ptsd What To Expect At C&p For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

[hedgey]

I've had IBS symptoms for years, and finally started complaining to my VA primary care about 4 years ago. I was embarrassed and ashamed and it took me a long time to even admit that I really had a problem and it wasn't just tummy-trouble. It actually took my daughter pointing out that I had 'tummy-trouble' every single day!

Anyway, the VA sent me for tests for parasites, infections, a CT scan and a MRI plus I had a colonoscopy... all done by outside providers due to the distance from our rural area to the VAMC. All my PC would said in my records was "Impression: IBS". She gave me script for a common med. I kept coming back and she said I had to go to the Gastro guy at the VAMC. I said nope, not going to go sit in a crowded room full of guys to let a strange guy look at me.

Meanwhile, Id also gone to my private primary care doc and she referred me to a female specialist who diagnosed IBS and said that it was extremely common that a person with PTSD would have stomach issues. She's tried me on a number of different prescriptions, none have worked well, but she's really trying to help.

She did a DBQ for me and I submitted that with my claim (IBS as secondary to PTSD). I have a Comp & Pen this week and I'm extremely anxious about it (is anyone ever not anxious?).

I'm afraid that I'll be manhandled by a stranger; that I'll have to drop my britches and ... I don't know.

Will they want me to demonstrate my problem? In some ways that sounds like a funny joke, but I"m scared. Are they going to want to measure my hemmorhoids?

Also, should I bring the drugs my private gastroenterologist has me taking? One of them is a controlled substance (something with atropine in it, for when the cramping is just too much). I'm worried they'll think I'm an addict or something, especially with the way the VA is all crazy about the painkiller situation :(

Who can tell me what to expect, and what I can hopefully not expect?

[Navy04]

Glad you made it thru your exam bud.   Pete, hit it right on the head. My best bud has had IBS for the last 7 yrs. No issues what so ever as long as he stays away from the Fast food and Chinese food. My Crohns disease on the other hand, I pray your or no one else on here has to go thru it. I eat like a rabbit, do not drink, smoke or have done drugs, yet It is very bad with Rectal Bleeding, alot of Vomiting, just got all my teeth removed because of this, and soon to have a bag. Just take care of yourself, less stress, less salt and greasy food and you should be fine. Really hope you the best. Take care