Can anyone relate to this ?

I am an otherwise healthy 42 year old male. For almost a year now, I have suffered with loose bowels. Usually about 2-3 hours after eating. I have not had a normal bowel movement during this time. I rely on Immodium AD to allow me to function normally. I had an ultrasound of my gall bladder, which was normal, but showed a shadow on my pancreas. Drs. insisted on a CAT scan right away, which showed a normal pancreas, but an enlarged bile duct. Upper GI series showed the same. My doc has prescribed Librax, anyone know anything about this drug??? I am scheduled for a barium enema this week. I have been a heavy drinker for many years, but my Dr. seems to suspect stomach problems more than liver trouble.. Can anyone offer any advise ?? Thanks

[Wilson]

Librax is a muscle relaxer sometimes used in cases of IBS, so maybe your doctor is trying to rule out that (IBS) as a cause for your diarrhea. If your pancreas function were severely impaired you might have loose stools due to an increase of fat malabsorption. Apparently all they really have right now is the enlarged bile duct, although they seem to be looking elsewhere for the cause of your loose stools - hence the lower GI. Personally I'd forego the lower GI and get a colonoscopy instead, if they're going to look at the colon. It's a more direct look at the bowel without the "inconvenience" of the barium. A bile duct problem could cause diarrhea but I would think you'd also have pain, nausea, or some other symptoms. It seems you could maybe use an ERCP or hida scan to look more closely at the bile ducts and pancreas. Are your labs normal?

[Tired John]

Thanks for the input. Do experience nausea most of the time. Most mornings I vomit when i first get out of bed. Never undigested food, just a clear to yellow bile that burns. The librax has helped eliminate some of the morning vomiting, but has not helped the diarrhea. My bloodwork showed an elevated billirubin levels, as well as high triglycerides. Thanks again for any help.....Tired John

[Summer2002]

I agree with Wilson about asking the doctor to do first Colonoscopy, call and ask to do test first. Just get your words across. By the way, I have done the colonoscopy and then find a twisted colon, then did the ba enema too to check the part of the colon the doctor couldn't see because of the twist just to make sure that nothing was there. So Wilson is right, ba enema is not the first option. I think your doctor has lots of info in hand with all the results so far. The liver need to be check too and scanned. What about fat infiltration in the liver?

[Nanny]

Your symptoms, such as high triglycerides, diarrhea, nausea and high BUN levels all are usual indicators of poor pancreatic function.  Are you seeing a specialist?  The shadow on the pancreas shown during your CT-scan would also raise suspicions of pancreas problems, which will cause obstructions in the bile duct.  Has there been any mention of chronic pancreatitis?  Did the doctor check your amylase and lipase levels?

If you aren't seeing a gastroenterologist, I would recommend that you do so, and that you seek further investigation of possible pancreatic obstruction.

Good luck.

[5fan]

I would definately keep up with the pancreas tests.

I was released from the hospital the end of July after a bout with pancreatitis.  I do not drink very often (maybe 6 drinks a year), but when I questioned the doctors about the chances of another attack they all (4 in total) asked the same initial question - "Do you drink?"  I have been told that it is the absolute worst thing you can do for your pancreas.  

Unfortunately I have been moved from the acute to chronic pancreatitis diagnosis and I can tell you I pray every night that I never have to experience another attack.

Good Luck!