Doctor, Doctor

On Tuesday I finally went to the doctor with the hopes of solving my "problem".  Now, when I say "problem", what I really mean is "inability to use the bathroom regularly, sometimes for 1+ weeks".

Fair Warning:  The following story is about a personal problem you may not want to know about.  The phrase TMI might be appropriate.  Proceed at your own risk.

It's something I've always had to deal with, but ever since I got down to around 220-240 pounds, the problem has been increasingly hard to deal with.  I started taking fiber pills after a scare in June where I couldn't go for a week and felt like death.  Did they help?  It's hard to say.  All I know is that as of Tuesday, I hadn't gone for nine days--fiber or no fiber.  That sucks.

That afternoon my scheduled appointment which was luckily setup the week before came up.  I went, filled out the requisite newbie patient paperwork, and waited patiently for the visit.  After what seemed like years (but was really 5 minutes), they called me up.  A worker had me step on some scales (188.9 pounds--wow) and took my blood pressure.  It's a curious moment when they're reading your pressure and your pulse.  You know they they you're nervous since it must be registering that way.  They don't say anything.  Neither do you...

After that I was lead to a room where the worker asked me about my problem.  I detailed my...problem, albeit awkwardly.  After a few minutes of that unpleasantness, she left and said the doctor would be by shortly.  It wasn't a but a few minutes and he showed up.

After about five minutes of explaining my problem again with a bit more detail, he decided I most likely am suffering from IBS.  He gave me some pills and a prescription for Amitiza.  With a box of what he assured me would be quick relief (PLUS good regulation going forward), he sent me on my way.

Let me tell you something about Amitiza that you may not know.  It's something called a chloride channel initiator, and it's magical for people like me.  I went that night, I went the next day, and the day after that.  Heck, I'm a down right "regular" Joe now.

Thank you, Doctor.