severe diarrhea

ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO I HAD SYMPTOMS OF THE STOMACH FLU. BAD DIARRHEA AND VOMITING. AFTER TWO DAYS OF THIS I STARTED FEELING BETTER, BUT AS SOON AS I STARTED EATING AGAIN THE SYMPTOMS CAME BACK. NOW EVERY DAY I HAVE STOMACH PAIN WITH SEVERE DIARRHEA AND BELCHING THAT TASTES AND SMELLS LIKE ROTTON EGGS. MY STOOL WHICH IS EXTREMELY DARK AND RESEMBLES COFFEE GROUNDS AND WATER ALSO HAS A TERRIBLE ODOR. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT I EAT IT ENDS UP LIKE THIS. I ALSO FEEL WEAK AND LIGHT HEADED. I AM NOT ON ANY MEDICATION OTHER THAN MY INSULIN FOR DIABETES. OVER THE COUNTER MEDICINE SUCH AS KAOPECTATE HAS DONE NOTHING. BLOOD TESTS SHOWED AN INCREASE IN PROTEIN IN THE URINE BUT THE DOCTORS FELT THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY CURRENT PROBLEM. ALSO WHEN I DO EAT THE FOOD GOES RIGHT THROUGH ME LIKE THIS WITHIN AN HOUR OR SO. I HAVE A CONSTANT GROWLING OF FLUID IN MY STOMACH AREA THAT LITERALLY DOES NOT STOP THROUGH OUT THE DAY. I ALSO HAVE THAT FEELING OF WANTING TO VOMIT ALL OF THE TIME. I THINK THIS IS A SERIOUS CONDITION. THANK YOU.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There can be several causes of your symptoms.  For the diarrhea, you may want to ensure it isn't anything infectious - sending it out for ova, parasites, bacteria and white cells would be the first step.  If the diarrhea continues, then a lower endoscopy - colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy - should be considered.  Irritable bowel syndrome as well as inflammatory bowel disease are among the chronic causes.

Regarding the stomach pain, this needs to be investigated as well - especially since you have black stools that may be suggestive of bleeding.  Ulcers and inflammation needs to be ruled out.  An upper endoscopy would be a reasonable test to get.  

You may want to discuss these options 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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b