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GI doctor questions

Messages
59
Location
New York
Hi all,

After reading up here and in literature about CFS, I decided to go to a GI doctor. I have had "stomache pains" for a while and even had large amounts of blood a few times in the past (I was cleared in a colonoscopy), but since it was a lot les painful then my head, chest and eyes (and even my calves and knees), I never really dwelled on it. However, now that there seems to be a connection between CFS and IBS/leaky gut, as well as a Bushie greatfully mentioned that there might be a connection in the tightness of the chest (I'm kinda paraphrasing what she said) and the gut, I think that it is worth a shot.

My question is, what exactly should I ask from the doctor. He was referenced as having patients with CFS, but should I just ask him "Do I have IBS/leaky gut" or are there more specific questions to ask him? I dont want another appointment where the doctor says, "oh, there's nothing I can test you on" only to find out later that if I would have articulated the question better I would have.

Thanks in advance,
Lo
 

Sushi

Moderation Resource Albuquerque
Messages
19,935
Location
Albuquerque
Hi all,

After reading up here and in literature about CFS, I decided to go to a GI doctor. I have had "stomache pains" for a while and even had large amounts of blood a few times in the past (I was cleared in a colonoscopy), but since it was a lot les painful then my head, chest and eyes (and even my calves and knees), I never really dwelled on it. However, now that there seems to be a connection between CFS and IBS/leaky gut, as well as a Bushie greatfully mentioned that there might be a connection in the tightness of the chest (I'm kinda paraphrasing what she said) and the gut, I think that it is worth a shot.

My question is, what exactly should I ask from the doctor. He was referenced as having patients with CFS, but should I just ask him "Do I have IBS/leaky gut" or are there more specific questions to ask him? I dont want another appointment where the doctor says, "oh, there's nothing I can test you on" only to find out later that if I would have articulated the question better I would have.

Thanks in advance,
Lo

If you can find out more on this doctor ahead of time it would be good. What kind of tests he uses for ME/CFS patients, how does he treat if he finds IBS or leaky gut?

Unfortunately, few GI doctors understand the kind of gut problems we have or know how to test for them and treat. Being in the US, you have more of a choice of doctors. Sometimes an "integrative" M.D., N.D. or someone similar will be better with gut issues.

Those of us who have investigated this have taken something like the metamatrix complete stool test:
http://www.metametrix.com/test-menu/profiles/gastrointestinal-function/dna-stool-analysis-gi-effects

This is probably the best one in the States but not many GI docs will know what to do with it.

Best wishes,
Sushi
 
Messages
59
Location
New York
Thank you again Sushi,

I called the NJ CFS organization and asked them for a GI and they gave me one that one of their members mentioned. That's about all I know about him. <shrug> But i don't know where else to find a GI who looks into CFS and IBS (googling didn't really help).
However, it was useful to know that the NJ CFS organization (and probably others) have a good doctor list for specific specialists even if they are not CFS specialists.

Thank you,
Lo
 

nanonug

Senior Member
Messages
1,709
Location
Virginia, USA
Yup, like most people here, I have a whole bunch of these. What GI testing is available for these?

Specific GI testing would be biopsy looking for abnormal quality or density of mast cells (requires special staining most pathologist don't know about). However, there are less intrusive things that can be done prior to that. Measuring serum Tryptase, 24-hour urinary Prostaglandin D2 and 24-hour urinary N-methylhistamine. All these three tests are available from Quest Diagnostics.

If you would like to talk to your CFS doctor about getting tested for these, you may want to take with you the following documents:
Let me know if you have any questions.