GI Issues

[EXPANDER802]

. 1. I have just been diagnoised with microscopic colitis, . The Gastro doc  wants to treat me with Asacol, but I am suffering from CKD GFRaround 45%.......I told doc and he said ok entercort would be the alternative. that is also an issue as i am a diabetic I have read that just taking imodium and fiber works quiet often also pepto bismol is this correct, Immodium is what i have been using for the last four years any where from 1/2 a pill per day to 1 pill depending if I have not had  a movement for  day then i back off until I do. This wont help the cramping I suppose but I can deal with that if there is no long term down side. Am I putting myself at any addtional risk by not treating the microscopic colitis... 2. The second issue is that right after i was relased from the hospital which is when they scoped me and found the colitis, I cam down with some type of virus I assume white count normal, three days of 7 to 8 bouts of watery dirreah imodium would finally stop until the next morning then same thing again with temps running around 101 plus first two days 102.7 third day then it went down until normal over the next two day with no dirreah after the three days, my concern is that since that time my stools have been very light as in beige or maybe carboard colored at best not your normal brown color.........I had an abdominal CT showed nothing, as pancreas, ducts, abdomin and small and large instestines.........labs all normal liver functions normal still as of last week , billirubin normal, lipase was elevated while in hospital (doct never mentiioned it) 309 high normal at there ;lab 286......one doctor has told me probably due to kidney disease, the amalase was normal at 37..last week I did eat a piece of fried chicken for dinner, started of a night of belching and flatulance like you would not belive...........this make me wonder about gallblader and suggestions, one doc i spoke with says he feels nothing to worry about with the labs and ct having been done  

[junade]

I'm pharmacy student in Thailand
Now I learn about Chronic diarrhea
Please you explain me about treatment and prognosis of non-HIV chronic diarhea with fecal yeast in elderly.  
Thank you.

[EXPANDER802]

MY GASTRO DOC SAYS THE ELEVATED IIPASE IS PROBABLY DUE TO RENAL INSUFFIENCY.........SINCE IT IS SO MILD...................I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THAT TAKING AN IMODIUM DAILY WILL LIGHTIN STOOL IS THIS CORRECT

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree that the CT would argue against gallbladder issue.  The elevated lipase can suggest pancreatitis.  Obtaining an MRCP to exclude a biliary duct stone can be done to ensure there is no blockage.  This may be relevant with cardboard-colored stools.

Regarding the colitis, you can consider antibiotic therapy in the presence of fever.  Asacol can also be considered as well as steroids.  

These options can be discussed with your GI physician.

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.
www.kevinmd.com