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Diarrhea for Past 5+ Weeks and Really Worried

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 9/24/2013 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
All, I am Krish, 35. This is my first post. The issue is, I have been having loose stools for the past 5+ weeks and its 3 or 3+ bowel moments per day. I saw a Gastroenterologist 1 week back, he asked me to do stool test which came out negative, then bacterial over growth test which came out negative as well. I am due for a lactose intolerance test on the 26th. Doctor also advised me to get colonoscopy done, which I am scheduled for the 4th of next month. I got my gallbladder removed some 11 years and ever since I used to have diarrhea episodes for a day when ever I have very spicy or heavy cheesy food. The diarrhea episode started all of a sudden since 5 or 6 weeks. We had a baby birth (I cant remember if my episodes started before or after our kids birth) and I have been very busy ever since his arrival and been taking a lot of stress. I am really worried why my diarrhea is not getting controlled. I have changed my diet also to a bland diet and been taking non diary products. Another piece of information: I got some cough infection for which I took antibiotics for 5 days, I vaguely remember if I had diarrhea before my cough started.

Any insights or expert comments on my situation will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Krish.
Posted 9/25/2013 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
Ask you doc about bile diarrhea - it's a common side effect after having your gall bladder taken out, and some people on here take cholestyramine (I think that's what it's called) to help.
I had similar issue to you - my loose stools lasted for at least 3 months, usually 3 or 4 times a day.
You might also try experimenting with your diet. I was finally able to solve the chronic diarrhea after eliminating gluten, lactose, and artificial sweeteners. It took a few weeks eating just meat, fish, chicken, cooked vegetables, and a little fruit to finally solve it for me.
Hope you find a solution!
Posted 9/25/2013 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea because they disrupt the normal bacteria population in your gut. Try eating a good yogurt or two (with live cultures) every day, or take a good quality probiotic to replenish the "good" bacteria in your gut.
Posted 10/2/2013 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
So, here is the latest from my situation. I had my lactose intolerance test done and I was positive, which could explain my diarrhea. The day I took the Lasctose solution for the test, my diarrhea was worse and it hasn't subsided yet. Today I went to my doctor and he was not happy with my situation and asked me to go ahead get the colonoscopy done. I have scheduled one for this Friday and I am very nervous about what comes out of the test. He asked me to take VSL probiotic and another prescription which I haven't received yet which I should be taking before bed. My stool doesn't have any blood or I haven't lost any weight since 3 weeks. Hope nothing serious is underlying my condition. Anyone who are lactose intolerant went through severe diarrhea? Any expert comments are also welcome. Will keep my results posted...
Posted 10/2/2013 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
Yes lactose intolerance can cause diarrhea, gas and other symptoms. Combined with your gallbladder being removed this could be your cause. Did you ask your doctor about taking cholestyramine? (as suggested previously). That could help along with avoiding dairy.

A colonoscopy seems uncalled for IMO unless you have other symptoms or you are the right age (50?) to have one done for the first time to prevent colon cancer.
Posted 10/2/2013 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor said, since my gallbladder was removed 11 years ago, he suspects that the diarrhea cause is nothing to do with gallbladder being out. But I haven't asked him about cholestyramine. I am 35 and even I felt that colonoscopy may be un called for. He just said, lets get it done just to check if I may have any rear diseases or something. He also said, if it comes out clean, we will have to look at the small intestine lining.
I am still confused if I should go for the Colonoscopy day after tomorrow !!
Posted 10/2/2013 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, you should go.
Posted 10/4/2013 4:33 AM (GMT 0)
I started my souprep for scope tomorrow and it was mot easy.
I have been on liq diet for 24hrs, and the whole prep liquid cameout through vomiting. I cannot have the second bottle at any cost as i will throw up in a min. My stool is liquidly as usual and not clear.
Am so worried that my doc may ask me to repeat prep and reschedule scope. Anyone who did not complete their prep and on liq diet had successful scope done??
Posted 10/5/2013 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Ok, so no go for me today. Doc asked me to reschedule for a later date with a different prep. Meanwhile I want to try cholestyramine and see if my symptoms improve. I will call the doc tomorrow.
Posted 10/5/2013 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
Make sure your doctor prescribes regular cholestyramine, not a light variety (which contains aspartame, an artificial sweetener that can induce GI upset).

I've had good success with Cholestyramine made by Sandoz.
Posted 10/5/2013 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Marsky. I forgot to mention that my doc also prescribed Chlordiazepoxide-Clidinium capsules...don't know if he will be ok with me trying cholestyramine, will see. Feeling so bad that I was totally fine 5 weeks back!!! and now everything is upside down for me...
Posted 10/7/2013 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Does anyone know if its bad to drink beer with my condition of diarrhea?? Am lactose intolerant as well.
Posted 10/8/2013 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
Alcohol can definitely irritate your stomach and intestines and make the diarrhea worse. You might try cutting out the beer for a week or two and see if that helps also.
Posted 10/9/2013 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
So, its Day 2 with normal bowel movement and Diarrhea at all. I havent asked my doctor to prescribe cholestyramine yet as I have seen improvements in my sysmptoms. I am following lactose free diet and eating non spicy foods for the time being...I am on VSL (1 capsule in the morning) and Chlordiazepoxide-Clidinium capsule before bed for the last 4days. Hope this continues, I will ask my doctor in my next visit if I should go for my colonoscopy or not...will keep you all posted
Posted 2/24/2014 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
It shows that you had some salmonella symptoms causing diarrhea. You should use the BRAT diet. BRAT diet means you should eat 4 typical types of food that are plain and low in fiber: bananas, rice, apple sauce and toast. The BRAT diet is proved to be effective in helping recovering from vomiting or diarrhea.

Post Edited (One Picker) : 2/25/2014 10:13:31 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 5/29/2014 3:17 AM (GMT 0)
All...i never posted here with an update on my condition...the real reason for my diarrhea was that I suddenly became Lactose intolerant :-( ...as soon as I stopped all dairy products, I became normal with in few days...now a days I take dairy once in a while in very little quantities and it does not bother me much.
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