Gerd, IBS, and Urinary Incontinence secondary to NSAIDS

[flores97]

I am getting ready to file an FDC claim for IBS-C, Gerd, and Incontinence secondary to NSAIDS and wanted to see if anyone has any opinions or suggestions, if i might have missed anything. So here goes. I have been on a high daily dose of NSAIDS to treat my sc systemic lupus for well over seven years. About two years ago, i began having moderate gastro problems, that has worsened to the point that these conditions are almost as bad as the lupus, which leaves me bedridden about a week a month. Every time i go to urgent care for the lupus, i complained of the constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, and at times, vomiting. After about a year of these symptoms worsening, i was diagnosed with gerd(i thought i was having a heart attack twice, was admitted for severe chest pain, began vomiting/diarhea both times shortly after), and of course, IBS with constipation predominant. Around the same time frame-2 years ago, i began leaking urine frequently when sneezing, coughing, bending, etc, now i leak continuously and must wear pads. I was told by several VA Docs that the NSAIDS were more than likely responsible for the ibs and gerd. Then i was told that constipation also causes urinary incontinence. I am getting an IMO for all three conditions, from my triple board certified gastroenterologist, as well as submitting all relevant treatment records for past three years, medications side effects lists on the meds i take, some medical articles discussing how NSAIDS can cause/aggravate ibs and gerd, and more articles on how constipation can cause incontinence. I am also submitting the IMO(I will upload copy as soon as its complete), and the doctors resume/certifications. I do wear pads due to incontinence, usually go through three a day unless im bedridden, then its more like five a day. If anyone has suggestions/opinions i would really appreciate the input. I wouldnt have filed fir these conditions, but its to the point i only leave the house for med appts. I have daily abdomial pain, nausea, have trouble swallowing(especially meats), and i vomit if i eat more than small portions of food. The cramping feels like food poisoning, this is with taking omeprazole, pantoprazole?, ondasetron, and ranitidine. Thanks again

[Guest]

I was trying to post this earlier so you could see the rating criteria's but it did not want to work out right. NP (No Problem) don't worry about the quote and this is your post.

7319   Irritable colon syndrome (spastic colitis, mucous colitis, etc.):   Severe; diarrhea, or alternating diarrhea and constipation, with more or less constant abdominal distress 30%   Moderate; frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress 10%   Mild; disturbances of bowel function with occasional episodes of abdominal distress 0%     7346   Hernia hiatal: THIS IS THE GERD RATING   Symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health 60%   Persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health 30%   With two or more of the symptoms for the 30 percent evaluation of less severity 10%   Incontinence in rated as a Dysfunction. Voiding dysfunction:   Rate particular condition as urine leakage, frequency, or obstructed voiding     Continual Urine Leakage, Post Surgical Urinary Diversion, Urinary Incontinence, or Stress Incontinence:   Requiring the use of an appliance or the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed more than 4 times per day 60%   Requiring the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed 2 to 4 times per day 40%   Requiring the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed less than 2 times per day 20%

 

                                                                        

 

[flores97]

Pete992, thanks for the great info!! It looks like for the Incontinence, I MIGHT get rated at 30%, as I go through 3 pads on a normal day, 5 when I'm having a lupus flare and bedridden, even with the pan.On the gerd, im not certain, but i just noticed the shoulder/arm pain. I do have daily pain in my neck/shoulder i thought thay was from the lupus. This is very, very helpful. Thank you Pete, for taking the time to post this!

[flores97]

Actually, that is 40% on the incontinence, if I am fortunate. I do have it documented in my treatment records that i go through at least three pads a day, and also require underpass at night.

[Buck52]

flores97

Sorry your having these problems, if your S.C. for IBS, Gerd or any other that is in the same category   Yes def File a Claim.

go back more than just 3 years  if the VA Dr's Noted this 7 years ago it would be good to note that....note all medical records that pertains to this condition.

A private specialist IMO will be good.

I use about 4 pads a day  for incontinence  for swollen Prostate,  but my PCP said its not military related  unless I can prove it by AO.

Definitely file for this   you may want to file an INTENT TO FILE   first...this buys you time for gather evidence and starts your EED.

Also take into consideration  how the VA is on these types claims.

[flores97]

Thank you Buck, good advice and I did file an intent to claim on all three conditions. I have been taking the NSAIDS for over seven years daily, but I began suffering from moderate gastro symptoms about two, a little over two years ago. As of six months ago, theyhave gotten pretty bad. The constipation is a huge factor i think in the nausea and incontinence, but its the abdominal cramping that is the worst. Almost like having food poisoning. I have a triple board certified gastroenterologist writing up the IMEs for each condition(he did do an in person exam), im hoping since he is a specialist i wont have too much trouble. I honestly wouldnt have known the NSAIDS were causing so much aggravation to these conditions if i hadnt been told by several VA Urgent Care doctors, so i am grateful for that. I assumed the lupus itself was the culprit, and i would have lost if i filed secondary to the lupus itself. I truly appreciate all of the insight i have been given by everyone here on hadit, and will always be grateful i stumbled across this site!

[Buck52]

I think your headed in the right direction.

Just find a Dr that can help you and get you to feeling better  if the VA Dr's can't

try  get out side Dr.

Ask about the choice program & or ask your PCP to refer you to  someone that can help.

Keep all medical records as evidence  but mostly try to get ya some relief.

Don't mean to scare you  but

IF you get the barretts Dieases that can & will turn into throte cancer  and from the reflux acid problems

 

.Don't wait.  claim or no claim  this become a serious problem.

I wish you well and healthy and & to be happy in life.

 

.............Buck