HomeAnswersMedical GastroenterologydiarrheaWhy am I having diarrhea following constipation for a long time?

I have diarrhea following constipation for a long time. Why?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At January 10, 2019
Reviewed AtJune 21, 2019

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am having a slightly upset stomach with bloating for the past four months. I thought I had a bug. Two weeks later, it seemed much better. However, my bowel movements did not return to normal. I had mostly constipation for about a month (even though my stomach did not feel as upset anymore). Then after that month, things flipped and now for the last four weeks at least, I have had movements that are almost diarrhea (very soft, formed only slightly). Colour does not seem abnormal and there is not a bad smell and I do not see oil drops in the toilet bowl. Every morning I have this. I also am having increasing stomach reactions. Every time I put food into my mouth, the gurgling starts. I am not feeling this is a food intolerance as it happens instantly no matter what I eat. I also get a lot of bloating due to the gas.

I will, of course, be following up with my doctor, but wanted to ask here. I have a history of breast cancer, so I easily get concerned about cancers (I realize that breast cancer does not often spread to the bowels, but I am still worried about another cancer). I am not a person with a strong history of gastrointestinal upset. I did go through about 7 to 8 weeks of something about seven years ago and never really had a true explanation. Those symptoms accompanied many other symptoms such as nerve pain, twitching, cramping. I felt as though I was having an autoimmune type reaction and am now wondering if it was tied to hormonal changes as my periods changed at the very same time as I had those symptoms (perimenopause). I am currently on Letrozole for hormone positive breast cancer targeted therapy. I had my ovaries out two years ago. So my body is definitely experiencing a massive drop in estrogen over the past two years. I am wondering if you have any thoughts on what this could be? No blood in the stool.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your history fits into the acid peptic disease. I do not find any sign of cancer over here (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I would recommend you the following. A combination of Pantoprazole and Domperidone once daily for a few days. A good probiotic, to take a soft and bland diet, to walk after all meals. I would also recommend you to get your thyroid profile checked.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I had my thyroid checked via bloodwork. Is this what you mean? My stomach is just constantly churning or gurgling and not stopping. I have even tried to just stop eating today. Does diarrhea fit? Would I feel a burning sensation if there is an acidic component? May I ask why you do not suspect cancer? And what causes this condition?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, I also mean to say about the blood test of the thyroid. Hopefully, that is normal. The gurgling of the stomach and acidity feeling are found in acid peptic disease. Usually, cancer presents with weight loss, fever , blood in stools or vomitus. Your symptoms are simply suggestive of acid peptic disease. This can happen due to overeating , taking spicy food and unhygienic food from a hotel. The medicines that I have mentioned should help you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Anshul Varshney
Dr. Anshul Varshney

Internal Medicine

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