Diarrhea, loose stool for over 6 weeks. What is wrong with me?

[revamp]

I am a 27 yr old female with an extremely healthy history (only visits to the Dr. are for an occasional sinus infection once every 3-4 yrs and regular exams)

Approximately 7 weeks ago, I began to have diarrhea 3-6 times a day, with a slight decline in appetite.  At this time, I was also preparing for relatives to fly in and visit, my significant other (who is in the military) received orders to deploy to Iraq, and I was in the midst of looking for a job.

Because of all this, I attributed the diarrhea to stress and figured it would pass.  To make a long story short, it hasn't.  Since it started, I have not had a single day with a normal bowel movement.  Other than the diarrhea (and perhaps a slight depression from this going on for so long) there are no other symptoms.  No pain, no appreciable loss of appetite, no fever or anything like that.

The diarrhea is worst in the mornings...I usually get cramping and the urgent need to "go" about 20-30 minutes after waking up and eating a small something for breakfast.  After the first bout, I usually have to enter the bathroom again a couple more times before I leave for work in the morning.  Frequently (but not always) I also have this same behavior after eating lunch.

The diarrhea/loose stool is always light-colored, sometimes yellowish (my stool is normally a medium brown color).  It is often accompanied by gas, and varies between completely unformed diarrhea, and thin (pencil-thick) VERY soft stools.

Pepto Bismol doesn't do much to help, other than darken the stool.  I haven't tried taking anything else, since I have no other symptoms and don't want to further upset my system.

I currently am waiting for my health insurance coverage to kick in before going to the Dr. (3 more weeks) But with me working now, the frequent diarrhea is more of an issue than it was when I was in and around the house all day.

In doing research on the web, it seems my symptoms most closely resemble a Giardia infection, but I wanted to see what the opinions were here, and if there is anything I can do to lessen my symptoms while I am waiting to see my own Dr.

[revamp]

Awesome!  Thanks so much for the update!  I would also agree that after many weeks of consistent diarrhea and loose stool, for things to return to normal so suddenly is more than coincidence.

Although I haven't been plagued with the actual diarrhea for the last couple weeks, my bowel movements have still not returned to a consistent state of normalcy...I think I might give your remedy a try, if I can find the stuff.

Also, since I am pretty convinced (in my own mind) that my problem is nothing more than a malfunction of my own system (such as IBS or just nerves that set off a chain reaction), I may not pursue this issue at the Dr's next week (although I will still mention it and request a standard blood work-up and whatnot)

At any rate, I'll keep you all posted.

[ufunny]

I have had the same problems as you since the first of June. I went to doctor and insisted that they do a stool test for parasites. I thought I had picked up some sort of parasite from a buffet. My stool and blood tests were normal. I still had loose and watery bowel movements usually between 4-5 A.M. Ocassionally I would have a several cramp in the afternoon and have to rush to the bathroom. The doctor then sent me for a UGI and small bowel test. This too was normal. I go for a colonoscopy next week. I am taking cholestyramine packets twice daily to remove the bile salts?? from my movements. This also is not working. I still do not have normal bowel movements. I exercise on the treadmill daily and try to eat healthy. If you find something that works let me know.

[Gregusjay]

I seem to alternate between Constipation and Diahrrea..anyone else have this problem?

[kidcoconut]

Hi,

Glad your stools are back to normal size again ! ( can you believe we're talking about this stuff ?! ) Let us know what the diagnosis is please? I think I'm taking a minor step backwards after weeks of improvement. ( uncomfortable feeling in stomach in the a.m. and stool looser after 1st movement of the day.) ARGHHHHH! , I'm so tired of this ! Good luck to you. You sound like you have IBS.

[revamp]

the 2for1 rate sounds like a great idea!  ;)

As for the thin stools, that's one thing that I failed to address in my update.  In the last couple weeks, I have frequently had firm, normal-diameter stool, so I know I don't have a blockage or anything like that going on.  Like you suggested, I feel that the thin stool is due to the diarrhea.  Also, when it is thin, mine is "fluffy" too (your description was pretty accurate)

I would certainly believe an IBS diagnosis, because I have always had an "iffy" GI tract.  (in the middle of grocery shopping or something and suddenly having to go to the bathroom, then feeling better afterwards)  My stomach and bowels have also always been sensitive to stress.

So, one more week and I should know a little more...(PS--I haven't taken an immodium in 3 days and I've had no diarrhea yesterday or today--stool was just soft)

[kidcoconut]

Hi, Man my symptoms are exactly like yours ! Maybe I should go to the doctor with you?!, maybe a 2 for 1 rate!
I would venture to say that the pencil thin stools are because they are so soft and just have a hard time getting out in a larger form. I've been on this Colonix program and it seems to be helping, but it's been 7 weeks now. I've progressed to 2 mostly normal movements in the a.m., usually followed by a "fluffy" one or two. So it's still there, whatever it is. I have a very mild dull ache in my lower abdomin sometimes, often in the a.m. I think it's IBS or parasites. This cleansing program, ( Colonix ) is supposed to get rid of parasites, so I'm hoping that will work if that's what I have. I'm like you, I know IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion and I don't want to do all the tests to rule out all the "bad" stuff. ( like this isn't bad enough ! Keep us posted. I bet it's IBS. Have you tried a Fiber suppliment. I know fiber is supposed to be for constipation but the suppliment in this stuff absorbs excess water supposidly, so it also helps diarrhea. That's my other dilema. I'm supposed to take this for 2 months. I do feel better, it's been 3 weeks. However I don't know if I would be totally normal if I stopped altogether, or if I would be worse. ( I did stop the Senna tea that you're supposed to take a bedtime. It a laxative and not what I need. I'm going enough already !) All the best, I'm sure you're fine.