Chronic Diarrhea past month

Last year I was having vague nausea symptoms and the test I had done were.

Feb 07 Colonoscopy ..results were normal except for internal hemorrhoids
June 07 Abdominal ultrasound.. results were normal except for a non alcoholic fatty liver which I've had for years.
Aug 07 Abdominal CT scan ..results were unremarkable
Sept 07 Upper GI barium study.. results showed Gerd (which I've had for years)
Nov 07  Upper Endoscopy ..normal except for Gerd.
Dec 07 Full blood work.. normal
March 08 Full blood work ..normal

No cause for the nausea was every found and that has since gone away.

So fast forward to May/June of 08. I have been suffering from what seems to be chronic diarrhea. I havent traveled out of the country ..the only meds I am on are blood pressure meds 10mg norvasc and 325/25 diovan hct and pepcid. I am 42  years old ..a non smoker and rarely drink alcohol. The diarrhea is the running watery type... Sometimes I will have a normal bowel movement and then diarrhea right after. but its almost daily now. I do not see any blood or mucus at this time.  Prior to this I did have a month were I battled constipation

My question is.. My doctor said because of the full workup I had last year and that I had a month of constipation and now the diarrhea that he believes this is IBS  He doesn't see a need at this time to start doing a full workup again. He has given me a prescription of for Lomotil.
Does this seem to be the right course of action?  

Thanks for any feedback.
Mike

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree that the workup has been comprehensive.

Specialized tests can be done with a stool analysis to exclude malabsorption and blood tests to evaluate for celiac disease.

IBS can be considered if the tests remain negative.  Antispasmodic agents, increasing the fiber in the diet, and possibly the antibiotic Rifaximin.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com