Colon and Rectal Surgeon Questions Gastroenterologist

“60 year old woman with chronic diarrhea no other symptoms?”

I have diarrhea 5-6 times a day/night. Usually no warning. No fever, no stomach pain, no vomiting. Colonoscopy clear.

Female | 60 years old
Complaint duration: 2 years
Medications: Viibryd 49 mg, Crestor 10 mg, synthroid .75mcg, concerta 58 mg, fish oil, multi-vitamin
Conditions: Anxiety, depression, elevated cholesterol, low thryroid

3 Answers

Diarrhea has a myriad of possible causes, so more detail is needed to figure out what work up might be needed to make a diagnosis. Some common causes are IBS, colitis, carbohydrate malabsorption, medication side effect, microscopic colitis. See a GI doctor if diarrhea is chronic, lasting >4 weeks.
So sorry for your persistent diarrhea. The normal colonoscopy is very valuable information. Other essential testing: 1). Food allergies blood testing. Is a routine lab draw. Requires an order. 2). Celiac disease panel. Is also a routine lab draw. 3). Eliminate dairy foods for four weeks as a trial. 4). Eliminate gluten foods also for four weeks. 5). Stool test for Clostridium diffocele. 6). Stool test for giardiasis. 7). Reduce animal fat intake. 8). Take probiotic daily. 9). Minimal caffeine. 10). More fiber in form of leafy greens, apples, bananas. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, then review with your diabetes specialist.

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The bowel, or colon, is 5 feet long. Its "job" is to absorb water from the stool, giving bowel movements solidity. There is a condition called "collagenous colitis," where the collagen layer of the bowel gets thick and the bowel can't absorb anything, thus the patient has diarrhea. This is diagnosed with a biopsy from a colonoscopy. This condition can be easily treated. Remember, it's important to re-hydrate. Also, remember that sugar and fat-free products will increase colonic motility and cause diarrhea. Please consult with your provider and GI specialist.

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