for now I’ll just use…
To Not Me,