Chronic diarrhea

Posted by taonamission @taonamission, May 2, 2021

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?

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livefully | @livefully | Jul 19, 2021

Im seeing an integrative doctor at Mayo and a nutritionist there and with the supplements they put me on as well as the SCD I just started under them, the horrific gastro issues Ive dealt with since 3rd grade are getting under control. Ive been on the supplements for probably 3 months now (?) am super new in the SCD (specific carbohydrate diet) but already, there has been HUGE improvement. I have dealt with horrific gastro issues more of my life years than not and to have this getting under control is huge. Look up the SCD diet: http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/
I have done the Weston A Price diet, the Paleo, vegetarian, vegan, and this one by far Im having the most success. The doctor I see is in the integrative department at Mayo. No one should have to live with the gastro issues your dealing with so fight for normalcy and health!! Dont give up!!! In the meantime, look up the SCD diet. It is a huge change and will require commitment and work on your part but for me, digestive pain was a great motivator.
Best to you..

samz0429 | @samz0429 | Sep 4, 2022

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

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 4, 2022

In reply to @samz0429 "The diaherra began 3 months ago. Everyday is a challenge. Does anyone know of stretches, etc...." + (show)

Oh gosh, Samz. It seems like your microspopic colitis is presenting new challenges.

You ask specifically about body movement or stretching that might help. I don't know anything specific to help with diarrhea, but I do know that regular exercise can help keep you regular. What kind of activities do you do regularly?

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Sep 4, 2022

@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.

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)

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.

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)

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

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)

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?