Unsolved Bowel Problem in 20yr. old male

I am a 20 year old male college student. I have had this problem since mid December and it is mid April now. My bowels have been very inconsistent, and I seem to have an increase in gas. I have diarrhea somedays, sometimes going to the bathroom 4x a day, or have to go if I eat a large meal. The diarrhea is either a light brown or a darker brown, but never extremely dark. Sometimes it will be very loose (almost like water). Then other days I feel like im constipated, where I sit on the toilet and either just gas comes out or very little bowel. Never any pain or blood...this is just annoying and came out of nowhere, and Im worried. I went to a GI doctor and he took blood work and stool samples, and told me I had a parasite (Giardia)...took an antibiotic...still no help...took another antibiotic...still nothing. Still have the diarrhea/gas/constipation/bloatedness. I have not lost any weight and I am able to eat food most of the time. I took Immodium AD to help, and it does help. I think I might have IBS, but my doctor has not mentioned that. What could it be? He said he wants to do a colonoscopy, but I have very horrible student insurance, and this is an over 2,500 dollar procedure. There is no way I can afford that, and I know for a fact the insurance wont even cover half. I have no idea what to do. I cant afford the test, but I also want to know what the hell is going on in there. Someone please offer advice. Is there a cheaper test to rule out serious problems like cancer or tumors. I just would feel so much better if I actually knew why my bowels changed.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The combination of diarrhea as well as constipation is certainly suggested of IBS.  

However, before settling on that disease, a colonoscopy is not a bad idea to exclude other causes (i.e. inflammatory bowel disease).  Another consideration if cost is an issue would be a flexible sigmoidoscopy - which doesn't quite go as far as a colonoscopy, and may be a less expensive procedure.  

Repeating the stool cultures to ensure that the Giardia is eradicated can be considered as well.

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_b

[xxlee]

Try colon cleaning call Drnatura. Read about the testimonial. The fiber actually help with IBS. My siter is using it and it helps with IBS.

[alana miller]

I also experience the alternating diarrhea/constipation/and frequent excessive gas. The doctors have told me that I have IBS. I also experience soft, thin bowel movements some days. I know your frustration, I am also in college and working two jobs, and its so hard at times b/c of these problems. You may want to try to eat yogurt to help regulate your bowels. It contains beneficial bacteria for your intestinal tract. Also read up on IBS. My doc wanted me to get a colonoscopy also, but I have no health insurance, so I haven't yet either. Good luck!

[baby hamster]

last year i was suffering from bleeding from the bowels and i was rushed to hospital i had to have 10 enemas i was consitpated i had a camera and a biopsy to a year ago then this year the other day i was having pains in the belly and constant rush to the toilet even in shops to then i found it difficult to go to the toilet to push i wasnt consitptaed then i saw blood again i have a feeling this coming back after a year i was told i had uclerative colitis of the bowels now am getting loads of wind and sore belly to and getting pains up my bum my stool were different colours from yellowy or dark at same time or i only do little ones a a time

[Thuney]

While it is most likely something like IBS, I think you need to put the insurance issue aside and get the colonoscopy--and perhaps just a normal XRay or CT scan.  Unfortunately, you cannot put a price on your health.

I have an 18 year old son and I would tell him the same thing.

Please let us know how you are doing!

God Bless!