So good your helping everyone. Plus encouraging everyone not be embarrassed. Reassuring those who need this helpful advice. Free advice from a first class doctor. Thank you so very much. Kindest regards.
Also, don't ever be afraid of asking for a second opinion. My GI fellow went straight from "well have you tried a fiber supplement?" to "let's remove your colon! I don't know what's wrong with it, but it can't be broken if it ain't there!" - Ofc. he didn't think getting a second opinion would get me anything. Now a year later I have been diagnosed with severe polyneuropathy and autonomic dysfunction, currently waiting for an experimental pacemaker operation.. Sadly the only doctor who perform the operation is THAT GI fellow. Meeting him again in a month. Wish me luck lol.
Geez! Good luck! I’m trying to figure out some move disorder symptoms I’ve been having along with other chronic issues (and GI symptoms like IBS and some liver disease-I’ve had lots of GI tests and scans) that seem like they’re autoimmune (but all tests are pretty normal 🙄 besides just having a low pos ANA). Waiting until my neuro appt in Oct. Trying to get answers can be a real bitch! This has been a multi year process for me. Rheumatology was super dismissive of me and shrugged it off as having fibromyalgia my first appt, and basically sent me away as not their problem anymore, then I developed ballismus nerve spasms a month later. You really have to fight for yourself and be an advocate! Don’t give up! I actually typed up my own list of chronic symptoms and tests/results I’ve had over the years, and printed them out and turned them into neuro a month in advance for my appt. Hoping that’s enough! A tracker like what @Doc Schmidt is promoting is definitely a need with chronic issues! Great idea doc!
Very good point. Different doctors almost always have a different take on things, and it almost never hurts to hear multiple opinions! I've been in that situation before, where one doctor either wanted to do something far too aggressive or didn't want to help at all. Seeing others definitely helps! Like you, I have severe small fiber polyneuropathy and a few different types of autonomic dysfunction (including GI dysmotility, for me mostly small intestinal dysmotility and colonic inertia). Have they done a small fiber biopsy on you or looked for autoimmune involvement? Have they tested for autoimmune GI Dysmotility, which is a more recent diagnosis with new antibody testing developed a few years back? I know for some people if they can demonstrate autoimmune involvement, IVIg is an option and can in some cases reverse some of the neuropathy and improve motility. I started IVIg 4 months ago, just had my most recent dose on Monday. So far the improvement I have seen is in my legs and autonomic dysfunction, but I know most improvements take 6 months to 2 years, so I am just watching and waiting and hoping. Like you are waiting for, I had a somewhat experimental procedure, which did help my gut though it wasn't on my gut. They found part of my dysautonomia was because I had no blood flow through my left internal jugular vein in my neck, so they went in and removed bones and ligaments from around the compressed area and scar tissue, and now I have close to normal blood flow on that side. I was amazed how much it helped my GI symptoms - it didn't surprise me that it helped my dysautonomia or my intracranial hypertension (elevated pressure around the brain), but I never expected it had such an impact on my GI dysmotility. The body works in crazy ways sometimes. I hope your pacemaker procedure is as successful for you as this was for me! It's such a stressful and difficult time when your relationship with food is a love it-hate it one and when your inability to eat comfortably and have normal GI movement end up affecting so much more than just your diet and GI function. I get most of my fluids via my central line now because my intestines just won't absorb the fluids and I was chronically hypovolemic (low blood volume). Good luck
So feel for you. PCP has been adamant about getting GI on board for diverticulitis repeats, loose stools and without even touching me he went straight to bowel resection. Told him loose stools only started after starting Mestinon, he looked at me like I was stupid and said then it caused it.Wanted liver biopsy for history of elevated enzymes which can also go up with muscle destroying diseases of which I have 2 which he said weren't important and no big deal if prep makes me super weak, could prep in hospital and just get rid of dogs. Felt like he had no idea how very unstable MG is right now and not concerned what he proposed could put me in ICU on a vent!!! Left feeling like a fecalith.
