Chronic Watery explosive diarrhea

[Oklahoma7]

I've had this problem with diarrhea for more than 5 weeks now.  At first I thought I had a virus.  After a week I went to the doctor, and was diagnosed with diverticulitis.  The MD prescribed Cipro for 10 days, and my diarrhea worsened.  After I finished Cipro, the diarrhea continued.  Finally I was sent for a CT Scan with contrast on my abdomen and pelvic area.  MD said everything looked good except for some small pockets(diverticuli) which I already knew I had.  He referred me to a GI doctor but I can't get in for 3 weeks.  He gave me a prescription for lomotil, which helps with Diarrhea, but only if I take 2 ea. 4 times daily.   The only time I've had diarrhea for more than one day was 40 years ago when a virus was going round.  Prior to this episode with diarrhea I had taken antibiotics for a throat and ear condition.   I asked the MD if I could possibly have antibiotic related diarrhea, and his reply was "I'm not giving you anymore antibiotics".  I am afraid to wait 3 more weeks to see the GI doctor, and am wondering why I would need to see a GI doctor if my CT Scan with contrast dye came back okay except for a few pockets, and the pockets had nothing in them?  This has me worried sick, and the diarrhea sometimes smells so terribly foul.  Please help me.  I am at my wits end from having diarrhea 10 to 20 times a day.  Immodium, and Pepto Bismol are not much help with what I have got.


This discussion is related to Colonoscopy needed or can it wait?.

[Oklahoma7]

I tried to post this a few days ago, and it didn't take, obviously.  As of last Monday, I reverted to normal B.M.s.  I switched from Prevacid ( a new medicine for my Gerd) back to my generic Prilosec as a last ditch effort to help myself.  I immediately got better on Sunday, and by Monday was back to only one diarrahea episode.  By Tuesday, I was back to solid BMs.   I have GERD really bad, and all the PPIs disagree with my spastic colon and irritate that issuel.... causing me to have mild diarrhea.   But I either take the meds. or don't eat.  I really feel Prevacid clashed with one of my other meds.  I feel so much better although still in a crampy phase because my BMs are becoming normal, and I feel the rawness of my insides may be trying to heal.  I will still follow up with the GI doctor and see if there is any lasting damage, and if there are any new medicines to control the terrible cramps I have with spastic colon/IBS (worse than childbirth pains).  In the past I've see 2 different GI doctors and have been diagnosed but none of the meds like bentyl, levsin, donnatal, and so many others have not helped with the spasms.   I would like for everyone (who has problems that come on suddenly, and become chronic)  to check their new medicines, or at least ponder if you've taken any new meds.   I wish there were other medicines for GERDS besides PPIs but unfortunately the ones that are not PPIs do not help my GERD.   A big thanks to everyone who replied to me.  I was desperate when I put out this plea for help, and I appreciate each and everyone of you.   You are a great bunch!

[dojoandky]

It sounds to me like you need to have the test for Celiac Disease, because one of the tell-tale signs is that terrible diarhhea, and sometimes foul smelling.  Have you noticed if it floats as welll?  That's another sign.  You'll need an upper endoscopy with a biopsy to see about the condition of your upper small intestines.  You need to be you own best advocate and really push the docotr's office into getting you in for the tests sooner than three weeks.  I suggest you call the doctor's office and demand to speak directly to the doctor and tell him how worried youare and that you'll go nuts if you have to wait three more weeks.  (I recently did that, and low and behold, I was seen THE VERY NEXT DAY!)  You need to persevere for yourself, because no one else will.  Believe me, people in your life may pretend to show sympathy, but you need to take care of yourself.  Do all the investigations you need to and DON"T GIVE UP!!!

[Oklahoma7]

I think I need to be tested for C. Dif.  I've read that it is hard to pinpoint sometimes.  However, I have taken so many antibiotics even before the Cipro, I'm almost positive that is what I have.  Thanks for your support - it helps to talk to others since this is really an emotional situation (thinking of all the possibilities) and also the misery of almost living in the bathroom.  (  )

[Oklahoma7]

Thanks for the moral support.  I think Cipro may have caused my diarrhea to keep going this long, as in antibiotic related C. dif.  However I suppose the GI doctor will do a stool test.  I've read that C. dif. is hard to diagnose.  I know this is something I just don't have for more than one day ordinarily,  I hope you will be better soon, and not have extra weeks of misery.  I thought the CT Scan would help, but no such luck.  Good luck to you.  (  ).

[ashleyann00]

Get tested for C.Diff....

[synthesizer]

it seems you and I are in the same boat, except my diarrhea has only lasted for 2 weeks now. i've tried cipro and it didn't do anything for me. sorry i can't help, just wanted to wish you luck :)