Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction
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Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction
| Mon, 09-20-2004 - 12:58am |
For the last 20 years I have been dealing with a number of digestive disorders that I know others have experienced, too. In addition to IBS, I suffered from symtoms similar to gallstones, but all tests would always come back negative. 'Just stress', I was told. But I couldn't believe that it was all in my head! Finally, a third gastroenterologist I consulted decided to do a CCK Hida scan and, as a result, it was discovered that my gallbladder was not functioning properly. Soon after surgery I began to experience pain in my side that was eventually diagnosed as SOD - Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction. At first it was just a little annoying but over the years it grew to be debilitating. My doctor is very reluctant to do an ERCP as he has stressed that it is irreversible and the risk of getting pancreatitis from the procedure alone is a little high. I mention this because not all articles (of the few articles are out pertaining to SOD) stress this possiblity. Instead, he recommended a Botox injection in the sphincter muscle to temporarily numb it. I had the Botox a year ago, but before long, the pain started to creep back into my life. Besides wrinkle-free intestines, I really had hoped for a pain free existence! It was then that a friend gave me a two week free trial membership to "Slender Lady", a woman's gym similar to the popular "Curves". The hydraulic machines I used for upper body strengthening seemed to play a big part in my pain control, and by the end of the two week trial, surprisingly, I was so much more comfortable. I had several months of an almost pain free existence! I don't know if this information is helpful but I hope it is as I know how painful SOD can be. For years I walked 3-5 miles several times a week, but could not find any relief until I used those hydraulic machines. Perhaps lifting weights would bring the same results. Most gyms offer free trials and you might be able to tell in a few weeks, before joining, if it is helpful to you. Finally, regarding Botox: I don't know if it still is considered experimental but I do know that it is used for MS patients, and it was covered by my medical insurance. Thankfully!

Sounds like you found something that helped or is helping you..
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Hi Bebron!
Thanks