Same I think I need one I’m losing a lot of weight from my gastroparesis and my doctor said there’s only two medications I can try. I don’t want to do anything drastic yet and it’s hard being a candidate for certain procedures but beginning this year I was 125 now I’m 105. It’s frustrating I’m taking my meds I know but hm
Interesting. I appreciate what you do here. I had a referral to a GI doc from my primary care doc. I went to the appointment and was seen by a Nurse Practitioner. She faced a computer screen throughout the interview. She asked me all the questions on the screen and dutifully entered my responses. I didn't know she was an NP, she never introduced herself, I found out later before I left. This was in a very well established practice in a large health system. When she was finished with her "interview" she proceeded to lecture me on the benefits of probiotics (90% of which sounded like she read it from questionable sources geared toward roping lay people into buying something). I asked a question and she answered with a question: "What do you do?" I said I am a mechanic and I watch a lot of Discovery Channel. She never answered the question. Then she attempted to do a physical exam. She had me lay on the exam table, lift my shirt, and looked at my abdomen for about three seconds. She never touched me. Before I was finished my wife arrived and mentioned I am a doctor. The look on the face of the NP was precious. I have never met that GI doc and never will, at least not as a patient. I have since changed insurance and providers.
Lol I feel so silly when I pull up the notes app on my phone at the appt. I go 'hold on hold on I wrote it down' and my dr laughs 🤣 but it really does help!
I've had regular GI appts for over ten years now, but actually it's for my liver, and my disease is pretty well controlled and well compensated, so thankfully we don't have that many conversation about poo. It's mostly about controlling the side effects of being immunocompromised without having my liver get ANGRY. It was weird at the first appt though because I was a teenager and didn't realise a lot of what i was having was symptoms. Itchy skin, fatigue, occasional yellow eyes. In hindsight I was really unwell but as a teen you don't really know what is normal for your body yet.
Be prepared to provide a stool sample, too! (often done on your own time and brought back in later; they know it's harder to defecate on the spot than urinate) It may seem embarrassing to poop in a cup and carry it back to the clinic, but it can really help doctors by allowing them to test for blood, fat, etc. in your stool.
I had the worse GI appointment once. I was in my early 30's, the doctor was in his 60's and he giggled the entire time. I was so uncomfortable and creeped out. I never went back for follow up.
In my first GI appointment I had had C-Diff for the over 7 months and we hasn’t been able to get it under control. I was so sick I had to leave the appointment probably 3 times to go to the restroom. I ended up having C-Diff for over a year before it stopped and now have IBS… now I can talk about poop with anyone.
My first colonoscopy is coming up in a few weeks (Does this mean I'm all grown up?) and this was so, SO helpful. Thank you for the information and reassurance!
Why can't you practice near MI. I already trust you more than my last gi dr. You probably wouldn't have put me in the er after one visit and quit returning my calls when I told you things were getting worse. Thank you for being so helpful w so many of your videos. I'm not walking into dr appts so blind anymore.
And don't forget, if they can't find what's wrong with you, they will 100% accuse you of faking it. =) My stomach still hurts, I just have given up trying to get help for it.
I have SMAS and I’ve seen so many “intestinal doctors” (People who work with insides, surgeons and GIs etc) and no one can agree on anything, It seems crazy how complex it is just to eat food, I’m fully tube fed at this point
I bring my medicine bc my Family doctor prescribed one nausea medication and my Gi prescribed a different medication and I forget the names 😭. Soon I will get a new doctor bc mine is retiring. Plus if you feel as though your diagnosis is more than one thing tell them. I started losing weight after being diagnosed with ibs c and even when it was recommended to uptake my fiber. I lost over 10 pounds from 127 now I’m 105. I told my doctor and I have gastroparesis.
I wish he was my G.I. doc. I have an intussusception. My doc said "those really hurt. Too bad we don't fix those in adults." 🤦♀️ I hope other doctors are watching his channel to learn how to act.
