So before, I mentioned the Diltiazem. Well, one day last week, the nurse practitioner called me to explain more about the results of the manometry and the medicine. She also asked if I would be willing to take a course of antibiotics and a probiotic. Well, I said yes because I'm willing to try anything to get rid of this extreme bloating, gas, cramping, and alternating diarrhea and constipation. If I do indeed have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), that would explain the flattened villi that was seen a few months ago.
Well anyway, the antibiotic is Xifaxan, and it is non-systemic, which means it doesn't cross into the bloodstream. It pretty much stays working in the intestines. They also prescribed a probiotic calls Flora-Q. It has 4 different types of bacteria in it and it is not covered by my insurance. lol Between the two of those, I payed over $110 yesterday. So, I'm kinda hoping they work.
In 6 weeks, I have an appointment with the nurse practitioner to discuss any changes.
And now, you know as much as I do.
Showing posts with label diltiazem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diltiazem. Show all posts
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
After 4 years of suffering...
My esophageal symptoms started soon after I moved here back in fall of 2006. I didn't have insurance until Spring 2008, and that's when I started seeing doctor after doctor trying to figure out what was causing this pain and inability to swallow. I've told this story before, but it took several tests, a few doctors, and a ton of medication to get me to my breaking point a few months ago.
By having one doctor break up with me, I had the opportunity to meet the wonderful staff over at the Gastroenterology Clinic of Acadiana and the Lafayette General Endoscopy Center. They are truly awesome at what they do.
Well, anyway, I'm mentioning all of this because today after my colonoscopy, the doctor wrote me a rx for diltiazem which is one of the most common medicines (aside from nitrates) that is used for esophageal spasms. Now, this is one of the same medicines that my previous doctor refused to start me on even though he knew that I have constant spasms. His reasoning was that I was too young and that it would make my blood pressure too low. Well, the medicine is used to lower blood pressure, but I'll be on a lower dose that what's used to lower bp and honestly, when the quality of someone's life is poor, you have to weight the risks against the benefits and he was unwilling to do so. My current doctor did not seem at all concerned that my health would be compromised. He explained that the dosage is low. I'm to take it before bed everynight for 7 days until my I know how my body will react. I'm not to jump out of bed at anytime after taking it because if my bp is lowered, I could pass out (and be eaten by my cats). After a week or so, I can start taking it twice a day.
Now, I have no idea if this medicine will work at all. But you know what? I'm more than willing to TRY something that's known to work instead of having someone tell me that it might just go away. I'm happy as hell right now.
Yes, this is what my life has come to...medicines make me happy.
And on a sidenote...that colonoscopy prep is horrible. Easily one of the worst things I've ever done. I threw up and felt sick for a whole day. Next time, I will beg for the pills. 4 liters of liquid is a lot to drink. 4 liters of salt water is even worse. *gag*
By having one doctor break up with me, I had the opportunity to meet the wonderful staff over at the Gastroenterology Clinic of Acadiana and the Lafayette General Endoscopy Center. They are truly awesome at what they do.
Well, anyway, I'm mentioning all of this because today after my colonoscopy, the doctor wrote me a rx for diltiazem which is one of the most common medicines (aside from nitrates) that is used for esophageal spasms. Now, this is one of the same medicines that my previous doctor refused to start me on even though he knew that I have constant spasms. His reasoning was that I was too young and that it would make my blood pressure too low. Well, the medicine is used to lower blood pressure, but I'll be on a lower dose that what's used to lower bp and honestly, when the quality of someone's life is poor, you have to weight the risks against the benefits and he was unwilling to do so. My current doctor did not seem at all concerned that my health would be compromised. He explained that the dosage is low. I'm to take it before bed everynight for 7 days until my I know how my body will react. I'm not to jump out of bed at anytime after taking it because if my bp is lowered, I could pass out (and be eaten by my cats). After a week or so, I can start taking it twice a day.
Now, I have no idea if this medicine will work at all. But you know what? I'm more than willing to TRY something that's known to work instead of having someone tell me that it might just go away. I'm happy as hell right now.
Yes, this is what my life has come to...medicines make me happy.
And on a sidenote...that colonoscopy prep is horrible. Easily one of the worst things I've ever done. I threw up and felt sick for a whole day. Next time, I will beg for the pills. 4 liters of liquid is a lot to drink. 4 liters of salt water is even worse. *gag*
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