Constant Diarrhea

Posted by suzanne2 @suzanne2, Jun 17, 2020

Anyone here have constant diarrhea? I practically live on lomotil pills. I know my nerves play somewhat of a role but not always. Some days I live in the bathriom.
I have never had a diagnosis for my problem.

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stefspad | @stefspad | Jun 17, 2020

See if you can find the Fodmap thread from yesterday. You may have IBS.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 17, 2020

Hello @suzanne2, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You mentioned not having a diagnosis for your constant diarrhea and being on lomotil to help with the diarrhea. Have you been on the lomotil for more than 10 days? This is an excerpt from the article below - " Tell your doctor if you’re taking Lomotil and your diarrhea doesn’t improve within 10 days. They may ask you to stop using Lomotil and try another treatment."

Medical News Today - Lomotil: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326631

More information that you may find helpful:
-- Mayo Clinic - Diarrhea - Diagnosis & Treatments: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352246
-- Could it be Autoimmune Enteropathy?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/newsfeed-post/could-it-be-autoimmune-enteropathy-1/

You mentioned have not been able to get a diagnosis. Have you thought about getting a second opinion? If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, contact one of the appointment offices. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

cim37343 | @cim37343 | Jun 17, 2020

My husband had the same problem. He was treated with several medications. Finally the doctor said to try taking Metamucil twice a day. I was very skeptical about such a simple cure. But after a few days of that his diarrhea subsided. After months of severe diarrhea he was cured with something as simple as Metamucil twice a day. May be worth a try for you.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 17, 2020

In reply to @stefspad "See if you can find the Fodmap thread from yesterday. You may have IBS." + (show)

Here is the link to the Fodmap discussion that @stefspad refers to.
- Fodmap Eating Plan https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fodmap-eating-plan/

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Jun 17, 2020

@suzanne2 - May I ask what tests you have had so far? Gastroenterologist?

suzanne2 | @suzanne2 | Jun 17, 2020

Colonoscopy and a ST scan. Also had blood test for gluten intolerance.

suzanne2 | @suzanne2 | Jun 17, 2020

In reply to @suzanne2 "Colonoscopy and a ST scan. Also had blood test for gluten intolerance." + (show)

Meant CT scan.

suzanne2 | @suzanne2 | Jun 17, 2020

In reply to @cim37343 "My husband had the same problem. He was treated with several medications. Finally the doctor said..." + (show)

Thanks for the suggestion. Can't hurt to try.

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Jun 17, 2020

In reply to @suzanne2 "Colonoscopy and a ST scan. Also had blood test for gluten intolerance." + (show)

@suzanne2 - Were biopsies taken with colonoscopy?

ZeeGee | @fourof5zs | Jun 18, 2020

In reply to @suzanne2 "Thanks for the suggestion. Can't hurt to try." + (show)

@suzanne2
You also might want to add oatmeal to your diet. It sounds silly that fiber can help diarrhea... but it works and oatmeal is a very good source. Bananas are another one.. easily digested.

Another suggestion is a probiotic. All probiotic pills are not the same.. some work for some and some not. Only the more expensive Align works for me .. sigh, the way my luck goes. Probiotic foods... Yogurt with live culture will help.. such as Activia. Kefir helps some people.. which I have never tried because my stomach doesn't like milk.

Last suggestion is keep a food diary. Notate what you ate and if it seems to contribute to the diarrhea or help alleviate it. Did you have frequent bowel movements? What was the consistency.. soft blob, mushy, liquid, etc? You may want to see a food allergist to rule out an allergy.