Gutierrez diagnosed with IBS

Franklin Gutierrez has returned from the Mayo Clinic with a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.

“They found something that was very common, IBS.” Gutierrez said at his locker, “So I need to take some medication and see if it works. At least I know something and it is treatable. It is not something that is going to go right away, it is going to take time.”

Gutierrez was told that it would take one to two weeks to see if the medication works. It will be a matter of getting the right medication that works for him. This could take some time but for now Gutierrez is with the team and will travel with them on the upcoming road trip. As for a plan going forward it is impossible to put a timetable on his return at this time.

“It’s basically a confirmation of what our guys here thought he had and now it is matter of treatment,” said Eric Wedge.

“The first step will be one, lets hope this initial treatment does work. It is not just a clear cut treatment, everyone’s chemical balance is different obviously so it is dependent on that. If we are a go with this first round of treatment then it is about his energy level and baseball activity we have got to get him to the point here where he is far enough along that we can send him out and play. Then when we get him out there and he starts to play then we have to get him far enough along that we feel comfortable bringing him back.”

Gutierrez said he was ready to join his team for pre game work and that has put on additional pounds in the last week. Being able to eat is key for him and although he has only just started treatment he said he does feel better and his goal is to wipe out the bad days.

One of the biggest things for Gutierrez is the relief that comes with the firm diagnosis.

“Knowing now it is what I have and it can be treatable, it makes me feel better mentally and now I want to feel better physically to be ready to be here again.”