I had to wait 8 months for my appointment and it is tomorrow. I went to the doctors at first on February 2nd and I had to wait until October 11th so good luck to me tomorrow I guess
Thanks I may need to make an appointment I took antibiotics a few months ago and have been having symptoms of gastropreties like when I drink water or any drink it sits in my stomach for hours also not peeing that much so not sure if kidney damage so I may need to see a nephrologist too at some point
Doc Schmidt, I have a few questions. When I had a previous colon screening, my gastroenterologist diagnosed me as having redundant colon. He scoped me as far as his colonoscope would reach, but after the procedure, he had me go for a CT scan so that the rest of my colon could be screened. Fortunately, I could have both procedures the same day to keep me from having to undergo the prep process twice. It is time for me to have another colon screening. is there anyway to scope all of my colon without the need for a CT scan? I am concerned about the ionized radiation that patient’s receive during a CT scan. I know it does not last that long, but as I understand it, there is no amount of ionized radiation that is safe. Why do they not make longer colonoscopes? I know, a long of questions here. Thanks in advance for your answers.
I have to to ask would you advise if I see a gi doctor because I felt sick after a 💩 in the toilet I have to ask because this video got me thinking about it
So I lay on my side because there's a frightening on my back on the right side in the middle and pn the side there's a tightening every time I breathe,what can it be?
I went one my first appointment, I throw up a lot in morning just said I'm lactose intolerant, but he was not that detailed, he act like it was not a big deal and wants me to do a camera down my throat next visit he said peppermint oil can help. The camera thing cost so much is it necessary to do it if pills help or stop throwing up ?
After being forced to find my own answers when all the specialists failed, I don't trust doctors anymore. I study, read, and study more before every appointment so I know the language, my options, and I have informed consent. I watched the gi doctor murder my mother with neglect. When they started that nonsense with me, I didn't stand for it. I finally studied enough that I figured out the problem when they only handed me steroids and pain pills. Then I advocated for myself and got it fixed. I wish doctors were more helpful.
Hi patient Uncle Bucks Quarter, we want you to have a colonoscopy but first have this cologuard bag poop in it and send it back through the U.S. Mail … gross 🤢 If I’m already gonna have a colonoscopy, why do I have to do this screening by mail? Now all I can think of is a bunch of poop coming in contact with everyone’s mail. I mean maybe private labs are hurting right now? And why can’t I take it to the lab at the hospital that ordered it? I mean they draw my blood and urine every time I’m there?
It's because during menstruation, your body releases chemicals called prostaglandins, and these have an effect on the uterus to make it contract. These same prostaglandins also affect your gut by making the muscles in the colon contract more, thus moving stool along faster and making bowel movements more frequent. In addition, the less time that stool is in the colon, the less water will be absorbed from it, making the stools more watery. And you're not alone - "period poops" are pretty common!
Your skits are funny and interesting. I especially enjoy the one where the doctor is asked by the patient for a glass of water( I am chuckling now) and the doctor says to buzz for the nurse and the nurse is in the doorway. When she puts "her" head to the side at the end, while giving a pointed look, I laughed hard. It is so well done. I want to share with you about Jesus. Repentance is so important, but with out Jesus taking the punishment for our wrongs we would be damned to Hell for eternity. We have all broken the Ten Commandments. Please read the Bible and pray asking God to reveal the reality of your sin and God's grace shown through Jesus Christ( John 3:16). It is not easy, I am really struggling, but I wanted to share with you. Thanks for your encouragement to not be shy and see a doctor, I might be needing one.
since Saturday at night I've been having black liquid 🤎 and some small pain in the stomach, a ton of gasses and weakness, I vomited too, I think I need a gi I'm scared to get one and tell my mom
So good your helping everyone. Plus encouraging everyone not be embarrassed. Reassuring those who need this helpful advice. Free advice from a first class doctor. Thank you so very much. Kindest regards.
Also, don't ever be afraid of asking for a second opinion. My GI fellow went straight from "well have you tried a fiber supplement?" to "let's remove your colon! I don't know what's wrong with it, but it can't be broken if it ain't there!" - Ofc. he didn't think getting a second opinion would get me anything.
Now a year later I have been diagnosed with severe polyneuropathy and autonomic dysfunction, currently waiting for an experimental pacemaker operation.. Sadly the only doctor who perform the operation is THAT GI fellow. Meeting him again in a month. Wish me luck lol.
