Dr. Ajeet Kumar
Medical Gastroenterology
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I was referred to a colon rectal specialist by my gynecologist since taking Metronidazole and Fluconazole in the second week of June and my digestive system had not been the same since. I cannot stop my diarrhea. I saw a colon and rectal specialist on Monday and he said there are no hemorrhoids but he did see my narrowing due to hemorrhoid surgery 10 years ago. I told him I lost 13 pounds since taking this medication. He told me to take 1 teaspoon of fiber and take probiotics and would see me in two weeks. Tuesday-Thursday I have improved harder bowel movements but still with some diarrhea. Fiber is really hard to get down so I went on Friday morning to buy the smooth kind instead of coarse.
I saw my gynecologist on friday who prescribed me Prozac 20 mg (antidepressant) since all of this has made me so stressed out with anxiety and unable to sleep. Friday, I came back from seeing her and took the new smooth fiber with a bowl of cereal and pretty soon after had pretty bad diarrhea. Then in a couple of hours I had a bulky bowel movement. Most normal since all this started weeks ago. But then after I ate lunch I had bad diarrhea again. I called the pharmacist and he said to take the fiber before bed. After dinner my tummy was rumbling and went again. Worst day yet. I took Prozac which I wish I had not cause me feel weird. I felt shaky, dry mouth, could not sleep just felt really weird. Now Saturday morning I had diarrhea after breakfast at 10 am and now a little again at 12 pm and I have not even ate anything. What is happening to me? I am so scared. Should I consult a GI specialist? And why has my system been messed up after taking these medicines a month ago now?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Well, I can just only imagine how much you been stressed and frustrated while all this.
There are two things.
1. Although this is common to have GI (Gastrointestinal) upset namely diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain as side effects after medications like Metronidazole, and due to Fluconazole but these effects usually vanish once the medicines are stopped. Presence of diarrhea suggests something goes out there.
2. There are other potential causes for your.symptoms. One such cause is spurious diarrhea which is a false diarrhea after prolonged constipation or in patient with chronic constipation. The cause of that chronic constipation has to be ruled out as well.
The other reasons for this diarrhea of new onset lasting now almost more than four weeks are infectious like Clostridium.difficle infection common after antibiotics use like you do, and non-infectious. There are many in the non-infectious category. To know this, I would need some tests to tell you why it is happening to you.
The Probable causes
Investigations to be done
Regarding follow up
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Medical Gastroenterology
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