Gastro symptoms after Covid - still 1 yr later

I have terrible GI symptoms throughout my 3 bouts with Covid and it continues. I don't have the constipation, but I have severe diarrhea and bowel incontinence. My stomach hurts most of the time and I identify with the bloating, making me look like I am pregnant. I have loss of appetite and I, too, will forget to eat, but even with the diarrhea, I am gaining weight! Before Covid, I was diagnosed with IBS, Gerd and I had chronic diarrhea and vomiting, but not like this. I responded to another comment, stating that my stomach gets so bloated and "heavy" that I often "lift it" with my hands for relief. Do you have any other long term Covid symptoms?
P

I am so sorry you are going through this. I know how you feel!

My symptoms are: Constipation, Always feeling bloated, some headaches and weight gain.
I can go 24 hrs without eating and I will still wake up bloated and with a heaviness in my stomach.

God Bless You! I was told at the COVID Recovery Clinic for Long Covid that COVID attacks your gut, you get more reflux, etc., I had an endoscopy done in May of this year and a dilation (esophagus stretched) and he said all looked normal except for a hiatal hernia. I was grateful I did not have Candida in my esophagus as I had a lot of thrush in my mouth from taking so many antibiotics/steroids for Covid pneumonia/asthmatic bronchitis/sinus infection. I am taking a very good probiotic to put the good flora back in my gut. It's called Meg sporebiotic. Talk to your doctor about it before you take it please. You have to start out really slow on it....1/2 capsule I did and build up. You sound like you have been to so many doctors and I know it is frustrating. I have been to my share as well. They are not all "versed" in treating Long COVID and are still learning. It has affected my joints, gut & lungs. I also take Linzess for IBS-C. The Miralax was so "iffy" & fiber made things worse. Have you been diagnosed with IBS-C or spastic colon? Your symptoms sound so much like mine. Linzess and Bentyl (prescription for spastic colon) have worked wonderfully for me. I do find that I am more sensitive to lactose than I use to be so I try and steer clear of milk products. The bloating is miserable and it makes you so tired. Praying for you.

@lorisus and everyone, you may also be interested in these GI related discussions in the Post-COVID Recovery support group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/post-covid-recovery-covid-19/?search=GI#discussion-listview

Wow your haing so many issue I have bloating and some discomfort try to reduce what I eat esp dairy.
Now having my 2nd bout of covid and loss of taste and smell furtrating as food so dry not wanting to eat

Good luck with diet

ellen307

Yes I have, and it was terrible. A friend suggested. I tried chewing organic fennel seeds till they were pulverized into nothing and then swallowed with water. The results have been amazing and I feel much less gastro distress! Lots of health benefits if you look it up

Nausea is almost a daily thing, always accompanied by lightheadedness. The diarrhea was awful the first year, liquidly, and no warning cramps. I was afraid to leave the house. It's gotten better, but I still have days when I spend too much time on the toilet. I did lose 26 lbs., which was needed. I could still lose 40 more to make my doctor happy. I do take Culturelle probiotics daily, Pepcid, and Zyrtec too. I think it was the addition of the Pepcid that the doctor prescribed when she saw I was getting rashes and diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. She said the Pepcid has a different type of antihistamine that would boost the antihistamine in the Zyrtec. I just know that I cook meals for my family my stomach will clench and refuse to let me eat. Oatmeal, Bone Broth, and Chobani Yogurts are a my fall backs when it gets bad.

Have you been diagnosed with IBS-D by chance? So sorry you are going through this. Prayers...

HI..Covidstinks2023..it has attacked me since december 2021 when I had Covid..it re-triggered ulcerative colitis after being in re-mission for almost 20 years and now it has attacked my respiratory system since mid august and it wont let go. I have a severe cough that will not go away..urgent care, er visits, primary care visits, medications, antibiotics ( last dose today) and I no where near getting rid of this. I have not been able to work again now for going on two weeks, the fatigue is also pretty overwhelming too. We never know what our day is going to be like. I was exposed to covid and I think I may have had it again, I am having the same same symptoms I had in 2021, that nasty cough. The ER doctor said they have been seeing an increase of patients with long haul covid getting bronchitis and asthma. This is getting old and I wish there was something they could do for us, but I do not think they know what to do for us. I have had doctors tell me I have anxiety, which I am tired of hearing, do you think they would have anxiety if they felt like us on a daily basis. Most of them they only want to push more medications that have side effects that only make us sicker. I think my immune system is so goofed up from this syndrome and the dose of steroids they had me on for so long that my body does not know how to react any longer. We need to keep fighting, they tell me I am tough but I would like to be able to enjoy what time I have left, but I stay home because If I have something that is catchy I do not want to pass it to my co workers or friends.. Stay strong and we need to support each other. I am glad they have this site for us. We can give each other what tips work and do not work for us. Sincerely, Kitty2

I've been tested for everything! Thanks!