bowel change habit

I am a 48 yr. old female, non-drinker/smoker, and had my gallbladder removed at the age of 34.  No further problems.  For many years I have had chronic constipation, but that was normal for me.  Over the past months that has changed to where I have to take an anti-diarrheal pill with any meal.  If I don't, then about 30 min. to an hour after I eat I get cramps and have to find a bathroom rather quickly and experience very loose stools.  Also, I've been experiencing ongoing nausea and pain in the stomach.  I've been treated in the past for H. Pylori which was finally eradicated after three different treatments and the last scope done about five years ago showed all ulcers healed, but the stomach still inflammed as well as a large amount of bile - according to the gastro doctor.  I've recently started Pepcid and have had some relief for the pain and nausea, but I do believe it's causing constipation.  I stopped taking it and returned to the running to the bathroom after eating.  I am going through menopause and wonder if this could have anything to do with the change in bowel habits.  I've been waking up at night nauseated and feeling the stomach acid coming up.  It's about a 3 month wait to get into the doctor, so wondered what else to do.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The upper endoscopy is the most comprehensive evaluation of the upper digestive tract.  If the symptoms are continuing, and the last endoscopy was 5 years ago, you may want to consider repeating the test.  

Other tests to consider would be a gastric emptying scan looking for gastroparesis as well as a 24-hr pH study to rule out GERD.  

A more rare disease would be Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction - which can lead to the symptoms and may be more prevalent in those without gallbladders.  An ERCP with Sphincter of Oddi manometry can be considered if this is suspected.

For the constipation, I would consider a lower endoscopy (colonoscopy) to ensure there isn't a colonic polyp of mass leading to any blockage.

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

[yoshi]

Have you been on antibiotics?
have you tried eating yogurt??