1. < Digestive Health
Profile picture for suzanne2

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

Profile picture for Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor
Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Sep 4, 2022
In reply to @taonamission "I've had chronic diarrhea for a year and 2 months. I've been seeing a gastroenterologist since..." + (show)
Profile picture for taonamission @taonamission

I've had chronic diarrhea for a year and 2 months. I've been seeing a gastroenterologist since December 2020. I've been tested for celiac, c diff, crohn's, diverticulitis, colitis, and pancreatitis. I had a colonoscopy in January with nothing showing, and biopsy not revealing micro inflammation.

I sought gastroenterology help after imodium quit working. I've been on Cholestyramine, xifaxin, Creon, and Lomotil, all with no effect.

I'm going to get a second opinion at a different clinic soon. I feel like the current gastroenterologist is just throwing pills at me to see if anything works. I really want to get to the bottom of why this is happening, not just band aid pills. It's been suggested that this is all because of stress. I'm seeing a counselor to help with that, but so far no relief. Actually my condition is stressful in itself. I have to bathroom map, and it's affecting my relationship with my husband. I'm desperate for answers. Anyone else have this with the absence of all the regular gastro/digestive diseases?

Jump to this post

@samz0429 - My sympathy! Were you diagnosed with microscopic colitis? If so- was any treatment prescribed?
In my case I had horrendous diarrhea for a month before diagnosis. I was then given Methotrexate injections weekly x 4.
It was very difficult for me to keep up with replacing lost fluid. This is definitely the biggest challenge. I probably should have had IV fluids on and off.
I was more comfortable lying down. If you lie on your left side it helps the colon to empty out.
Otherwise, I depended on Imodium or Lonotil.

REPLY
Profile picture for menkcizmar
menkcizmar | @menkcizmar | Sep 5, 2022
In reply to @samz0429 "The diaherra began 3 months ago. Everyday is a challenge. Does anyone know of stretches, etc...." + (show)
Profile picture for samz0429 @samz0429

The diaherra began 3 months ago. Everyday is a challenge. Does anyone know of stretches, etc. on moving my body.

Jump to this post

I started having diarrhea issues five years ago. The doctor said no raw fruits or vegetables…I started taking metamucil twice daily and the diarrhea subsided after three months and after I had lost 10 pounds.
The diarrhea returned last year. Finding no cause after blood work, the doctor said it’s stress since my husband had just passed away. Again I lost weight.
I went to a different gastroenterologist and after blood work said I’m pre celiac. Her advice was to follow a low fiber diet.
Upon her advice I would take 1/2 Imodium at night when I had a diarrhea flare up-it helped.
Nine months ago I went for a routine colonoscopy-they found adenocarcinoma -I immediately went to Sloan Kettering and had a successful colon resection-stage one, lymph nodes clear, no spread.
The doctor felt that the diarrhea had no correlation to the cancer.
After surgery I was to follow a low fiber diet-it did get flare ups.
A month ago I started the FODMAP diet… gluten free, lactose free. It seems to help a lot but if I include raw vegetables, my stool is very soft (wiping a lot).
I can have occasional gluten or lactose.
I’m keeping a good journal.

REPLY
Profile picture for kitty2
kitty2 | @kitty2 | Sep 6, 2022
In reply to @nancykeenan "Hi taonamission, I had diarrhea that long too. I found a powder called cholestraymine along with..." + (show)
Profile picture for nancykeenan @nancykeenan

Hi taonamission, I had diarrhea that long too. I found a powder called cholestraymine along with probiotic called flora urgent care 50 billion....I took a box of cholestraymine and boom diarrhea gone. My gastro guy said it wouldn’t work but he gave me the prescription and it worked, never came back yet. He also had me write down the name. My colonoscopy was clear too. Try it can’t hurt.

Jump to this post

Where did you get the cholestraymine from who gave it to you..I am desperate.. I have had diarrhea since december 2021 when I got Covid. I do have Ulcerative Colitis that went untreated for months and now it is up so high in my colon, I was hospitalized for four days, and now same thing lots of liquid stool and blood, cant eat or drink without this stuff pouring out of me. Thanks for any help you can offer me. Sincerely, Kitty2

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for nancykeenan
nancykeenan | @nancykeenan | Sep 6, 2022
In reply to @kitty2 "Where did you get the cholestraymine from who gave it to you..I am desperate.. I have..." + (show)
Profile picture for kitty2 @kitty2

Where did you get the cholestraymine from who gave it to you..I am desperate.. I have had diarrhea since december 2021 when I got Covid. I do have Ulcerative Colitis that went untreated for months and now it is up so high in my colon, I was hospitalized for four days, and now same thing lots of liquid stool and blood, cant eat or drink without this stuff pouring out of me. Thanks for any help you can offer me. Sincerely, Kitty2

Jump to this post

It was a perscription from my gastro doctor. It is a powder you mix in water. It took a half a box. Comes in packets! I also took a 50 billion flora (renew life) probiotic. Worked for me never came back. Do you still have your gallbladder?

