cronic diarrhea as well as cyclical diarrhea, please help me!

[cinde__0]

  I am a 40 year old female and have had regular weekly bouts of diarrhea for the last 6 years.  I am not sure if it would matter but I did live overseas and traveled prior to this illness. I did tell all my doctors that information as well. I Have taken many tests including colonoscopy and upper GI's as well as paresite tests.  One test confirmed that I am lactose intolerant.  I have been living with a milk free diet for 4 years and have not found relief yet.  I also take a vitamin B6 injection monthly. Nothing obivous was discovered from any of the tests. My diarrhea is watery just before my menstral cycle begins and ends. During those days it is the worst.  However I do suffer from it almost every week as well.I am currently taking mesalamine which doesn't seem to be helping. I also am having severe bouts of itching.  I am not sure if the itching could be related.  Please offer me some direction and hope for relief from my diarrhea.
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dear Cindee,
The diagnosis of chronic diarrhea requires the exclusion of structural abnormalites ( by endoscopy), malabsorption, and infection.  If a cause with specific therapy can not be found, the physician will try a number of approaches to control the duiarrhea.  Increased dietary fiber, use of Imodium (immodium), constipating agents such as cholestyraminbe can all be tried.  More detailed answers to your questions can not be provided because a specific approach requires having a detailed knowledge of your symptoms.
This information is presented for educational purposes.  Specific question should be asked to your personal physician.
If you wish a second opinion, we would be happy to see you in the Division of Gastroenterology of henry Ford Health system.  You can arrange an appoinment with dr. fogel, one of our experts in the diagnopsis and treatment of diarrheal illness by calling [phone].
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: chronic diarrhea
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