I am angry, embarrassed, and I don't understand.
Whenever I have been to see my GI doc, who I have seen since 1988, and love him dearly, I'm asked how I'm doing, number of poop runs per day, eating, you all know the routine. I have always answered very honestly. When I'm asked about "any problems you have?", I tell him yes, I have stomach cramps, chills, a squeaky sound on my right lower quadrant after I eat. I cuddle up with my pal the heating pad and a cup of hot tea until I fall asleep or the pain subsides. The doc's answer is always about the same, "you shouldn't be hurting". He'll do an exam (dilate) and press around on my tummy and tell me everything feels in working order. First of all, there are times when I'm at the docs that I'm not in pain and I'm not going to lie when asked. Secondly, when I insist I'm experiencing pain at times, the first thing they always want to do is scope me through the ostomy then do an upper GI (barium swallow). I'm so sick of that. They always see a stricture but tell me they'll keep an eye on it, to call them if I have problems. I DO HAVE PROBLEMS.....PAIN! This doc I see is at Bethesda Naval Hospital (husband is retired Marine) and Dr. Roy retires in Aug 2012. I called him the other day to get a new script for my Humira and he's sending me to an IBD Clinic they just opened in the office across the hall. I know so many ostomates experiencing pain who get the proper attention they need with pain meds, even some people who abuse it, and here I am having to bite the bullet. Anyone else run into this problem and were you able to get the situation resolved? Please advise!
Skidder (got my nickname from laying my Harley down and skidding 30 yds up the highway!!)
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Hollister
Talking about having an ostomy can be uncomfortable for most people. Still, it's something you can't always avoid.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
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Hollister
Your stoma care nurse can be a valuable resource when you need help.
Learn about the common issues and symptoms that warrant a call for assistance.
Learn about the common issues and symptoms that warrant a call for assistance.