QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
Have you ever dealt with anyone who is paralyzed and has IBS? I am a C4-C5 quadriplegic, IBS for 13 years, but lately I found a blend of Chinese herbs that help but still I am in pain.
Thanks.
ANSWER:
Most cases of irritable bowel arise from anxiety and other mental health problems. Malfunction of the 10th cranial nerve (the "vagus" nerve) can cause irritable bowel, and may be the source of your discomfort. Since mental health disorders are primarily in the brain, they are not affected by your paralysis. Getting them treated medically is a wise choice. The screening test I use for my patients may be of use to you.
