Question: Hi. The doctor has decided that he has Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome since all the tests have come back negative. I read about FAPS and it indeed seems to be his symptoms. She is having him cleanse with Miralax and ex-lax for 3 to 4 days. She also said that she will put him on an antidepressant (I can't remember the name) and this should help his pain. What is your opinion?
Brief Answer:
yes
Detailed Answer:
if all the testing has been negative, i certainly then agree that functional abdominal pain is a good explanation for his symptoms. keep in mind that treating the symptoms sometimes can be difficult, and it takes trial and error of different medications until finding the right one.
Miralax / ex-lax are good laxatives, and I would suggest using Miralax as needed in the future. it has no major side effects.
Antidepressants help with functional abdominal pain, and usually low doses of these antidepressants is enough. there are many types of antidepressants commonly used for gastroenterological problems (such as trazodone, amytriptiline, librax, etc). I agree with trial of an antidepressant, as long as all testing has been normal or negative as you mentioned.
It is also advisable to add fiber in the diet (and also fiber supplements such as Metamucil or fibersouce) and also use of probiotics daily.
Other patients may respond to elimination of gluten / wheat in the diet, even though they don't necessarily have "gluten intolerance" or sprue. Minimize dairy products to see if this improves his symptoms.
Hope that helped. let me know if you have any other concerns.
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Suggest Treatment For Functional Abdominal Pain
Brief Answer:
yes
Detailed Answer:
if all the testing has been negative, i certainly then agree that functional abdominal pain is a good explanation for his symptoms. keep in mind that treating the symptoms sometimes can be difficult, and it takes trial and error of different medications until finding the right one.
Miralax / ex-lax are good laxatives, and I would suggest using Miralax as needed in the future. it has no major side effects.
Antidepressants help with functional abdominal pain, and usually low doses of these antidepressants is enough. there are many types of antidepressants commonly used for gastroenterological problems (such as trazodone, amytriptiline, librax, etc). I agree with trial of an antidepressant, as long as all testing has been normal or negative as you mentioned.
It is also advisable to add fiber in the diet (and also fiber supplements such as Metamucil or fibersouce) and also use of probiotics daily.
Other patients may respond to elimination of gluten / wheat in the diet, even though they don't necessarily have "gluten intolerance" or sprue. Minimize dairy products to see if this improves his symptoms.
Hope that helped. let me know if you have any other concerns.