PDA

View Full Version : Overcame my HA Today!



Akoto
20-03-18, 21:33
I know a few people here have helped me out as I've totally panicked about recent stomach issues I've been having. I appreciate that, and I at least wanted to post my thanks and an update. :)

The doctor was super great. Patient, kind, knowledgeable, a good listener. Most importantly, I heard the three magic words from an expert at a great hospital: "I'm not worried."

At first blush, his impression is that I have IBS. Once he does some blood/stool tests and an upper GI x-ray, he'll be able to rule out Crohn's totally, but he's already thinking it's quite unlikely. He said I definitely don't have Ulcerative Colitis. So, that hits all three of the things I've been panicking about.

Am I in the clear? Not quite yet. Do I feel better? Yes. IBS isn't exactly what you'd call a great diagnosis, but from a medical standpoint, it's certainly far from the worst.

I hope this post serves as encouragement to others in some way, too. If you're scared about a health problem and are avoiding seeing a specialist, do it! I was nervous the entire time, but he understood and was really kind. He wants to help. No need to suffer in hiding.

Carys
20-03-18, 21:52
Good for you! IBS is benign and manageable once you figure out the triggers, there is a lot that can help the condition. I've had it for 30 years. It sounds that unlike some people you are one of those who accepts a medical opinion, I am the same :D

Akoto
20-03-18, 22:34
Good for you! IBS is benign and manageable once you figure out the triggers, there is a lot that can help the condition. I've had it for 30 years. It sounds that unlike some people you are one of those who accepts a medical opinion, I am the same :D

I admit that it will take some effort to accept it, but that's health anxiety for you. It's the nature of the beast. I relapsed during all of this because of... Who else but Doctor Google, right?

Once the other tests he wants done come through clear, I think my confidence in him and his diagnosis will be much more firm. I don't think he would say things like "I'm not worried" and plan ahead for getting me feeling better over the next year if he wasn't pretty confident in his opinion, though.