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for kitty2
kitty2 | @kitty2 | Sep 6, 2022
In reply to @nancykeenan "It was a perscription from my gastro doctor. It is a powder you mix in water...." + (show)
Profile picture for nancykeenan @nancykeenan

It was a perscription from my gastro doctor. It is a powder you mix in water. It took a half a box. Comes in packets! I also took a 50 billion flora (renew life) probiotic. Worked for me never came back. Do you still have your gallbladder?

Jump to this post

Yes..I still have my gall bladder. They say this happened because my Ulcerative Colitis went untreated so long, caused it to go way up into my colon.

REPLY
Profile picture for samz0429
samz0429 | @samz0429 | Sep 7, 2022
In reply to @taonamission "I am on Cholestyramine but it's not helping. I've decided to get a second opinion here..." + (show)
Profile picture for taonamission @taonamission

I am on Cholestyramine but it's not helping. I've decided to get a second opinion here soon.

Jump to this post

Good idea for a second opinion.

REPLY
Profile picture for kitty2
kitty2 | @kitty2 | Sep 7, 2022
In reply to @taonamission "I've had chronic diarrhea for a year and 2 months. I've been seeing a gastroenterologist since..." + (show)
Profile picture for taonamission @taonamission

I've had chronic diarrhea for a year and 2 months. I've been seeing a gastroenterologist since December 2020. I've been tested for celiac, c diff, crohn's, diverticulitis, colitis, and pancreatitis. I had a colonoscopy in January with nothing showing, and biopsy not revealing micro inflammation.

I sought gastroenterology help after imodium quit working. I've been on Cholestyramine, xifaxin, Creon, and Lomotil, all with no effect.

I'm going to get a second opinion at a different clinic soon. I feel like the current gastroenterologist is just throwing pills at me to see if anything works. I really want to get to the bottom of why this is happening, not just band aid pills. It's been suggested that this is all because of stress. I'm seeing a counselor to help with that, but so far no relief. Actually my condition is stressful in itself. I have to bathroom map, and it's affecting my relationship with my husband. I'm desperate for answers. Anyone else have this with the absence of all the regular gastro/digestive diseases?

Jump to this post

anyone out there taken Lialda for ulcerative colitis ..any help?

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for kitty2
kitty2 | @kitty2 | Sep 7, 2022
In reply to @kitty2 "anyone out there taken Lialda for ulcerative colitis ..any help?" + (show)
Profile picture for kitty2 @kitty2

anyone out there taken Lialda for ulcerative colitis ..any help?

Jump to this post

How long does it take Lialda to work..

REPLY
Profile picture for grannydee
grannydee | @grannydee | Jan 12, 2023
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @gardengal82 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You may be interested in these related discussions..." + (show)
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

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?

Jump to this post

I too, have EPI and was misdiagnosed for 30 years struggling with a miserable lifestyle of constantly running to bathrooms no matter where I happened to be…ugh. It eventually led to ulcers, chronic gastritis, malnutrition, fainting once a week and free fall weight loss.
I finally went to a THIRD gastro practice and a PA suspected EPI. They told me it is genetic and passed from mother to daughter, which made sense because my mother indeed suffered mightily with the same symptoms and was never diagnosed.
I now take Zenpep and maintain a highly disciplined nutrition lifestyle and am now very healthy.
There is so much disinformation surrounding “gut health” and useless “digestive supplements” that are a complete waste of time and money.
My hope is that anyone suffering with IBS-D type symptoms, ulcers, chronic gastritis, carb cravings, nausea, fainting, and finally inexplicable weight
loss, NEVER give up seeking a gastro practice that will LISTEN.
I never dreamed my life would be this good! There is hope, but you have to stubbornly advocate for yourself!!!

REPLY
Profile picture for sbr270
sbr270 | @sbr270 | Jan 13, 2023
In reply to @jollygreen17 "The visit to the new GI doctor was fruitful. After running blood and stool analysis, I..." + (show)
Profile picture for jollygreen17 @jollygreen17

The visit to the new GI doctor was fruitful. After running blood and stool analysis, I checked negative for any infections, parasites, etc. Someone on this forum had mentioned "Welchol" as being a game changer for the diarrhea. She have me a prescription for the generic version (colesevelam). After using it for a couple of days, the frequency of bowel movements has decreased dramatically. Thanks!!!!

Jump to this post

I was one of the people who mentioned Welchol. Glad it worked for you too. It has given me my life back. Maybe not for everyone, but for those with bile salt malabsorption- it is a game changer!

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.