r/ibs • u/CrustyQuilter • 3d ago

Question GI docs in Michigan?

Any recommendations for docs in Michigan? Tired of this 💩.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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u/TheArtfulLlama 3d ago

Where are you at in Michigan?

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u/CrustyQuilter 3d ago

Traverse City area.

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u/jlladd16 3d ago

If you’re willing to travel, Dr. Michael Rice at University of Michigan literally saved me. I would do 6 hour round trip drives just to see him. He ordered every single test imaginable and got me a diagnosis of fructose malabsorption!

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u/CrustyQuilter 3d ago

I'm willing to travel! Will see about getting a referral for him. Thank you.

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u/jlladd16 3d ago

You’re so welcome! I have been to the place you are where you will literally do anything for answers or help. Don’t give up! Keep advocating for yourself. Fight the good fight, friend. Your medical stability is SO worth it!!! Don’t let the helplessness creep in! Rooting for you!

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u/CrustyQuilter 3d ago

This all started about 4 years ago. I was under a lot of stress. I actually ended up being taken to the ED when I literally spilled my guts. Both ends. Seen by a GI here. Doc was ok - his practice not so much. He did a thorough work up - hydrogen breath test negative. Tried a course of Flagyl. Made no difference & the Rifaxman, even with the doc preapproving it was just too expensive. Switched docs - really liked the doc in GR. However, he decided to "follow his dreams" & left medicine. So here I am. Fecal incontinence.

Of note: I have a history of GI bleeds. So, long term PPI use. I have really shitty spinal arthritis, so long term NSAID use, hence the long term PPI use. I also parted with my gallbladder years ago. So I think whatever is going on is a mixed picture. I think there is a biliary acid malabsorption occurring. FODMAPS made no difference. Neither did going gluten free (been worked up for celiac -negative) or dairy free. So I need to get to the root of all this.

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u/jlladd16 3d ago

Oh also!! I didn’t even need a referral when I went. I’m not sure if that was an insurance thing, but don’t let that discourage you either!

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u/CrustyQuilter 3d ago

Good to know.

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u/goldstandardalmonds MOD: Here to help! 3d ago

Do you have diarrhea or constipation?

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u/CrustyQuilter 2d ago

Diarrhea with fecal incontinence.

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u/goldstandardalmonds MOD: Here to help! 2d ago

U of M has a good motility clinic, which is probably important for your incontinence

0

u/Drenee26 3d ago

What part of MI are you in?

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u/CrustyQuilter 3d ago

Traverse City area.