Loose, greazy stools and Bloating

[Danimm]

i,

My name is Danielle and I am 32 years old, married with no children. I am feeling bloated, tired and experiencing changes in my bowel habits (loose stools) for the last 2 months. These symptoms come and go. I went to the Gastroenterologist, she did stool test, blood test and all were normal. I also have history of abnormal paps (ASCUS), HPV negative and colposcopy results were normal.

Also, I had two UTIs in the last 2 months. On the first time, I went to the doctor, did an quick exam, which showed an infection and I took Bactrim for 5 days. On the second time (last week), the UTI symptoms lasted 3 days and I felt better, but I went to the urologist anyway and then he did a sonogram (bladder and kidney with normal results) and an urine test which showed E.coli. Since the exam did not show high levels of the bacteria and I did not have the symptoms anymore, I told him that I did not want to take more antibiotics and he said that he agreed as long as I do a new culture in 2 weeks. That’s my plan.

However, the bloating feeling and the fatigue and the recurrent loose stools, made me feel concerned about ovarian or colon cancer. My cycle is regular but I experienced some blood in my urine, which made think that it was due to the UTI.

What kind of exams should I ask to my my Doctor? Also, Could this be Giardia since I went to India in June?

Thank you, Danielle

[Danimm]

Should I take giardisis medication even if the exame does not show it?

I appreciate your help,
Danielle

[Ratnakar Kini]

Hi,
It could be giardiasis.
A stool examination is helpful in diagnosing it in about 50% of the cases.
There are  kits available ( Stool ELISA & DFA) to diagnose giardiasis which are more than 90% sensitive in diagnosing it.
================================================================ The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.