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Sunday, November, 08, 2009
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All my test so far are negative, the medication isn't working and my symptoms seem to be worsening.

CAT
07/08/09
CAT
Topics:Diarrhea

I have diarrhea at 5-8 times per day depending on if I decide to eat or not!  Blood tests showed nothing abnormal, stool sample fine, colonoscopy all good, biopsy negative.  So he says it's probably Irritable Bowel, leave it alone and lets see if it goes away!  Nothing in particular seems to make it better or worse, except of course when I don't eat at all!  Then it's better!  I was given Dicyclomine 10mg 3x daily, not helping.  Other symptoms - tired, thirsty, no real weight loss except when I choose not to eat for a few days, minimal cramping below my belly button, gas and bloating.  NEVER had a problem with constipation, always had a loose stool and small boughts of diarrhea.  10 weeks ago it became severe, I had a fever, I was given antibiotics, fever went away, diarrhea did not.  It is becoming debilitating.  Could this be anything else that I can be tested for besides the basic bowel diseases?

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Answers (1)
Elizabeth Roberts
Elizabeth Roberts
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Author & IBD Patient

Hello,

I am a freelance writer and editor living in...

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Hi CAT,

 

This is a site for people with IBD - Inflammatory Bowel Disease, but you might find a good community of people with IBS at www.ibsgroup.org.

 

That said, your symptoms generally sound IBS related, except for the recent fever. Has your doctor tested you for parasites? This would require stool samples and could account for the fever. Also, taking antibiotics can give anyone diarrhea, so the course you took could have simply made your BMs worse.

 

If you find eating is your main problem, then you may have an intolerance to some foods like wheat, gluten, dairy, soy, etc. You can read my Sharepost on this site about doing an Elimination diet which will help you identify foods to which you might be sensitive that are causing or contributing to your symptoms.

 

As an FYI - IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion. After all other options are exhausted and no other diagnosis is found, then IBS is determined. With the colonoscopy and biopsy coming back normal it's not IBD, which is good for you. So, it's now up to you to see if any foods are causing issues, or stress levels, or other Rx medications you might be taking, etc.

 

I hope this has been somewhat helpful to you. And best of luck,

Elizabeth 

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