Catching Up - Part 9 - Seeking a Diagnosis

Over the past several years of my life I have had unexplained gastric issues. I can remember these issues as far back as from when I was 6 years old but they really started to get bad when I hit puberty at around 12. In the past year they have worsened times ten and I have finally obtained the means to seek a diagnosis and treatment.

The main issue is, when I eat, I get sick. I get lots of cramping in my abdomen, and then diarrhea. At this time it is happening about 3-5 times a week and has gotten so bad to the point where I do not eat anywhere else other than at my own home, in fear that I will be running back and forth to the bathroom. I can not enjoy going out to eat or eating at family's house and this is really upsetting, not only for me but for Anthony as well.

Sometimes the episodes are worst than others and last longer or I have more pain. Sometimes I get a fever start sweating, vomit, and really feel like I am going to pass out and die, its really that bad. Sometimes I pass mucus as well.

I have also had some other random symptoms, I am not sure if they are related or not but I am always freezing cold, my hair is thinning, my hair on my legs does not grow as fast as it should (I only have to shave like once a month), and I have had some pain in my side and chest as well.

On Feb. 28th I went to the doctor and told them about what was going on and the processes of getting a diagnosis had officially began. I know it is going to be a long road, but that is ok, I am just really really hoping that everything is ok and treatable.

The doctor did not really say what she thought it was, she decided to take blood work and a stool sample and ordered me to come back on March 28th to go over the results. I am still patiently and nervously waiting for that appointment next week. I have to admit I am very very scared to find out the results, but I know it is for the better.

She did start me on a medication that is used to treat heartburn and abdominal pain and it may or may not be working, at this point it is really hard to tell because I have had the stomach flu this past week. I have been keeping a journal of what I eat and when I have an episode and so far since I started the medication on March 6th, I have not had a full blown episode yet (aside from the week that I was sick with the flu). I have experienced pain, bloating, and nausea though, but it has been less than normal so I think that may be at least one move in the right direction even if this is not the correct medication. We will see come next week what the doctor thinks and what the next coarse of action will be.