Constant diarrhea, weakness, exhaustion.

Posted by samanthamorgan9491 @samanthamorgan9491, Sep 11 7:49pm

Now, I'm a 33 year old female. Ever since I was 20 years old I've had digestive issues. It started out as acid reflux. Okay, got a Nissen fundoplication in December 2014. Then I got pregnant in
September 2015 and found out in November. and gradually over time it loosened after i had my son. I got my acid reflux back in about 2018. It wasn't bad so I didn't think much of it. Over time it got worse. So I went back to the surgeon i was seeing. He said I'm not touching you again. So I went to my pcp at the time and he said I'll talk to your surgeon. They came up with the idea of gastric bypass. So I did it. That was April 2021. Then 2 weeks later I had a bowel obstruction. Had to go back under. The surgeon never told me hey you might end up needing your gallbladder removed eventually. I lost 80 lbs because of the diet they stick me on to prepare my body for gastric bypass. Kept it off because of the surgery. Well this past may. May 16th. I had to get my gallbladder removed. And ever since then I'm going down hill. I can't keep ANYTHING in my body. I mostly spend alot of time in the bathroom on the toilet. But wen I walk to work, I'm tired by the time I get there. A 20 min walk downhill. Exhausted. A have to somehow summon the energy for the rest of the day. Everytime I eat, bathroom. Drink, bathroom. And I went to the gastro dr. They ran tests. They said I have an abscess. The surgeon said it's possibly colitis. So, yes. In April 2024, I was 212. Now I'm 150. And quite frankly idk how long I can keep going. I just want to give up.

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sharronm | @sharronm | Sep 28 9:10am

Like other posts, I, too have been where you are! I had constant diarrhea every time I put something in my mouth. It got so bad that after over 2 months, I was unable to eat, then drink liquids! I was so weak that I could hardly make it to the bathroom. That's when my husband took me to the hospital. I had lost 30 pounds. I was on IV fluids for 2 days, then my GI Dr did an EGD and colonoscopy., where they found autoimmune microscopic colitis. Also my esophagus had ulcerations all the way to my stomach!I'm on Budesomide and a Rx med for diarrhea because the over the counter Imodium stopped working! I am
able to eat a healthy diet now and only have occasional loose stools. My GI said as I continue to heal, it should get better. It's been 6 weeks since my tests and I almost feel like my old self. Maybe you should get a 2nd opinion. My heart goes out to you. You don't have to suffer!!

adlttl123 | @adlttl123 | Sep 28 2:12pm

What I hear is very..very serious!! Call Mayo and see how fast
They can see you. In my opinion they are the best of the best. Please please keep us posted. We care.

yokio | @yokio | Sep 29 11:57am

Have you been tested for BAM (bile acid mal absorption) ? If not maybe look into it and bring it up to your DR.'s

seapen | @seapen | Sep 30 5:19am

In reply to @cgper "I’m afraid to say that medicine in the US is awful. From my point of view,..." + (show)

@cgper

I’m afraid to say that medicine in the US is awful. From my point of view, the US health system is broken. It doesn’t matter if you are in a small town or a big city. Everything seemed to be ok when I needed a regular annual check up. But it’s different with chronic illnesses.
Once you see a doctor, they run the usual tests and by the book it is one or another thing. Then, if you don’t improve with medication (palliatives) they tell you “there’s only so much medicine can do.”
Having diarrhea can mean many things, from my experience.
The bottom line, I have learned that diet is a big factor in everything health related. With my diarrhea crisis almost every month (I ve been diagnosed IBS) I stop every food, drink a lot of fluids. After my third visit to the toilet, I take 2 Imodiums, after my next episode I take 1 Imodium, I drink very warm camomile, and I put heat on my belly. After feeling better I start with 1/2 cup of chicken soup. If after that I have another episode, after the soup, I take my 4th and last Imodium for the day. Then I eat 2 to 4 tbsp of cooked brown rice. It usually stops until the following day, when I start eating one thing at a time, then I can id what is causing the problem. Then until probably a week and all over again. In my case it’s apparently the IBS. I follow a low FODMAP diet and gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free diet. When I get to see my Gastro doc, same thing, follow diet, reduce stress, take Dyciclomine (that helps but the side effects are not good). I have weekly psychological therapy to manage the stress. But I still get sick every month. Now I’m seeing a functional doctor. Apparently the imbalance of my gut bacteria may be causing the symptoms. I’ve been prescribed several supplements, but once again I get sick. This time I’m going to observe myself after having 4 tsps of coconut yogurt and have a banana. Let’s see.

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You could try eliminating all processed foods. If it comes in a box or bag, dont eat it. That means eating veggies, fruit, nuts, seeds. That has helped my gut a lot!

rozy288 | @rozy288 | Sep 30 2:40pm

I understand the wanting to give up . I’m 10 years in .
Seen 6 Gastro’s , done every test , took every supplement, tried diff RX , have 7 different diagnosis. Plus chronic fatigue syndrome and Gastro cardiac syndrome ( with PVCs , PACs ). Can barely eat anything. Tried elimination diets , functional medicine dr , all holistic , take anti anxiety meds and sleep med for years .
Even went to Mayo Clinic.
No one and nothing helps .
I pray 🙏 you get a good good GI Dr or Functional Medicine Dr. to actually help you !! I’m chronic so long , I just don’t know how to cope anymore after so long . Keep us posted . 😢.

slkanowitz | @slkanowitz | Oct 2 2:01am

I agree that you need extensive testing and BAM bile acid malabsorption could be the culprit. It occurs after gall bladder removal sometimes and is uncommon so worth asking your GI doctor about it. It is treatable if that’s what is going on. This isn’t a DIY diagnosis. A good GI doc is needed , maybe a second opinion. Let us know how you fare. This is serious stuff, as you probably aren’t absorbing the nutrients you need. You can get better with a proper diagnosis and treatment!

samanthamorgan9491 | @samanthamorgan9491 | Oct 2 6:22am

Update: well I have a colonoscopy coming up. Hopefully we'll see what's going on soon enough. It wouldn't surprise me if I had colitis. My mom has it. My mom's dad, his side of the family ALL have some kinda digestive disorders. Or mental health disorders. But I'm just really hoping that better days are ahead.

slkanowitz | @slkanowitz | Oct 3 2:41am

In reply to @samanthamorgan9491 "Update: well I have a colonoscopy coming up. Hopefully we'll see what's going on soon enough...." + (show)

If it is colitis diagnosed with upcoming colonoscopy, better days should definitely be ahead. There are lots of treatment options available now, more than ever before, to control the disease and symptoms. With the right treatment you should feel back to normal. Unfortunately this autoimmune disease has a chronic nature and it’s easy to think you don’t need the meds anymore once you’re feeling better. Think seriously and consult with your doctor if you’re wondering if you can get off meds, as colitis can return with a vengeance when treatment is stopped. I hope you get answers and effective treatment soon!

szelisk | @szelisk | Oct 3 8:38am

In reply to @samanthamorgan9491 "Update: well I have a colonoscopy coming up. Hopefully we'll see what's going on soon enough...." + (show)

Praying for answers. Colitis is tough. I've finally been confirmed with Microscopic Collits. Keep smiling, it will get better

phoenixrising39 | @phoenixrising39 | Oct 4 10:56am

In reply to @sharronm "Like other posts, I, too have been where you are! I had constant diarrhea every time..." + (show)

Can you tell me what RX medication you are on for diarrhea. I have IBS-D , and prescribed loperamide isn't working. It works for a couple of days, then the diarrhea comes right back. It also causes a lot of bloating. Thank you. Glad you are feeling better.

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