2 not critical but not good diagnosis

[BlueKota]

Had Sitz marker test done for stomach issues. The good news is no blockages in my colon, or elsewhere in the digestive system. The not so good news the x- rays they took for the test revealed, I have lower lumbar degenerative disc disease. Plus this still doesn't identify cause of stomach pain.

Then today I had regular eye exam. Told them I was having difficulty seeing out of left eye, and really struggled with the eye chart reading on that side. When she physically examined my eye, the ophthalmologist saw an abnormality. They did X rays and found what they believe is Macular degeneration in the left eye. I have to see the specialist 3/26 to confirm. At least my right eye seems okay.

It could be worse. Neither are fatal, but just unsettling.

[captain queeg]

1. Yep. Getting old. I have quite a few things wrong but nothing that's likely to kill me soon.

Last year I took care of a bunch of them. The last major one is going to be getting dentures or implants. But I’m still sucking oxygen and generally not in pain.

[BlueKota]

2. Good point

As long as the heart, lungs, and brain, functions we just have to keep going.

[sanatanadharma]

3. The 'unsettling' is but a turbulent moment on the way to a new equilibrium

The 'unsettling' is simply a transient but turbulent moment on the way to a new equilibrium.

So was birth.

[BlueKota]

5. Thank you

[ProfessorGAC]

4. Not A Great Day

My wife has the same disk issue. Her situation has gotten to the point where surgery may be of marginal value, at best.
Hopefully, they've caught your problem early enough.
Take care.

[BlueKota]

6. I hope the doctors will find something to help your wife.

I have an appointment with the doctor next week to review the results so hopefully she will have some more specific details for me.

[ProfessorGAC]

7. Good Luck

With age, the lower lumbar is now loaded with calcium deposits (arthritis) and a not uncommon condition where fat deposits build up in the spinal canal. So, there's pressure from the outside & from the inside.
She's not inclined, right now, to consider surgery. Just pain management.

[BlueKota]

8. Thank you

I wish you and your wife good luck as well.

[Niagara]

9. I'm curious, BlueKota.

Do you happen to keep a food journal by any chance?


I'm curious to know if your stomach pain could be caused by a particular protein that you're consuming, specifically gluten. Gluten protein is found in wheat, barely and rye.


There's two types, one is Celiac and the other is non-Celiac gluten sensitivity. Their separate conditions both caused by gluten.


Many people have Celiac and don't know it because they never exhibit any symptoms, roughly 2 million Americans know that they have it and another 83% have Celiac but haven't been diagnosed. I'm not sure what the statistics are about non-Celiac gluten sensitivity.


Non-Celiac gluten sensitivity symptoms can include but not limited to abdominal pain, anemia, anxiety, balance issues, bloating, gas, brain fog, depression, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, inflammation in joints and muscles , various skin reactions, unplanned weight loss, headaches, and limb numbness.


I have non-Celiac gluten sensitivity. I know someone else it that it was only pancakes that caused them severe stomach pain. It's a weird and strange thing with the human body and how certain things can trigger pain or issues.


Anyway, I'm not a doctor, I'm just was curious if you keep a food journal.

Best of luck!

[BlueKota]

10. I don't keep a food diary

but I should start to. I was tested for Celiacs a number of years ago, and tested negative. My cousin does have it though.

I didn't know about non-celiac gluten sensitivity. I have quite a few of the symptoms you just listed for that. I will ask the doctor, if that's a possibility, when I meet with her to go over the test results.

Thank you!

[Niagara]

12. You're welcome, BlueKota.

As far as I know, there still isn't a "test" to determine a non-celiac gluten sensitivity.


That's why I asked if you kept a food journal.


Whatever it is that's making you uncomfortable, I certainly hope it's diagnosed sooner than later.

[BlueKota]

14. Thank you

[electric_blue68]

11. Good luck with your issues. Hopefully to be stabilized, and not an increase of problems.

[BlueKota]

15. Thank you

[AKwannabe]

13. ...

DU

[BlueKota]

16. Thank you!