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Autonomic Neuropathy

Shecat

Well-Known Member
Messages
78
Location
Glasgow, Scotland UK
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Animal harmers, Smoking, Ignorance, Rudeness
Saw my Dr today because I've been having bowel issues with blood through it too. I am perspiring heavily and feel exhausted all the time, she says I also have a stubborn virus, for over 1 month?! I don't know this Dr as I'm a new patient in the practice so have nothing to gauge her against experience wise. Anyway she has referred me to the hospital bowel specialists. Okay in all this she decided to inform me I have Autonomic Neuropathy, now I know what that is and it is a big fear of mine to ever develop this, I have been Diabetic for almost 32 Years and am Insulin dependant. It was a huge shock to hear her say that to me today, I am sat here going out of my mind with worry, a Diabetic friend of mine has such bad Autonomic Neuropathy her body is almost unable to process her special diet of liquids anymore, she cannot eat normal food because her stomach doesn't work thanks to it! I feel so depressed tonight, why does she want to rule out Bowel Cancer just to tell me things are going to go from bad to worse and never get any better for me anyway! I am not 50 years of age yet and my life is over.
 
Hi Shecat,
Your life is NOT over - just because something has happened to your friend doesn't mean it will happen to you - although I know what it's like to be going out of your mind with worry, I have been through a lot, believe me. Remember that your friend's body is different to yours, we are all different and 'work' in different ways; however at the same time our bodies all have an amazing ability to help themselves and heal - if you believe it and stay strong. If you tighten up your control and be careful with your diet then your problems won't necessarily get any worse - you have to take control and not let them beat you! I had bowel problems but with better diabetic control and changing my diet I'm pretty much back to 'normal'! Also bear in mind that doctor's are duty-bound to tell you the worst case scenario, JUST IN CASE it turns out to be that and they hadn't mentioned it as you could sue! I don't know if this makes you feel any more positive but I hope it does, try to remember that your actions now determine your future - you CAN sort your diabetes out now and your life is NOT over! Sorry to ramble on but I know exactly how you're feeling and it's so unneccesary!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thank You so very much! I cannot have my needed endoscopy of my bowel because the NHS trust where I live will not make arrangements for me to be put under General Anaesthetic for the procedure, something about needing to draw on other departments of the hospital to do that. They know I am a very nervous person but my Consultants secretary says no! I don't know what to do now!
 

Do you have reason for the general anaesthetic, as it's not a preferable option if you can avoid it?
 
I had endoscopy/colonoscopy about 4 years ago when they were checking me for coeliac disease. They give me a sedative that knocked me out - I don't remember anything of the endoscopy and only a very hazy memory of the end of the colonoscopy. I was very nervous when they were about to start but just went out like a light. It was nothing to worry about looking back on it. Certainly don't need general anaesthetic with sedatives like that
 
Thx Robert- very supportive and informative. I won't so much about mine on 18 December.
 
Had all "oscopys" possible and none done with general anaesthetic.
At end of day it was the "shapes test" that found out that I had slow colonic transit. This test isn't a standard option by gastroenterologists...flaxseed resolved all my gastric/bowel probs.

It isn't necessary for a general anaesthetic....
 
'Shapes'... reminds me of the dog biscuits
 
I'm glad they weren't!! Still had 58 out of the 60 still in me after 5 days!!!
 
Believe me it is from experience of having oscopies, some going back to 1981 and the pain of them that I know I need a GA! 5 years ago I had my last colonoscopy which was done under a very brief GA where they found polyps in my bowel that I know the relief of having no memory of what they did! I have had bad experiences with oscopies so I DO need this but the hospital I've been referred to says no or rather the Consultants secretary says no, with all this weight loss, diarrhoea and blood not to mention the pain I am in, I have been given Oramorph for, I need their help but don't know what to do now!
 
Thank You for replying guys it helps not to feel so alone!
 
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