Hi Sorrel, I have also had GI problems for many years. I was diagnosed with IBS, GERD, and food allergies and intolerances. I have an extremely limited diet. Since realizing that I am lactose intolerant (I consumed milk and milk products all my life without any problems up til about 4-5 years ago), I don't have as many GI problems. I have been alcohol and citric acid intolerant for many years. I have been fat intolerant (I cannot consume any fatty foods or added fats (butter, dressing, oils, etc.)) for eight years. I am allergic to anything diet with aspartame or splenda, or any other sugar substitute. As I said, I have a very limited diet. I have found foods that I can consume without problems (dry wheat toast, jello, apples, apple sauce, granola bars, grilled chix, grilled/broiled/ fish/seafood, eggs, baked potatoes, multi-grain rice, green and peppermint teas, water crackers, tuna, wheat pasta, etc.). I cannot consume most veggies (I cannot even eat lettuce or celery) and fruits (citrus, berries, etc.), my stomach will not handle it. I used to consume less than 500 calories (closer to 250-300) a day, now I consume around 800/day (per nutritionist), less than 10 grams of fat. I also gained weight when I was sick and couldn't eat and I woke up every morning for over a year and vomitted. I was always sick and bloated after eating, now I just avoid everything that could possibly make me sick. I rarely go out to eat because I have to order plain everything. I used to be able to eat all foods without any problems, so I know this is caused by the pit tumor and hormonal imbalance. I also have unexplained upper abdominal pain and even chest pain. My GI told me to take more fiber. I take fiber daily for the IBS. I believe all my GI problems are caused by the pit tumor/hormonal imbalance. I was very healthy all my life and soon after I turned 19, I had a bunch of unexplained symptoms and the pit "cyst" was discovered-I had every neuro test imaginable and was told the "cyst" was incidental and my symptoms were caused by stress (I went to college at 15 and the doc thought I was an over-achiever, so he told me to take a year off school-I took a year off school.) I ignored the ever-increasing symptoms for five years. In 2002, I was diagnosed with a pit tumor and have been testing ever since. I have been diagnosed with 24 secondary conditions/diseases in the past 3 1/2 years. No one can tell me that the pit tumor and hormonal imbalance didn't cause all these illnesses. I believe every symptom can be attributed to the pit tumor/hormonal imbalance caused by the pit tumor. I am not sure how your diet, or lack thereof, affects your testing or your symptoms. I know you must feel weaker and your blood sugar is probably low, as well. Are you able to take vitamin supplements? If so, I would encourage you to do so. I would also encourage you to check if you have acquired any food allergies. I never even considered that I could be lactose intolerant until I stopped consuming milk products for a week and felt much better GI-wise. I have acquired so many allergies to foods I used to consume every day. I have existed on a very limited diet for several years and I no longer have GI problems every day. I used to have the same problems you are having with eating and nausea, bloating, vomitting, diarrhea, etc. every time I ate anything. I was miserable, I avoided eating most of the time and then would become so weak, I wouldn't be able to do anything. I know it's a miserable way to live. What is your ACTH level? Have you had 24 UFCs or midnight salivary cortisols done? What tests have you had done to test for Cushing's? Have you had your vitamin D level checked? Have you had ionized calcium and PTH checked? Calcium in Cushing's patients is usually low, as is vitamin D. I will be praying that you find your answers soon. I hope you feel better soon GI-wise and that you find something that you can consume without becoming sick. Have you seen a nutritionist? You may want to consider seeing one, they will check all your vitamin levels and determine what you need to consume. My nutritionist went over absolutely everything with me and suggested new foods to try and which vitamins I need to take. It was very helpful. Oh, I don't have much patience (especially re the medical field), but I am determined and stubborn! ![]() Take care. You're in my prayers. Meri |
