Dr. Jagdish Singh
Medical Gastroenterology
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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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
For the past 4 to 5 weeks, I have been having constipation and loose stools at times. I occasionally feel stressed. I feel that my bowels are not emptying. My blood tests for liver and kidney function were fine. I have an iron deficiency which could be due to heavy periods during the perimenopause stage. My folic acid levels are also low. I was diagnosed with gallstones. My stools have been yellowish on occasions. Are these conditions related to gallstones, or could they be something like IBS (as there is a family history)? I also have a bit of gas problem and stomach pain. I had a physical examination of the backside of my abdomen, and everything was fine. I am going for a colonoscopy in a few weeks. I am under severe stress. Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
It looks like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I suggest the following:
1. Do regular exercise, meditation, and yoga.
2. Increase water and fiber intake.
3. Take tablet Rifaximin 550 mg twice daily after meals.
4. Take capsule VSL 3 (probiotic) once daily after lunch.
5. Take Cremadiet (Ispaghula husk) powder two scoops at bedtime with a glass of water.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Can an episode of IBS go on for months? As mentioned, I have had this for 4 to 5 weeks now.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) can last for years. So there is nothing to worry. Just do some changes in your lifestyle and we can review your condition after the colonoscopy.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I just want to check if the flare-up can last for months? I guess anxiety and stress will make it worse. Is it normal to have a bowel movement four times a day and maybe only once the next day? Is it normal to feel like I have to pass the stools multiple times a day? Sometimes I feel like I have to strain myself to pass the stools. Is this normal?
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern. Yes, IBS flare-ups can last for months. These kinds of bowel habits usually happen due to IBS only and it is not normal. So follow the above instructions.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Is there anything you suggest? Could it be something more serious such as cancer? It is just that I am worried as I have never gone through anything like this before. But as I said, I have been under so much stress lately, and it has possibly been building up for at least 6 to 8 months.
Once again, thank you for your help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
No, it does not look like cancer. There is no weight loss, your appetite is normal, and there is no pain. You have already planned for a colonoscopy. So nothing to worry about.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I just want to know if this kind of bowel habit fits into IBS only. What did you mean by it is not normal? As you mentioned, there is no pain. But I do have some pain in my stomach, but that could be related to IBS. About a week ago, I had bowel movements once a day, but I have had bowel movements 2 to 3 times a day the last few days. Is this normal with IBS?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, it looks like IBS only, and it is not normal to have it. Pain in the abdomen could be related to IBS. It can be cured, and there is nothing to worry about. Also, stress will aggravate IBS, and the diagnosis can be confirmed after a colonoscopy.
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Medical Gastroenterology
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