1. < Digestive Health

Unexplained diarrhea,malabsorption,dizziness,feeling faint, confusion

Posted by ajstaley @ajstaley, Jan 24, 2019

Hello,
I’m new here. My symptoms have gotten worst in the last year. I’m sick to my stomach or vomiting or have dry heaves everyday. I have developed food and medicine intolerance. Can only eat maybe small portions of rice and vegetables and plain bread throughout the day. And even then some days I am in the bathroom with diarrhea after eating. My gallbladder was removed some years back. When some of the same symptoms appeared back then. But there is no gallbladder to remove now. I’m losing more and more weight. I have periods of confusion and that’s really scary. The testing MRI’s , CT scans and blood work are coming back negative. My gi doc is repeating the testing with a CT scan of the Brian this time. I doubt she will find it. I’m getting sicker everyday. Really losing hope. I’m glad this website is here. It’s soothing to know I’m not alone. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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beanglow | @beanglow | Feb 24, 2019
In reply to @ajstaley "I am getting the same answer here it’s a GI problem but no one has the..." + (show)
@ajstaley

I am getting the same answer here it’s a GI problem but no one has the answer. Looks like we are pretty @much on our own. I have to keep searching no other choice at this point. Sending positive vibes your way.

Jump to this post

Thanks for the positive vibes. I'm going to go back to U of M but if they say there is nothing they can do than Mayo will be my last resort and maybe surgery there.@ajstaley

REPLY
1 reply
beanglow | @beanglow | Feb 24, 2019
In reply to @peggyella "@ajstaley @beanglow I have the same symptoms, as well as peripheral neuropathy and more. I was..." + (show)
@peggyella

@ajstaley @beanglow
I have the same symptoms, as well as peripheral neuropathy and more. I was diagnosed with gastroparesis years ago. Have you been tested? The “stomach emptying” test can come back false negative... my last one did but whenever I have an endo, etc., my gastroenterologist has to empty my stomach of its contents. I have bladder and bowel incontinence which has dramatically worsened. Trouble swallowing, dizziness, imbalance, staggering, falling, near fainting (syncope) and many other diseases/conditions. Finally, after my own research, my neurologist diagnosed me with autonomic neuropathy (AN) which ties a lot of it together.

I do not have Parkinson disease, am not diabetic.

I found the Cleveland Clinic site on AN to be the most helpful. Check it out, also gastroparesis. I hope this helps you. God bless you.

Jump to this post

Thanks for your reply. I haven't been tested for gastroparesis. I also have bladder and bowel incontinence, bloating, distention, gas and constipation, and chronic diarrhea. I will check out the Cleveland Clinic site and ask about being tested for gastroparesis. How do they do the "stomach emptying" test? You have been very helpful. I hope things improve for you. May God bless you.

REPLY
2 replies
beanglow | @beanglow | Feb 24, 2019
In reply to @peggyella "@ajstaley @beanglow I have the same symptoms, as well as peripheral neuropathy and more. I was..." + (show)
@peggyella

@ajstaley @beanglow
I have the same symptoms, as well as peripheral neuropathy and more. I was diagnosed with gastroparesis years ago. Have you been tested? The “stomach emptying” test can come back false negative... my last one did but whenever I have an endo, etc., my gastroenterologist has to empty my stomach of its contents. I have bladder and bowel incontinence which has dramatically worsened. Trouble swallowing, dizziness, imbalance, staggering, falling, near fainting (syncope) and many other diseases/conditions. Finally, after my own research, my neurologist diagnosed me with autonomic neuropathy (AN) which ties a lot of it together.

I do not have Parkinson disease, am not diabetic.

I found the Cleveland Clinic site on AN to be the most helpful. Check it out, also gastroparesis. I hope this helps you. God bless you.

Jump to this post

Thank you for your suggestions. I will try them. Bless you.

