GIARDIA/DIVERTICULITOUS

2YRS AGO I ENDED UP IN THE ER SEVER STOMACH PAIN,LOOSE STOOL AND DIARREHA.THEY DID ALL THE BLOOD WORK AND SO ON GAVE ME ANTIBIOTICS AND VICODIN ES FOR PAIN.HAD A MRI DONE 2 DAYS LATER THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE ACCEPT FOR A SMALL DIVERTICULI THEY SAID WAS IN MY SMALL INTESTINE..WELL SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD SEVERAL MORE TIMES OF THE SAME SYMPTOMS STOMACH PAIN AND SO FORTH.AFTER EVERTIME OF BEING PUT ON ANTIBIOTICS IT GET BETTER MAY BE 2-6 MONTHS BETWEEN REOCCURANCES.SINCE 2 YRS AGO I HAVE WENT FROM 426 POUNDS DOWN TO 330.IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS I HAVE HAD THE SYMPOMS TWICE NOW.10 DAYS AGO I FINISHED A 3 DAY COURSE OF ALINIA 500MG X2 A DAY.NOW 10 DAYS POST SYMPTOMS ARE BACK AGAIN HAD STOOL TEST DONE FOR GIARDIA AND CHRYPTO BUT IT WAS ONLY THE SINGLE TEST.AFTER RESEARCHING I FIND MY DR SHOULD HAVE ORDERED A 3 DAY STOOL SAMPLE FOR GIARDIA AS IT IS HARD TO DIAGNOSE,MY BASIC QUESTION IS 2 YRS AGO COULD THEY HAVE MISTAKEN A SUPPOSED DIVERTICULI IN MY SMALL INTESTINE WHEN IT REALLY WAS A GIARDIAL CYST THAT KEEPS COMING BACK.K

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Evaluation of the upper GI tract should be done.  This can be done by an upper endoscopy, which can exclude ulcers, inflammation or GERD.  

Blood tests should also be done to evaluate for H Pylori, an infection associated with ulcers and inflammation.

I agree with the stool tests.  If the symptoms continue, a colonoscopy can be done to exclude inflammatory bowel 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, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[concerned2009]

Hi Doctor

I notice that a friend of mine's face (who drinks regularly- maybe becoming an alcoholic) has become extremely brown although he does not tan. He is of Chinese descent so I am wondering if I suggest he should get himself checked. I need your advice on which tests he should take. Thank you so much!

[dexter7]

71 year old male in otherwise good health. 6 foot tall and 185 lbs. Had Colonoscopy 6 months ago with good report. For past 45 days I have had persistant diarreha with 8 lbs weight loss with no pain, no blood.. Stool samples taken result normal and CAT scan also normal. Now in wait and see period of two weeks. This is unusual for me and I know something is wrong but do not seem to be able to find problem. Can you offfer any assistance with above information. Thanks in advance.