I've hit a very unexpected and unfortunate (for me) impass with my GI Doc

None of this surprises me. I've been through multiple GI docs and have yet to find one I really like and trust who's willing to take a complimentary approach to treatment - both allopathic and alternative protocols. And it doesn't matter what their credentials are... in fact, it seems those that are higher up are even more likely to be set in their ways, not open to exploring new treatment options and impatient with anyone who doesn't respond to their usual methods. Ego requires the problem patient be told to go elsewhere or it's implied that you have some mental (hypochondria) issues. They think they're supposed to have all the answers so they're certainly not going to publicly admit they don't know what to do for you. My current GI is on staff at a local, excellent teaching hospital and came highly recommended - yet he's been like all the others... unable to intelligently discuss probiotics or anything other than pharmaceuticals and surgery.

bbc, have you tried a completely gluten free diet? Regardless of the results of your celiac test, you may find it highly beneficial. My celiac results were negative, but I know from experience that eliminating or severely restricting gluten helps me feel much better.

The symptoms you describe - cramping, spasms, large stool - sound like IBS. I've found my IBS symptoms greatly improved with a diet eliminating all grains, dairy and restricting sugars.

bbc...have you had any upper GI series done in any form?

I agree that you should be checked for other problems.

Have you had an ultrasound or cat scan of your colon as of late? Even though you're putting out stool, is it possible there is some distention of the colon? I'm not wanting to say megacolon...but maybe some parts aren't functioning as they should based on the fact that they're large and very firm?

Are you able to eat vegetables to add some form of fibre to help the stool not be so hard?

Your doc sounds like a dork, and clearly you're too challenging of a patient. Some docs like cut and dry....you deserve better. But, you could see if she can refer you to another doctor..seems the least she can do.

quincy

Q, I had an upper endoscooy last year and it was normal but not the last time around(10/08)...my colonoscopy on 10 was normal but then 2 mos later I was flarring. Getting a scope done when one feels well is a waste of time IMO. I will ask for a scan and see what they say. I started taking colace to softner the stool as yesterdays BM ripped my fissure again ooouuuuccchhh! Thanks for the suggestions.

Pfit, thanks for the support.

Update:

I was able to get an appoitnment with the head of GI for Cleveland Clinc Florida for tomorrow. I am hoping and praying he can be paitent and helpful with/for me as my colon hurts, my fissure hurts, my rectum hurts the area around my rectum hurts, my lower back and neck hurts etc etc etc...God I've turned in a real mess over the last 30 days or so.

I told my proctologist/rectal surgeon who treats my fissure, that I will come in one day to see him and ask for my colon to be removed once and for all...If I cannot find relief from this new doc I may have to go to plan B or even plan C as I do not want to live in constant pain/discomfort anymore and I'm tired of being too darn skinny...it's just unhealthy: (

Thanks to all...you guys are great.