REPLY
ajstaley | @ajstaley | Feb 24, 2019
In reply to @peggyella "@ajstaley @beanglow I have the same symptoms, as well as peripheral neuropathy and more. I was..." + (show)
@peggyella

@ajstaley @beanglow
I have the same symptoms, as well as peripheral neuropathy and more. I was diagnosed with gastroparesis years ago. Have you been tested? The “stomach emptying” test can come back false negative... my last one did but whenever I have an endo, etc., my gastroenterologist has to empty my stomach of its contents. I have bladder and bowel incontinence which has dramatically worsened. Trouble swallowing, dizziness, imbalance, staggering, falling, near fainting (syncope) and many other diseases/conditions. Finally, after my own research, my neurologist diagnosed me with autonomic neuropathy (AN) which ties a lot of it together.

I do not have Parkinson disease, am not diabetic.

I found the Cleveland Clinic site on AN to be the most helpful. Check it out, also gastroparesis. I hope this helps you. God bless you.

Jump to this post

Thank you for the information. I will look into it. Every story shared is a blessing just knowing you’re not alone and it just could help the next person. It so appreciated. Be blessed.

REPLY
ajstaley | @ajstaley | Feb 24, 2019
In reply to @beanglow "Thanks for the positive vibes. I'm going to go back to U of M but if..." + (show)
@beanglow

Thanks for the positive vibes. I'm going to go back to U of M but if they say there is nothing they can do than Mayo will be my last resort and maybe surgery there.@ajstaley

Jump to this post

I’m really hoping you’ll find a doctor who will really listen to you and maybe think outside the box. I’m wishing you well. Keep me posted.

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | Feb 24, 2019
In reply to @beanglow "Thanks for your reply. I haven't been tested for gastroparesis. I also have bladder and bowel..." + (show)
@beanglow

Thanks for your reply. I haven't been tested for gastroparesis. I also have bladder and bowel incontinence, bloating, distention, gas and constipation, and chronic diarrhea. I will check out the Cleveland Clinic site and ask about being tested for gastroparesis. How do they do the "stomach emptying" test? You have been very helpful. I hope things improve for you. May God bless you.

Jump to this post

@beanglow @peggyella This is an area where I am totally unknowledgeable so please excuse my ignorance. From what I read about gastroparesis, isn't that when you can't empty your bowel? If so then isn't that the opposite of having diarrhea and/or bowel incontinence?
Thanks.
JK

REPLY
peggyella | @peggyella | Feb 24, 2019

Hi. No. It’s the stomach’s inability to empty into the intestines, so food stays in your stomach too long... way too many hours or even days. Also, medicine sits on top of the food and doesn’t absorb like it should. Acid or even food from the stomach contents shoot back up into the esophagus (reflux). Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting undigested food, feeling full right away when you eat, bloating, lack of appetite and weight loss (which can be serious) and problems controlling your sugar levels. It’s often caused by diabetes... which I don’t have, narcotics/pain meds, and other things. I’ve had seasons with it where I couldn’t keep water down.
There are two major medications used. Unfortunately, they didn’t help me but they do help a lot of people. Research the side effects first! Only one is FDA approved, Reglan. The other is available WITH PRESCRIPTION through online companies in Canada, Europe and some other countries. I used some place in Canada.
There are different schools of thought about diet, but in general, eat small portions frequently (5 - 6 x/day) and avoid fatty, greasy, spicy foods. I can’t tolerate any acidic foods/beverages (red sauces, onions, peppers, etc.) or things that are naturally hard to digest anyway like meat and nuts. No orange, pineapple, or fruit juice, and I’m sure we’re all aware that no grapefruit juice ever if we take medicine. It can not only cause too much acid, it makes our Rx under or over work. Carbonated drinks don’t sit well and aren’t good for us anyway, and caffeine in coffee, tea, soda is corrosive in our stomach. When you eat fiber (which some experts still advise a low fiber diet), be sure to drink plenty of water so it doesn’t cause a bowel blockage. The constipation can be serious. I get both, constipation and diarrhea. Avoid wearing real tight pants/belts that put pressure on your stomach and make it easier for food to regurgitate. Not that we can avoid it, but stress can make it worse.
I have no medical credentials and am not giving medical advice. But I’ve got so many diseases and have been sick for so many years that I always do my own research. I hope my personal experience helps you. The Cleveland Clinic has a good overview on gastroparesis. Here’s the link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15522-gastroparesis
God bless you.
Peggy

