worried

First off, thank you for all the help.  Now here is my problem.  I've been having diarrhea for about 5-6 weeks now.  It has been on and off some but still have consistently been there.  Sometimes runny sometimes a little bit more solid.  I  also had an uprotected sexual accounter at about that time but i think i had this problem a little while before that encounter.  I was concerned about it possibly being acute primary hiv as I had also gotten bronchitis with a slight temp for about a day at about 10 days from possible exposure.  Told my doc about the whole situation and he said not to worry.  Had an hiv test done at five weeks and the doc told me I was good as far as hiv was concerned.   But I still have these stomach issues today.  I eat something and my stomach growls and groans and then a short while later i need to use the can.  Sometime just a little diarrhea and sometimes more solid piece followed by runny stool.  And I have lost some weight during this time maybe 10 lbs or so.  The doc at the hiv clinic told me my issues was something other than hiv so if you great docters could give me any insight as to what this may be or could you point me in the right direction that would be most appreciated. By the way.  I am a 26 year old    
otherwise healthy male.  Could this possibly be anxiety or stress?  Thank you very much.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Chronic diarrhea can be evaluated with a colonoscopy - which can evaluate for colitis, inflammatory bowel disease or possible masses or cancer.

The stool should also be sent for culture and analysis - to exclude infection or malabsorption.

I would also do blood tests to exclude celiac disease.

Regarding the upper GI symptoms, an upper endoscopy can evaluate for GERD, ulcers or inflammation of the esophagus or stomach.

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 patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com