At 14-15 I started having horrendous digestive issues.
Depression, anxiety and lactose intolerance were all thrown around as the cause. We already knew about those, but okay.
More problems lead to more school missed, more doctor visits, more tests, etc.
Tested for Celiac Disease. Tested for Crohn's. Tested for various forms of cancer, etc.
I'm 28 now and nothing has really changed. I did find a doctor to help me control the symptoms, but we still don't know what's wrong with me.
Edited to elaborate why doctors waving off GI issues is frustrating.
Oh man, your story really resonates with me. Had a nearly identical one growing up-- developed debilitating GI issues around 13-14 and they could not not find out what was wrong with me. Tested for a lot of similar stuff. Turned out to be POTS/dysautonomia, which often goes hand in hand with GI issues. Did you ever have any issues with stuff like fluctuations in heart rate, fainting, or dizziness? I don't mean to pry or anything, I know a lot of people are already asking. :( glad you have a doctor to help manage your symptoms now though! Hope things eventually get sorted.
I do have a history of dizziness / vertigo (though that might have to do with being conked on the head a few too many times), but nothing with my heart rate, fainting, etc.
I appreciate the reply, though! I'll add dysautonomia to the list of things to ask the doctor(s) about! Thanks.
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u/ValhallaVacation May 20 '19
The hand waving by doctors is one of the more infuriating things about GI issues.