REPLY
1 reply
JK | @contentandwell | Feb 24, 2019
In reply to @peggyella "Hi. No. It’s the stomach’s inability to empty into the intestines, so food stays in your..." + (show)
@peggyella

Hi. No. It’s the stomach’s inability to empty into the intestines, so food stays in your stomach too long... way too many hours or even days. Also, medicine sits on top of the food and doesn’t absorb like it should. Acid or even food from the stomach contents shoot back up into the esophagus (reflux). Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting undigested food, feeling full right away when you eat, bloating, lack of appetite and weight loss (which can be serious) and problems controlling your sugar levels. It’s often caused by diabetes... which I don’t have, narcotics/pain meds, and other things. I’ve had seasons with it where I couldn’t keep water down.
There are two major medications used. Unfortunately, they didn’t help me but they do help a lot of people. Research the side effects first! Only one is FDA approved, Reglan. The other is available WITH PRESCRIPTION through online companies in Canada, Europe and some other countries. I used some place in Canada.
There are different schools of thought about diet, but in general, eat small portions frequently (5 - 6 x/day) and avoid fatty, greasy, spicy foods. I can’t tolerate any acidic foods/beverages (red sauces, onions, peppers, etc.) or things that are naturally hard to digest anyway like meat and nuts. No orange, pineapple, or fruit juice, and I’m sure we’re all aware that no grapefruit juice ever if we take medicine. It can not only cause too much acid, it makes our Rx under or over work. Carbonated drinks don’t sit well and aren’t good for us anyway, and caffeine in coffee, tea, soda is corrosive in our stomach. When you eat fiber (which some experts still advise a low fiber diet), be sure to drink plenty of water so it doesn’t cause a bowel blockage. The constipation can be serious. I get both, constipation and diarrhea. Avoid wearing real tight pants/belts that put pressure on your stomach and make it easier for food to regurgitate. Not that we can avoid it, but stress can make it worse.
I have no medical credentials and am not giving medical advice. But I’ve got so many diseases and have been sick for so many years that I always do my own research. I hope my personal experience helps you. The Cleveland Clinic has a good overview on gastroparesis. Here’s the link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15522-gastroparesis
God bless you.
Peggy

Jump to this post

@peggyella Peggy, I don't have it, I just found it odd and interesting to hear that it entailed two things that sounded opposing. Thank you for the explanation, I understand it much better now.

Speaking of not being able to have grapefruit juice, I am on immunosuppressants from a liver transplant and I was also told to not have pomegranate! I have never enjoyed eating them much, too much work, but I did like pom juice. 🙁
JK

REPLY
peggyella | @peggyella | Feb 25, 2019

Thanks, JK. I know my reply was lengthy. I’m glad you don’t have gastroparesis, but maybe it will help someone with unexplained constipation/diahhrea. I’m sorry about the liver transplant. That’s a huge thing to deal with. My best friend had a kidney transplant, so I understand the struggles. And thanks for the heads up on Pom juice! I never ate them but I’ve found the things I’m not able eat make me want them! LOL. Human nature! Have a good day, my friend. Peggy

REPLY
peggyella | @peggyella | Feb 25, 2019
In reply to @beanglow "Thanks for your reply. I haven't been tested for gastroparesis. I also have bladder and bowel..." + (show)
@beanglow

Thanks for your reply. I haven't been tested for gastroparesis. I also have bladder and bowel incontinence, bloating, distention, gas and constipation, and chronic diarrhea. I will check out the Cleveland Clinic site and ask about being tested for gastroparesis. How do they do the "stomach emptying" test? You have been very helpful. I hope things improve for you. May God bless you.

Jump to this post

The stomach emptying test is painless. It’s just time consuming (4.5 hours) and isn’t always accurate. But there other ways a good gastroenterologist can tell, especially if you have an endoscopy and your stomach is full of contents. I’ve had it for years and always tested positive except for the last one. I got my hopes up that it was gone, but my doctor laughed and said it was a false-negative. My symptoms are worse than ever! Keep me posted. Here’s a link that explains the test: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17017-gastric-emptying-solid-study
Blessings, Peggy

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