Constant Diarrhea

In 2010 I had a small bowel resection as a result of carcinoid tumors in my small intestine. My ileocecal valve was also removed. The diarrhea became manageable after my cardiologist brother suggested cholestyramine for the burning. The follow up GI doctor was of no help. About two years ago I was hospitalized with sepsis fro a rare bacterial infection. The 8 week course of IV antibiotics (Zosyn) played havoc with my gut and, as a result I was hospitalized again with a critical deficiency of potassium, magnesium etc. I was never given any kind of diet so keeping the diarrhea at bay has bit hit or miss. I know very little about SIBO but I've read conflicting information on whether it is common in folks without the ileocecal valve. I've also read that people have had success with L-glutamine. I have an appointment with a new GI Doc in a month, so hopefully this one will have more knowledge of my condition.

In 2010 I had a small bowel resection as a result of carcinoid tumors in my small intestine. My ileocecal valve was also removed. The diarrhea became manageable after my cardiologist brother suggested cholestyramine for the burning. The follow up GI doctor was of no help. About two years ago I was hospitalized with sepsis fro a rare bacterial infection. The 8 week course of IV antibiotics (Zosyn) played havoc with my gut and, as a result I was hospitalized again with a critical deficiency of potassium, magnesium etc. I was never given any kind of diet so keeping the diarrhea at bay has bit hit or miss. I know very little about SIBO but I've read conflicting information on whether it is common in folks without the ileocecal valve. I've also read that people have had success with L-glutamine. I have an appointment with a new GI Doc in a month, so hopefully this one will have more knowledge of my condition.

Hi @jollygreen17 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will see that I moved your post to a discussion about continuing diarrhea. I did this so you can connect with members like @suzanne2, @stefspad, @fourof5zs, and @ken82.

Here is an article that you might be interested in as well. "Patients who lost the ileocecal valve and part of the right colon had more diarrhea than those who lost comparable lengths of ileum but had this area preserved. Fecal ion concentrations seemed independent of diet but were related to fecal weight and the amount of colon and ileum removed." ---- The colon influences ileal resection diarrhea: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7353449/

Please let us know when you have your appointment so we can follow up with you to see how it went.

Did they have you on a clear liquid or soft food diet when you were in the hospital?

After the surgery in 2010 they served me beef stew. That was the last thing I wanted! I ate a low fiber diet for awhile on my own as I was experimenting with foods that would lessen the diarrhea. I tried the BRAT diet.. I think applesauce may actually work. Thanks for the article!

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?

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