How do I get help?

For 3 years I have been suffering from recurrent diaharrea and weight loss of 150lbs. After going to 9 doctors, having my gallbladder removed and infectious desese blood tests all the doctors concur that I have IBS, however, the only time I'm able to have any type of "normal" days is when I'm on the antiobotic Flagyl.  Every time I go off of Flagyl I go back to the same symtoms (symptoms) of diaharra and not being able to eat.  Do these symptoms show that there is an infection in my intestional tract?  How long does it take to get rid of the infection and is it at all possible to have surgery to get rid of the infected part of the intestion?  I am willing to do what ever it takes to get rid of this problem.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Flagyl treats several infectious causes of diarrhea - including a bacteria known as C Difficile.  There are cases of refractory cases where you may require several treatments - or cases where the bacteria is resistant to Flagyl.  In those cases, another antibiotic choice may need to be considered.

If infection has been ruled out, you may want to consider other causes of diarrhea - namely, inflammatory bowel disease or malabsorption.  A colonoscopy should be considered, as well as blood tests for celiac disease and stool tests for fat malabsorption.

A GI consult should be considered.  

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.