Geez! Good luck! I’m trying to figure out some move disorder symptoms I’ve been having along with other chronic issues (and GI symptoms like IBS and some liver disease-I’ve had lots of GI tests and scans) that seem like they’re autoimmune (but all tests are pretty normal 🙄 besides just having a low pos ANA). Waiting until my neuro appt in Oct. Trying to get answers can be a real bitch! This has been a multi year process for me. Rheumatology was super dismissive of me and shrugged it off as having fibromyalgia my first appt, and basically sent me away as not their problem anymore, then I developed ballismus nerve spasms a month later. You really have to fight for yourself and be an advocate! Don’t give up! I actually typed up my own list of chronic symptoms and tests/results I’ve had over the years, and printed them out and turned them into neuro a month in advance for my appt. Hoping that’s enough! A tracker like what @Doc Schmidt is promoting is definitely a need with chronic issues! Great idea doc!
Very good point. Different doctors almost always have a different take on things, and it almost never hurts to hear multiple opinions! I've been in that situation before, where one doctor either wanted to do something far too aggressive or didn't want to help at all. Seeing others definitely helps!
Like you, I have severe small fiber polyneuropathy and a few different types of autonomic dysfunction (including GI dysmotility, for me mostly small intestinal dysmotility and colonic inertia). Have they done a small fiber biopsy on you or looked for autoimmune involvement? Have they tested for autoimmune GI Dysmotility, which is a more recent diagnosis with new antibody testing developed a few years back? I know for some people if they can demonstrate autoimmune involvement, IVIg is an option and can in some cases reverse some of the neuropathy and improve motility. I started IVIg 4 months ago, just had my most recent dose on Monday. So far the improvement I have seen is in my legs and autonomic dysfunction, but I know most improvements take 6 months to 2 years, so I am just watching and waiting and hoping. Like you are waiting for, I had a somewhat experimental procedure, which did help my gut though it wasn't on my gut. They found part of my dysautonomia was because I had no blood flow through my left internal jugular vein in my neck, so they went in and removed bones and ligaments from around the compressed area and scar tissue, and now I have close to normal blood flow on that side. I was amazed how much it helped my GI symptoms - it didn't surprise me that it helped my dysautonomia or my intracranial hypertension (elevated pressure around the brain), but I never expected it had such an impact on my GI dysmotility. The body works in crazy ways sometimes. I hope your pacemaker procedure is as successful for you as this was for me! It's such a stressful and difficult time when your relationship with food is a love it-hate it one and when your inability to eat comfortably and have normal GI movement end up affecting so much more than just your diet and GI function. I get most of my fluids via my central line now because my intestines just won't absorb the fluids and I was chronically hypovolemic (low blood volume). Good luck
So feel for you. PCP has been adamant about getting GI on board for diverticulitis repeats, loose stools and without even touching me he went straight to bowel resection. Told him loose stools only started after starting Mestinon, he looked at me like I was stupid and said then it caused it.Wanted liver biopsy for history of elevated enzymes which can also go up with muscle destroying diseases of which I have 2 which he said weren't important and no big deal if prep makes me super weak, could prep in hospital and just get rid of dogs. Felt like he had no idea how very unstable MG is right now and not concerned what he proposed could put me in ICU on a vent!!! Left feeling like a fecalith.
What is the polyneuropathy?
Same I think I need one I’m losing a lot of weight from my gastroparesis and my doctor said there’s only two medications I can try. I don’t want to do anything drastic yet and it’s hard being a candidate for certain procedures but beginning this year I was 125 now I’m 105. It’s frustrating I’m taking my meds I know but hm
That was a great PSA. Keep them coming.
Excellent advice for practically any specialty, not just GI
Interesting. I appreciate what you do here.
I had a referral to a GI doc from my primary care doc. I went to the appointment and was seen by a Nurse Practitioner. She faced a computer screen throughout the interview. She asked me all the questions on the screen and dutifully entered my responses. I didn't know she was an NP, she never introduced herself, I found out later before I left. This was in a very well established practice in a large health system. When she was finished with her "interview" she proceeded to lecture me on the benefits of probiotics (90% of which sounded like she read it from questionable sources geared toward roping lay people into buying something). I asked a question and she answered with a question: "What do you do?" I said I am a mechanic and I watch a lot of Discovery Channel. She never answered the question. Then she attempted to do a physical exam. She had me lay on the exam table, lift my shirt, and looked at my abdomen for about three seconds. She never touched me. Before I was finished my wife arrived and mentioned I am a doctor. The look on the face of the NP was precious.
