Constant Diarrhea

Hi, @suzanne2 Welcome to Connect.
Have you been tested for lactose intolerance? I had diarrhea constantly and tried everything - Metamucil, oatmeal, etc. to no avail. I finally noticed that it was worse on certain days and I realized that it was on days when I had more lactose than usual. Sure enough, a medication had triggered lactose intolerance. I don't know your age, but lactose intolerance is also more common as a person ages.
JK

Hi, @suzanne2

I hope that you find help for this constant diarrhea. Did your doctor ever give you a diagnosis of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)? If this has been mentioned, you might take a look at the fodmap discussion that @colleenyoung mentioned in her post above. Eliminating dairy products, as @contentandwell suggested, might also be a good idea. Keeping a food diary, as suggested by @fourof5zs is always good. By doing that you might discover just what foods may be contributing to your digestive disorder.

Have you ever keep a journal of what you eat? If not, please give it a try.

Yes they were, and they were all negative. But that was 4 years ago. I find it odd that my doctor has never given me a diagnosis and every appointment I have he will not let me even ask a question. He treats me like I am weird for being concerned about this problem. Where I live there are only a couple of gastroenterologist office so there are not a lot of places to turn to. That is why I have an appointment at Mayo in a couple of weeks I need some answers to why I have basically had diarrhea for 4 years.

I actually do eat oatmeal. I also take a probiotic and drink kefir every day. Some days I also have Activia yogurt. I really have been trying on my own different things I have read about. So I really am hoping I get a doctor at Mayo in 2 weeks that will listen and care and not like the doctor here treats me.

@suzanne2

I wish you the best at your appointment. There are so many things with the same symptoms... Makes it frustrating to get answers. Bring your list of questions and if possible someone with you. I honestly don't know what I would have do without my very supportive husband that advocates for me when I am not able to.

Which Mayo clinic are you going to? I am pleased with the one in Jacksonville FL.

Rochester, flying there from Michigan.

@suzanne2 - I’m excited for your Mayo visit!
Where I live now there was not a big choice in gastroenterologists. The one I went to got tired of me- he wouldn’t go the extra mile. Mayo was within reach and went there about 4 years in all.
Have a good visit and hope you get some answers.

Thanks! I also am looking forward to my visit in hopes of getting some answers to this issue I have now been dealing with for 4 years.

Have you ever heard of EPI? Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. I developed diarrhea in July of 2020. Had it for 2 months, trying many different pills, etc. I found a very smart gastroenterologist who diagnosed me on my first visit. Had a CT scan of pancreas & it showed atrophy of pancreas. I'm on Zenpep capsules & I'm much improved. Check it out.

Hi @gardengal82 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You may be interested in these related discussions about exocrine pancreatic insufficiency:
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/exocreine-pancreatic-insuffencyepi/
- Severe Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/severe-exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency-epi/
- Does anyone take Pancrease, digestive enzymes? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pancreatitus-3/

I'm glad ZENPEP® (pancrelipase) is working for you. Zenpep, pancrelipase is a prescription medicine for people who cannot digest food normally because their pancreas does not make enough enzymes. Gardengal is this the only treatment that you've needed? Were you told what condition damaged your pancreas and led to your having EPI?