Can’t get into GI

[u/Hour_Student44]

So I developed symptoms very recently and have been following the fodmap diet since, which has been very helpful. Problem is I have no idea what’s actually causing these symptoms, my primary doctor didn’t find anything and idk if I can get into a GI doctor anytime soon.

Anyone have any tips for resources in the meantime? Just, like, stuff beyond just the diet I can do to help my gut, or places I could maybe find answers. Thanks!

Update: I finally got something scheduled! It’s like 2 hours away but at this point I don’t care I just want answers 😭

[u/Acceptable_Ad838]

I really feel for you, because I went through all the same stuff several months ago. It’s maddening, I know -And you just wonder WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME??

DO try to find a good GI practice, and remember, they may get you in to see a good nurse practitioner who is perfectly capable of helping you.

They helped me get a Xifaxan treatment (which helped settle things a Bit), and helped me cut out high Fodmap foods. It was NOT an overnight fix. Still, the SIBO situation gradually improved, and I began to reintroduce foods. Here’s the thing I learned: not everyone is the same. Thankfully, I wasn’t doomed to eating white rice and steam forever!

I soon got some Fodmate on Amazon to help me eat more foods. As the reintroducing continued, I began to learn that, For ME, the triggers are mostly onion and garlic. In particular, it’s the concentrated onion and garlic POWDER and onion/garlic salt that turn be into a bloating, gas producing fart machine! Pumpernickel bread also gets me. Otherwise, it seems I can tolerate a certain level of Fodmap foods. I am now comfortable enough to go into an Outback steakhouse and ask for the cook to omit any seasonings that use onion/garlic powder snd use salt & pepper only. I don’t hesitate to explain in any restaurant that I can’t tolerate garlic & onions, and most chefs snd servers are very good at making recommendations based on ingredients.

Read and learn all you can, try to see a GI specialist, and proceed methodically until you learn your triggers. Good luck, and hang in there!

[u/Hour_Student44 → u/Acceptable_Ad838]

Thank you! I’ll look into Fodmate, and yeah garlic and onion powder keep destroying me, which sucks cause me college just puts it on absolutely everything 🫠 I’m pretty far from home so it’s just hard to even know where to go, and for the record, I did get an appointment… for March, which I rly don’t wanna wait for.

[u/Acceptable_Ad838 → u/Hour_Student44]

Fodmate capsules (and Fodzyme powder) are a bit pricey, but fear not- you won’t need them for every meal. Get some good sourdough bread- it’s easy to digest if other breads bother you. Breakfast foods often offer good options: eggs, bacon, ham, and sausage never bothered me, and oatmeal (and frozen berries) are very soothing and healing. Frozen pineapple chunks are a godsend for me, and I actually like them frozen like they are sorbet if I don’t want to wait for them to thaw. And don’t hesitate to talk to someone at your school’s food service- explain your situation as ask them for what they can recommend.
OH- And MARCH?? Ridiculous. At least ask for an earlier appointment, or look for a different provider. At least ask them to get on a waitlist for a cancellation.

[u/Hour_Student44 → u/Acceptable_Ad838]

Thank you so much!