Question: Hi - For several months I have been having severe bowel problems - movements as often as hourly that deprive me of most nutrition, so I am chronically tired. Sometimes it will be aproblem for several weeks, then not a problem at all for weeks. I am a local public official and when it is active I can do litgle but stay home clolse to the toilet. I am presently running for reelection on the local seelectboard, for a third term. I am very popular but my health problems are becoming an issue.

Other health problems that complicate things - Noonan's syndrome (which per my choice is nnot treated at this time with testosterone), chronic depression with sleep apnea, successfully treated for last several years with combination of sertraline and CPAP machine, first time successfully treated in approximately 40 year. I also have naturally slow pulse (around 34), whch caused a debilitating seizure in 1998, managed by pacemaker which keeps my pulse at 55 and above.

I became a vegetarian (no meet or fish but do eat milk, eggs, cheese, some (but not much) beans).2-3 years ago and am contemplating becoming full vegan soon. This problem did not develop until I had been vegetarian close to 2 years.

What I need most qujckly about this is whether it is likely to continue with severity. I am running for a third term on local council, and need to make a decision ASAP as to whether this is likkely to continue with severity. Presently it periodically prevents me from going to meetings for obvious rfeasons. Also it is enervating.

Your questions:

1. Do you have weight loss?

Approoximately 10 lbs. 150-140. 150 was a bit high for me. I'm small due to Noonan's (5'4")


2. Do bowel movements disturb your sleep?

Yes and no. They do if I don't relieve myself immediately before going to bed, and I am likely to have an uncontrollable immediate movement when I rise in the AM. That happened today.


3. Are you a diabetic?

No, although it's common in the family. I have low sweets and essentially zero alcohol.


4. What are all the tests done so far?

Not much. Have been hospitalized twice in ER for this. First time was for related suicide remarks, but that was over by the time was hospitalized for "observation." Hospital found high potassium levels and treated with IV but did not uncover a reason. Second time family doctor observed black spoor with blood. Hospital released after finding no blood - hospital doctor made unspecific unsolicited deroggatory respolnse about family doctor - "I see her very little and try to avoid her." X-rays have been ordered but not yet taken.