metalic taste, and arm pit soreness

4 years ago when I was in Cuba I acquired Amoebic dysentery.  I thought I was over it but someone said that I should have gone through a course of antibiotics...which I did not.  Two other components...I have some odd feelings on my right side...not pain...but discomfort.  Tonight I had diarrhea which is the first time that I have had that in a long time.  When I am under stress is when I notice the metalic mouth the most and also the discomfort on my side.  I am wondering if all this has something to do with that amoebic dysentery that I had years ago?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Amebiasis generally has a subacute onset, usually over one to three weeks. Symptoms range from mild diarrhea to severe dysentery producing abdominal pain (12 to 80 percent), diarrhea (94 to 100 percent), and bloody stools (94 to 100 percent). Weight loss is present in just under 50 percent of patients. Fever occurs in 8 to 38 percent.  I am not aware of the metallic taste being associated with this disease.  

I would suggest stool testing, fecal antigen testing, and blood testing for antibodies which can diagnose this disease.

Other causes of right sided pain can include inflammatory bowel disease, liver/gall bladder disease, or appendicitis.  An abdominal CT scan would be a reasonable test, followed by either upper or lower endoscopy if the scan was negative.  

Jaundice, gastritis, GERD, lead poisoning, medications, and post nasal drip are a few things that can alter taste.  You may want to consider these diagnoses 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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[kwag]

I have been told that a metallic taste can be due to silver fillings in your mouth, they contain mercury (metals).  Look into the dangers of silver fillings and why they need to be removed