Abnormal digestion problems

[Akalliecat]

Hello!

I have had some strange problems every since I was in the hospital October 2007, with a strange strain of pneumonia (I was so sick and in ICU for 5 days, with breathing tubes and partially out for 3 1/2 of the days and a total stay of 12 days in the hospital).  I have been having severe gas that is quite painful at times, belching, bloating, diarrhea with undigested food particles and strange colored stools, a frequent sour stomach, very dry skin above my upper lip and abnormal hair loss.  I am not sure what is going on and plan on making an appointment with my Dr soon. I am wondering if this might be a malabsorption issue and how it might relate to my hosptial stay.  I did not have these problems before.  I was diagnosed with IBS in my early 20's (I am 42 now), but did not have the same type of diarrhea that I am having now and rarely had problems with gas and sour stomach

Thank you!.

[CalGal]

Just be a bit careful with the drink. Many with GI issues can have difficulties with dairy, even the probiotic types. It's one of the reasons I typically suggest capsule/tablet forms of probiotics instead of the dairy-based form.

But I'm glad you're feeling better. That's important.

[Akalliecat]

I just wanted to let you know that late last night, I went to Walmart and bought the Digestive Advantage-IBS and I aslo saw Dannon's DanActive product Immunity drink, which is a Probiotic Dairy Drink.  I took one tablet and drank one of the drinks and then did the same thing this morning.  I know that this may sound crazy but I am already feeling better and my symptoms are less severe!  I don't know if that is just a coincidence or if those products can actually work that fast but I am just glad that I am feeling much better.  Thank you again for your advice and information!!!

[Akalliecat]

Thank you so much for the information.  I also forgot to mention earlier that I have a hernia on the lower left side of my abdomen but I don't think that would have anything to do with what I am going through right now.  I was given a lot of antibiotics at the hospital and also prednisone for about two months after the pneumonia.  I wll have to trythe probiotics that you mentioned.  I just want to feel normal again.  I have been so depressed about my health lately, especially losing so much hair every day.  I am starting to wonder if I will need to purchase a wig soon, I sure hope not!!  

[CalGal]

It's possible some of your problems may be a result of the antibiotics you were given while you were ill. Something to try might be probiotics. They'll help to normalize the bacterial species and number in your GI tract. Unless you're immunodepressed they won't hurt you, and they just might give you a hand with the gas, bloating and diarrhea. A couple of decent brands are Digestive Advantage-IBS, Culturelle and FloraQ.

When you see the doc, do ask to have some stool samples run to rule out the possibility of any unwarranted 'critters.'