I have never met that GI doc and never will, at least not as a patient. I have since changed insurance and providers.
How is this legal
Lol I feel so silly when I pull up the notes app on my phone at the appt. I go 'hold on hold on I wrote it down' and my dr laughs 🤣 but it really does help!
I've had regular GI appts for over ten years now, but actually it's for my liver, and my disease is pretty well controlled and well compensated, so thankfully we don't have that many conversation about poo. It's mostly about controlling the side effects of being immunocompromised without having my liver get ANGRY.
It was weird at the first appt though because I was a teenager and didn't realise a lot of what i was having was symptoms. Itchy skin, fatigue, occasional yellow eyes. In hindsight I was really unwell but as a teen you don't really know what is normal for your body yet.
Be prepared to provide a stool sample, too! (often done on your own time and brought back in later; they know it's harder to defecate on the spot than urinate) It may seem embarrassing to poop in a cup and carry it back to the clinic, but it can really help doctors by allowing them to test for blood, fat, etc. in your stool.
This is great, because the waiting times to see a provider are crazy right now.
I had the worse GI appointment once. I was in my early 30's, the doctor was in his 60's and he giggled the entire time. I was so uncomfortable and creeped out. I never went back for follow up.
In my first GI appointment I had had C-Diff for the over 7 months and we hasn’t been able to get it under control. I was so sick I had to leave the appointment probably 3 times to go to the restroom. I ended up having C-Diff for over a year before it stopped and now have IBS… now I can talk about poop with anyone.
Thats why people ask me why I ask so many questions.....there's a reason!
My first colonoscopy is coming up in a few weeks (Does this mean I'm all grown up?) and this was so, SO helpful. Thank you for the information and reassurance!
Keep up the good work Doc! 🙂
Why can't you practice near MI. I already trust you more than my last gi dr. You probably wouldn't have put me in the er after one visit and quit returning my calls when I told you things were getting worse. Thank you for being so helpful w so many of your videos. I'm not walking into dr appts so blind anymore.
And don't forget, if they can't find what's wrong with you, they will 100% accuse you of faking it. =)
My stomach still hurts, I just have given up trying to get help for it.
"Go a lot smoother" Sorry, couldn't resist. BTW I always make notes and ask a lot of questions.
I have SMAS and I’ve seen so many “intestinal doctors” (People who work with insides, surgeons and GIs etc) and no one can agree on anything, It seems crazy how complex it is just to eat food, I’m fully tube fed at this point
I bring my medicine bc my Family doctor prescribed one nausea medication and my Gi prescribed a different medication and I forget the names 😭. Soon I will get a new doctor bc mine is retiring. Plus if you feel as though your diagnosis is more than one thing tell them. I started losing weight after being diagnosed with ibs c and even when it was recommended to uptake my fiber. I lost over 10 pounds from 127 now I’m 105. I told my doctor and I have gastroparesis.
Here late but thank you for this!! ❤
Blessings to all!
I wish he was my G.I. doc. I have an intussusception. My doc said "those really hurt. Too bad we don't fix those in adults." 🤦♀️ I hope other doctors are watching his channel to learn how to act.
I had to wait 8 months for my appointment and it is tomorrow. I went to the doctors at first on February 2nd and I had to wait until October 11th so good luck to me tomorrow I guess
wish you were in Australia.
0:16 - 0:22 this times a million!
Thanks I may need to make an appointment I took antibiotics a few months ago and have been having symptoms of gastropreties like when I drink water or any drink it sits in my stomach for hours also not peeing that much so not sure if kidney damage so I may need to see a nephrologist too at some point
6 months bloody diarrhoea x20 daily before my gi would see me about 12 days later bowel perforated now have a stoma...
When the DR. Treats it matter- of -factly, that makes all the diffrence with embarrassment.
And bring all of the medications you take with you in their original containers...include all "supplements".
Doc Schmidt, I have a few questions.
