should I be concerned?

[jayl73]

Hello doctor.

I got food poisoning on December 23, 2008 and had chills, diarrhea, headache, felt bloated, and cramps, and  lightheaded. I had severe diarrhea for about 2-3 hours and must have went over 25 times or so in less than 12 hours.  I threw up once on the morning of the 24th.  I continued to have diarrhea till Xmas morning when the stool seemed to return to normal.

I then ate some dim sum  and some solid food and felt fine.  Later in the evening, I had some chinese food and some pepsi and then diarrhea returned and may have went about 10 times or so that evening.  I assumed all the fat and oil wasa big no no from the lunch.  

This morning, my stool was not diarrhea but still "loose and thin" and have gone 3 times and its been the same.  So I assume its a good sign-no diarrhea.  

I have usually been eating rice porridge and soup when I have diarrhea and yogurt since I heard that helps.  and still eating yogurt now but changed brands to Stonyfield lowfat plain from danon Activa blueberry.  

Should I continue to eat rice porridge and soup for a few more days or go to some solids and if so, what?  

Should I see my PCP? medication?

A friend suggested an enema bag to flush out the colon?

Thanks and Happy New Year.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Chronic diarrhea should be evaluated for infection.  Sending the stool off for culture and analysis, including C Diff, should be done.

If negative, and the symptoms continue, I would pursue a colonoscopy.  This can evaluate for more chronic conditions like malabsorption or inflammatory bowel disease.  With the changes in bowel habit, the colonoscopy can also exclude anatomic abnormalities or masses.

I would also obtain blood tests to exclude celiac disease.

These options should be discussed with a GI physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd

[jayl73]

One more thing,  cold water seems to go right through me and leads to more diarrhea but hot water does not.  I've been drinking a bit of pedialyte also to stay hydrated.  I am able at times to pass gas so I think its all getting better.