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

[Vync]

Flores,
I was about to recommend an "intent to file", but it looks like you beat me to it.

Yes, the VA seems to be trying to find every possible reason to not send veterans for C&P exams. An FDC might be sufficient to get around this.

The scope option will provide a direct visual inspection of your esophagus and stomach. Do some research on esophageal erosions, Barret's esophagus, and gastritis and you'll get an idea of what it can find. I don't mean to spook you, but the upper GI/swallowing test does is good at confirming reflux or if you have perforations.

Definitely ask about celebrex for lupus. I'm not sure if it would be better than what you take, but it might be a bit kinder to your stomach.

[flores97]

Vync, that's a good point, I actually have looked into eroding esophagus when the Radiologist told me he did see moderate to severe irritation of my throat during the swallowing test. He confirmed that i definitely have reflux. I was thinking about the Celebrex as well, thanks and i will ask my PCP next week if i can switch to that. I have to get this under control, as right now i cant even travel distances over thirty or forty minutes without making a Hail Mary run for a bathroom, lol. My older children live in Mississippi currently with my ex husband(we share custody), and i have to be able to travel to pick them up when its my turn for custody. My ex husband very kindly offered to try to move to NC where i live, i might need to take him up on that. Again, thanks for the advice from all.

[flores97]

I forgot to add, the xray taken of my stomach stated"Nonspecific paucity of bowel gas present." I googled the term and an article popped up that Doctors dont know how to interpret that term, which is an abnormal finding, and often think it is a normal result.

[Vync]

The official medical term for trouble swallowing is "dysphagia". "Paucity" just means scarce amounts, which sounds normal in my opinion.

There could be other NSAID class meds than celebrex that might provide similar benefits with less risk of GERD. I know the VA can get the generic celebrex.

I hope you are able to get some relief. Oh, one more thing. The VA gave me a "GI cocktail" bottle which is just mylanta, benadryl, and xylocaine. It does put the fire out pretty quickly, but does not last forever. The drawback is that your mouth will go numb. They gave that to me in the ER and send me refills periodically. It's a good option to try before going straight to the ER. It might be worth a shot for you.

[flores97]

47 minutes ago, pete992 said:

Oops, I didn't mean to insert this quote and not sure how to take it off. Thanks for the info Vync, i too have had GI Cocktails on several occasion's and they do indeed provide some relief, as well as make your mouth go numb, lol. I wasn't aware they can be prescribed and mailed to us? That would be great, I had no idea they could be prescribed. Also thank you for clarifying the "Nonspecific" term, I had no idea what ti make of it and only the one reference to the term was available.

[flores97]

Pete, sorry for somehow hijacking your quote, I have no idea how that happened but I apologize!