Going crazy....

[wldfowlr]

I have had severe diarreah that ranges in color from lt. brown to yellowish/clear in color and severe itching on the hands,arms, and shoulders. My abdomen is constantly swollen and I have pain in the upper and lower parts. I will go 2-3 days w/out a bowel movement, then move my bowels 10-15 times in one day...the cycle starts over. I have had an upper and lower GI, 8 trips to lab for blood/stool. 3 abdominal xrays, 2 abdominal ultrasounds, a CT scan,MRI,ERCP, and just had a liver biopsy(waiting on results). I experience rapid heart beat when I lay down and shortness of breath. I get fatigued VERY easily, I.E. just putting on my boots. I can keep going, but thats a nut shell. I used to be a very heavy drinker ( quit 8 mos ago). I have had these symptoms, worsening over time, for 2 years....last set of blood work was to check "autoimmune" and bile acid....bile was elevated, and "autoimmune" was normal range. I do not have any wieght gain or loss/no jaundice...

[wldfowlr]

Thanks for quick reply...I have been to 2 GI  doctors...I have had all the test you mentioned...This doctor thought I might have had Bile duct cancer/PSC because of the elevated bile in my blood....I had the ERCP and liver biopsy test last week....I am waiting on the Liver biopsy results now....the Bile ducts were clear. IBD has not been ruled out, but would that cause my bile acids to enter my blood stream?....anyway, thanks again for quick reply.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have had a pretty comprehensive evaluation for your symptoms.

I would consider a lower endoscopy to further evaluate the symptoms.  Inflammatory bowel disease or colitis needs to be excluded.

Testing the stool for infection as well as fat malabsorption can be done by analyzing the stool sample.  A blood test evaluating for celiac disease should be done as well.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician or GI 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