When I had a previous colon screening, my gastroenterologist diagnosed me as having redundant colon. He scoped me as far as his colonoscope would reach, but after the procedure, he had me go for a CT scan so that the rest of my colon could be screened. Fortunately, I could have both procedures the same day to keep me from having to undergo the prep process twice.
It is time for me to have another colon screening. is there anyway to scope all of my colon without the need for a CT scan? I am concerned about the ionized radiation that patient’s receive during a CT scan. I know it does not last that long, but as I understand it, there is no amount of ionized radiation that is safe.
Why do they not make longer colonoscopes?
I know, a long of questions here. Thanks in advance for your answers.
I have to to ask would you advise if I see a gi doctor because I felt sick after a 💩 in the toilet I have to ask because this video got me thinking about it
Hey Doc Schmidt, where did you get your scrubs from?
I have been suffering inhumainly forever... What is a neuroGI doc?
So I lay on my side because there's a frightening on my back on the right side in the middle and pn the side there's a tightening every time I breathe,what can it be?
I'm about too see one. What does it mean if I take acid pills, but I drink liquid in morning or a night especially coffee I throw up fast ?
what other way to clean out the colon for a colonscopy. Hopefully there is others way instead of drinking a gallon .
Plz give me advice thx
Can I take too many Tums? Some days I take 10 - 12.
I went one my first appointment, I throw up a lot in morning just said I'm lactose intolerant, but he was not that detailed, he act like it was not a big deal and wants me to do a camera down my throat next visit he said peppermint oil can help. The camera thing cost so much is it necessary to do it if pills help or stop throwing up ?
The hyperness and speed really messed up my nerves. Why not slow down a little ?
After being forced to find my own answers when all the specialists failed, I don't trust doctors anymore. I study, read, and study more before every appointment so I know the language, my options, and I have informed consent. I watched the gi doctor murder my mother with neglect. When they started that nonsense with me, I didn't stand for it. I finally studied enough that I figured out the problem when they only handed me steroids and pain pills. Then I advocated for myself and got it fixed. I wish doctors were more helpful.
Hi doctor I have problem for 2yrs every day I vomit also every food coming out
What’s the importance of the saying, “Never let the sun rise or set on a bowel obstruction?” Thank you
Have you ever heard of someone with a blue cecum? No GI in my town can give me answers.
Doc you are so handsome
Hi patient Uncle Bucks Quarter, we want you to have a colonoscopy but first have this cologuard bag poop in it and send it back through the U.S. Mail … gross 🤢
If I’m already gonna have a colonoscopy, why do I have to do this screening by mail? Now all I can think of is a bunch of poop coming in contact with everyone’s mail. I mean maybe private labs are hurting right now? And why can’t I take it to the lab at the hospital that ordered it? I mean they draw my blood and urine every time I’m there?
My daughter gi doctor Don't know what's causing her problems we been going for every test under the sun for last 2 years
have other abdominal organs been examined?
MALS?
Here's a question for you: Why does menstruation cause diarrhea in some women?
It's because during menstruation, your body releases chemicals called prostaglandins, and these have an effect on the uterus to make it contract. These same prostaglandins also affect your gut by making the muscles in the colon contract more, thus moving stool along faster and making bowel movements more frequent. In addition, the less time that stool is in the colon, the less water will be absorbed from it, making the stools more watery. And you're not alone - "period poops" are pretty common!
Your skits are funny and interesting. I especially enjoy the one where the doctor is asked by the patient for a glass of water( I am chuckling now) and the doctor says to buzz for the nurse and the nurse is in the doorway. When she puts "her" head to the side at the end, while giving a pointed look, I laughed hard. It is so well done. I want to share with you about Jesus. Repentance is so important, but with out Jesus taking the punishment for our wrongs we would be damned to Hell for eternity. We have all broken the Ten Commandments. Please read the Bible and pray asking God to reveal the reality of your sin and God's grace shown through Jesus Christ( John 3:16). It is not easy, I am really struggling, but I wanted to share with you. Thanks for your encouragement to not be shy and see a doctor, I might be needing one.
since Saturday at night I've been having black liquid 🤎 and some small pain in the stomach, a ton of gasses and weakness, I vomited too, I think I need a gi I'm scared to get one and tell my mom