9 week Gastro Problem

Dr.,

I have had Loose Stool for 9 weeks now.  Occasionally I will have a normal movement.  I have bloating, gas and loose stool.  Never extremely runny, never any blood that I can see and never any mucus.  I have been tested for HIV/Hep B/A/C all negative at 11 weeks.  I have not noticed anything that looks pressed or extremely small.  When it is almost normal its normal color, size and circumference.  Please help as I don't know what else it could be.  I also have slight pain right behind my pectoral but no swollen glands.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Chronic loose stools can be evaluated by sending it off to the lab for analysis and culture.

If the symptoms continue, an endoscopy should be considered.  This can look for inflammatory bowel disease or anatomic changes that can lead to your symptoms.

More specialized tests like looking for malabsorption and celiac disease should also be considered.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

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, M.D.
kevinmd_

[ScaredinAbuDhabi]

I have not had a fever.  I have been very stressed.  My stomach bloats when I eat, then comes gas and then loose stool.  Normally once a day at normal interval but occasionally three times a day.

[dlhigh]

You should get a GI work up to determine if this is IBS.  Stress can trigger irregular bowels.  Try some relaxation tips and keep a journal of all intake of food, drink and meds to give to GI doc.  Get well soon!