Q. I was diagnosed with IBS many years back. How to get rid of its symptoms?

Hi doctor,

I am a 42 year old male, who weighs 210 lbs, and I am 5.11 feet tall. I have been having severe digestive and related symptoms for quite some time. I was diagnosed with IBS many years ago, but I would like a second opinion. My symptoms include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, headache, loud digestive noises, cramping, bloating, and food intolerances. I have been gluten-free and dairy-free for many years. I eat very healthy food with lots of fresh vegetables and meats, not a lot of processed foods, very little sugar, rarely coffee or tea, and drink mostly water. These symptoms would come and go throughout my life. The older I get, the worse the symptoms become. Now I am sick all the time and can barely function. All I want to do is sleep. I went to the ER last night and explained the symptoms and medical history, so the doctor did some tests, the reports of which I am attaching. I received IV fluids and was discharged. The doctor stated that my lab results were "benign." I went over my results, and they do not appear "benign" to me, so I would like a second opinion. Thank you.

Hello doctor,

Thank you for responding. I have had a low-grade fever, but no burning on urination. I have actually tried most of the things you have suggested. I did several cycles of different proton pump inhibitors, starting with Zantac but later tried Nexium, Prilosec, and Aciphex, which do not seem to work. Also, I did two courses of Xifaxan (Rifaximin), and it did seem to work but only temporarily. I did that after my GI performed hydrogen breath test and found bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. I have never tried Rifaximin (Elavil), but it was suggested by my GP. I have used Rifaximin (Imodium) but was warned against using it too often, so I only use it occasionally if diarrhea persists for several days or more. Kaopectate seems to work just as well and seems safer, am I correct? I have had these symptoms for 30 years, and they are becoming more persistent and severe, with the new symptom of noisy rumbling and excessive gas I never had before. I have changed my diet and eating habits, so many times, and there is nothing left to try. I have also had many other tests done; parasites, tumor markers, which were all negative. The ultrasound of liver and gallbladder years ago revealed fatty liver, which subsided on its own after eliminating high fructose corn syrup from my diet and cutting back sugar intake. Is it possible I have diverticulitis? My next step is endoscopy or colonoscopy, would you suggest that? I have an appointment with my GI doctor. Once again, thank you for responding.