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GI issues
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GI issues

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › GI issues

  • Post
    • February 26, 2011 at 8:51 pm
    Jim M.
    Participant

      Hi everyone,

      Hi everyone,

       I haven't posted for awhile but I'd like your advice. Two weeks ago I developed some symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract. I get bloated every time I eat, my stools have changed in consistency and I have some abdominal pain. I had a CT Scan and Dr. Weber emailed me the following, "The scan is OK except there is an equivocal area in the small bowel, cause unknown. It is in the ileum which is at the end of the small intestine." The plan is for me to swallow a contrast and have the area x-rayed over time to detect abnormalities in the small bowel (called a radiological study). Stool samples came back normal.

       I know there can be many causes i.e., overeating, not enough water, bacterial overgrowth, too much fiber or cancer. I'd like your input on this and what your experiences have been with GI issues

       God Bless to all,

       Jim M.

       stage 3C

      NED 3+ years

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • February 27, 2011 at 8:27 am
        Fen
        Participant

          Gee, you'd think if the stool samples came back ok that the troublesome spot would be something other than mel – but I'm no dr.   Have you been on anti-biotics or had any change in diet?  Even if you haven't there are, as you mention, lots of other things that can cause intestinal distress.

          I'm glad you're having additional tests done and post the results when you get them.

          • February 27, 2011 at 8:27 am
          Fen
          Participant

            Gee, you'd think if the stool samples came back ok that the troublesome spot would be something other than mel – but I'm no dr.   Have you been on anti-biotics or had any change in diet?  Even if you haven't there are, as you mention, lots of other things that can cause intestinal distress.

            I'm glad you're having additional tests done and post the results when you get them.

            • February 27, 2011 at 7:55 pm
            Jim M.
            Participant

              Hi Fen,

               Your post made me think that the newest change to my diet has been to take Alendronate (Fosamex) for bone loss. I also began to take a calcium supplement along with vitamin D. I reread the side effects of Alendronate. They include: stomach pain, bloating, gas, nausea, etc. I now believe Alendronate is the culprit. Dr. Weber wrote another email saying there is some thickening in the small bowel. 99.9% of the reviews I read about Alendronate were negative and this drug has more severe effects. I will post when I know more. Thanks for responding.

               Jim

               

                • February 27, 2011 at 10:40 pm
                lhaley
                Participant

                  Jim,

                  It's amazing what the side effects from drugs will do to you! Unknowing I was taking 2 drugs that contradicted each other. My liver numbers went way high!!  Got off of it and they have come down.  Didn't you have some issues with bleeding from eating so much greens?  The med. might also be interacting with your diet.  I hope it's an easy fix!!

                  Linda

                  • February 27, 2011 at 10:40 pm
                  lhaley
                  Participant

                    Jim,

                    It's amazing what the side effects from drugs will do to you! Unknowing I was taking 2 drugs that contradicted each other. My liver numbers went way high!!  Got off of it and they have come down.  Didn't you have some issues with bleeding from eating so much greens?  The med. might also be interacting with your diet.  I hope it's an easy fix!!

                    Linda

                  • February 27, 2011 at 7:55 pm
                  Jim M.
                  Participant

                    Hi Fen,

                     Your post made me think that the newest change to my diet has been to take Alendronate (Fosamex) for bone loss. I also began to take a calcium supplement along with vitamin D. I reread the side effects of Alendronate. They include: stomach pain, bloating, gas, nausea, etc. I now believe Alendronate is the culprit. Dr. Weber wrote another email saying there is some thickening in the small bowel. 99.9% of the reviews I read about Alendronate were negative and this drug has more severe effects. I will post when I know more. Thanks for responding.

                     Jim

                     

                    • February 27, 2011 at 10:37 pm
                    Sherron
                    Participant

                      Please watch this very carefully…My husband had the bloating, extended stomach, and some pain…Mel got him…..and it metazized to the intestines.  He got to be very ill an in much pain, before he would let them do surgery, it was then too late, the only fixed one place and he had 13 more.  He passed away on Nov 30, 2010…On Sept 1st, his birthday, he was feel just great….When it moved, it was so quick.  I pray this is nothing for you…Jim was loosing  blood also, and having to get transfusion at the end.  Wishing you the very best!

                       

                      Take Care,

                      Sherron, wife to Jim FOREVER

                      • February 27, 2011 at 10:37 pm
                      Sherron
                      Participant

                        Please watch this very carefully…My husband had the bloating, extended stomach, and some pain…Mel got him…..and it metazized to the intestines.  He got to be very ill an in much pain, before he would let them do surgery, it was then too late, the only fixed one place and he had 13 more.  He passed away on Nov 30, 2010…On Sept 1st, his birthday, he was feel just great….When it moved, it was so quick.  I pray this is nothing for you…Jim was loosing  blood also, and having to get transfusion at the end.  Wishing you the very best!

                         

                        Take Care,

                        Sherron, wife to Jim FOREVER

                    Viewing 5 reply threads
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