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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Diarrhea for over 2 weeks, weight loss, abdominal pain
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Diarrhea for over 2 weeks, weight loss, abdominal pain
by andamin77, Oct 02, 2009 08:27AM
For the past 8-10 months, I have had an intermittent discomfort in my upper left abdomen just below my bottom rib. At first, it wasn’t really pain, but more of a “numbness” that came and went. I seemed to notice it more when I would turn my upper body to the left or right. Lately (for the past 4-6 weeks) it is more of a mild pain and is almost always present…sometimes a little more painful. I have had bowel movements that are looser than normal and smaller in size. I have also had the sensation of a lump in my throat.
Well, just over 2 weeks ago I got a bout of severe watery diarrhea. I missed a day of work and had 10-12 liquid only BMs that day. I consumed only clear liquids all day. The next morning, I still had diarrhea so I took Imodium (immodium) and went to work. For over 2 weeks now, if I don’t take Imodium (immodium) or try to eat anything not on the BRATTY diet, I get urgent, very loose, yellowish diarrhea. More than once, I have seen undigested food in there as well. That happened with both Canadian bacon and sushi (the nori and the fish). I have lost a total of 15 pounds (5% body weight) in the last 2 weeks and 2 days. I have been eating very little because I don’t want to trigger any more episodes of explosive watery diarrhea than I have to. I have been trying to stay hydrated, but probably not doing a great job. I am seeing a gastroenterologist who has ordered stool samples to check for ova and parasites, fecal leukocytes, C Diff, and a Sudan Stain. The order for blood tests says: “TTA SERUM TOTAL IGA IGG AEA SSYC” although I’m not sure what those are. Results of all tests are still pending. I am also scheduled for a colonoscopy.
My questions are these: what does this sound like? Assuming all tests come back normal, what should I look for next? Also, what should I eat? I just don’t feel like BRATTY is good for long-term nutrition. I have heard that Metamucil helps with IBS related diarrhea. Is that something I should try or is it likely to make it worse?
Thank you.
Well, just over 2 weeks ago I got a bout of severe watery diarrhea. I missed a day of work and had 10-12 liquid only BMs that day. I consumed only clear liquids all day. The next morning, I still had diarrhea so I took Imodium (immodium) and went to work. For over 2 weeks now, if I don’t take Imodium (immodium) or try to eat anything not on the BRATTY diet, I get urgent, very loose, yellowish diarrhea. More than once, I have seen undigested food in there as well. That happened with both Canadian bacon and sushi (the nori and the fish). I have lost a total of 15 pounds (5% body weight) in the last 2 weeks and 2 days. I have been eating very little because I don’t want to trigger any more episodes of explosive watery diarrhea than I have to. I have been trying to stay hydrated, but probably not doing a great job. I am seeing a gastroenterologist who has ordered stool samples to check for ova and parasites, fecal leukocytes, C Diff, and a Sudan Stain. The order for blood tests says: “TTA SERUM TOTAL IGA IGG AEA SSYC” although I’m not sure what those are. Results of all tests are still pending. I am also scheduled for a colonoscopy.
My questions are these: what does this sound like? Assuming all tests come back normal, what should I look for next? Also, what should I eat? I just don’t feel like BRATTY is good for long-term nutrition. I have heard that Metamucil helps with IBS related diarrhea. Is that something I should try or is it likely to make it worse?
Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 02, 2009 09:34PM
, Oct 02, 2009 09:34PM
I agree with the workup thus far. It appears that your GI physician is testing for celiac disease, and with a colonoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease and colitis.
There are a variety of conditions that can lead to your symptoms, and it is impossible to say for sure over the internet.
In addition to the tests ordered, I would also send your stool off for culture and analysis to exclude an infection or malabsorption.
The next step will depend on the results of the colonoscopy.
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 Pho, M.D.
KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd
There are a variety of conditions that can lead to your symptoms, and it is impossible to say for sure over the internet.
In addition to the tests ordered, I would also send your stool off for culture and analysis to exclude an infection or malabsorption.
The next step will depend on the results of the colonoscopy.
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 Pho, M.D.
KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd
