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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Dr. K - some more info for you
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.
Dr. K - some more info for you
by Melinda2, May 19, 2004 12:00AM
Re: partial obstruction post on 5/18-I wasn't able to give all info in last post --- please forgive, but I think this may be relevant:
Since I entered menopause at the age of 45, I have put on 40 pounds, have developed a slightly elevated BP (monitored), high cholesterol (using Policosinol), hypothyroidism (taking T3/T4), insomnia, degenerative disk disease, slight osteporosis (monitored), an L5 spondylolithesis with root nerve involvement (monitored), fibromyalgia (diagnosed by a rheumatologist), and joint pain. I also have allergic asthma (intermittant) and a truck load of food allergies.
After my h.pylori treatment, my GI doctor did a breath test, endoscopy, and colonoscopy to check things out and said that I had two small hemorrhoids, three small diverticula, and IBS (again). It took me several months of special diet and using probiotics before I was able to stop the terrible gastritis caused by the heavyduty antibiotics. During that time, my IBS changed to mostly constipation with only an occasional swing to diarrhea.
In November, I was given Xenical to help me lose weight (I am about 40 pounds over) and told that it would loosen up my bowels. It did not. Since I could only get out an orange greasy discharge (undigested fat?) and no stool, I stopped taking the Xenical.
Since I entered menopause at the age of 45, I have put on 40 pounds, have developed a slightly elevated BP (monitored), high cholesterol (using Policosinol), hypothyroidism (taking T3/T4), insomnia, degenerative disk disease, slight osteporosis (monitored), an L5 spondylolithesis with root nerve involvement (monitored), fibromyalgia (diagnosed by a rheumatologist), and joint pain. I also have allergic asthma (intermittant) and a truck load of food allergies.
After my h.pylori treatment, my GI doctor did a breath test, endoscopy, and colonoscopy to check things out and said that I had two small hemorrhoids, three small diverticula, and IBS (again). It took me several months of special diet and using probiotics before I was able to stop the terrible gastritis caused by the heavyduty antibiotics. During that time, my IBS changed to mostly constipation with only an occasional swing to diarrhea.
In November, I was given Xenical to help me lose weight (I am about 40 pounds over) and told that it would loosen up my bowels. It did not. Since I could only get out an orange greasy discharge (undigested fat?) and no stool, I stopped taking the Xenical.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 22, 2004 12:00AM
, May 22, 2004 12:00AM
I would still consider the colonic motility test as well as colonic marker studies. If you had the upper and lower endoscopies, it would make inflammatory bowel disease as well as a mass less likely. If obstruction is still a concern, the CT scan would be a reasonable test to consider.
The greasy discharge sounds like a side effect of the Xenical. Its major side effects are intestinal borborygmi and cramps, flatus, fecal incontinence, oily spotting, and flatus with discharge. These gastrointestinal complaints are usually mild and subside after the first several weeks of treatment.
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
Bibliography:
Bray. Drug therapy of obesity. UptoDate, 2004.
The greasy discharge sounds like a side effect of the Xenical. Its major side effects are intestinal borborygmi and cramps, flatus, fecal incontinence, oily spotting, and flatus with discharge. These gastrointestinal complaints are usually mild and subside after the first several weeks of treatment.
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
Bibliography:
Bray. Drug therapy of obesity. UptoDate, 2004.
