Trade pain for diarrhea?

Probably best to get some updated diagnostics at this point. What about eating some foods that might increase motility? Might try some steamed vegetables, low fiber fruits etc.

Paul, are you having actual diarrhea or loose stools, there is a difference & how long does it last? How many trips are you having to the bathroom when this happens? Oatmeal can be harsh for some people, perhaps try something like cream of wheat.

I understand your fear of covid & having scopes done. However, the facilities are taking such extra precautions because of covid, it's probably safer now than any other time. They do not allow anyone in the facilities except the patient. My husband had back surgery in October, the hospitals here are allowing only one member of the family in for inpatient people, meaning our kids or other relatives were not allowed in. Patient waiting rooms were empty, really different now.

You mentioned possible gastritis, there are different types & treatment depends on which type. It's inflammation of the lining of the stomach, left untreated can result in ulcers & bleeding for starters. It's nothing something that should be handled over the phone.

Take care.

I asked about diarrhea because of your title. I have not read anything about odds of getting the virus by going to hospital or medical facilities. If that were the case we would be seeing medical facilities nearly at a stand still. I was in & out of the hospital going after lunches & dinner for both of us. The cafeteria was open but the food selection was nearly non-existent, mainly snacks & drinks. As I said above, seeing the the measures medical facilities are taking I feel safer than before.

Keep in mind people are going to medical facilities for procedures, infusions such as chemo, meds to treat crohns & UC, life is still going on except the amount of people being seen is less & this is why it's taking longer to get things scheduled. I have not read of anyone getting the virus at a medical facility.

I had to go to my pcp Friday. It's a large clinic with many drs. I was quite impressed, once I arrived I had to text them that I was in the parking lot. They texted me to come in & I was met by a person at the door that took my temp, asked if I had been around anyone with covid. There was 3 people sitting far apart in the waiting room. I was taken to a room in maybe 2 minutes. Knowing the size of the clinic had they not been as diligent as they were, I would have walked out & not been seen.

I feel I have a much greater exposure going to a grocery store than a hospital or drs office. I do not order groceries online because I don't want someone else picking my food out, lol. I take all of the precautions & am currently on 3 different waiting lists to get the shot.

Look up gastritis at the Mayo Clinic's website & you will see why I said what I did about gastritis. I have had 2 bouts with it in the past. I also had h-pyloria that 4 other gi's never even tested me for. My gi was shocked when he did a scope a saw the ridging in the walls. He said you have had this a long time for the ridges to develop, left untreated it can turn into cancer.

I know you are scared about covid, we all are, however, don't overlook your health.