HI and thanks for the query,

I think it might be somehow necessary to get other formal examinations to exclude known causes of chronic diarrhea (diarrhea for more than 3 weeks). Equirex gives symtomatic treatment, but its however important to know the exact cause of this diarrhea. IBS) could as well be the cause, but this is usually a diagnosis of exclusion when other known causes have been formally excluded.

Infections, change in diet and food intolerance, colon tumors deserve a formal exclusion. Absence of fever and abdominal pain are very comforting. I suggest you might to get a stool examination, stool culture and sensitivity testing, occult blood to exclude for colon cancer for a start. The normally of these tests and a favorable clinical evolution would point towards irritable bowel syndrome, and at that stage, a simple monitoring of symptoms and reporting any adverse signs or symptoms when noticed.

For now as you book an appointment with a gastroenterologist, a health diet, XXXXXXX in vegetables and fruits and exercise could be of much help. Book an appointment and get a complete clinical review.

Thanks and hope this helps. Do not hesitate asking further questions if need be.

Best regards,
Luchuo, MD.

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Hi and thanks for the query,

I ma happy with the update information you just sent. If it s been declared mild IBS, then there is really nothing much to worry about. To me the drug prescribed and the duration sounds actually very appropriate. Little side effects might be noted, but generally in mild IBS, without severe abdominal symptoms, after 10 days of taking the drug, a net improvement is expected.

With respect to the side effects of this drug, all drugs do carry side effects. The mot commonly reported side effects of this drug have been nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, with of course ave been mild and usually fade out without the treatment or a few days when the treatment is over. I strongly suggest you take the drugs as prescribed and take a lot of water and fluids during this period.

The prognosis is mild IBS is generally very good. Complementary life style changes have reported spectacular improvements: exercise, XXXXXXX vegetable and fruit diet, positive thinking (reduction in stress levels) and drinking enough water and exercise. It is however very important to be watchful. If you experience these diarrheal symptoms accompanied by other signs like fever, blood in stool or severe weight loss, it might be very necessary to get a physician review.

For now, I suggest you stay calm for the prognosis of mild IBS is good, especially when complemented with drug compliance and positive life style modification practices as cited above.

Thanks and hope this helps as I await any further questions in case you have any.

Best regards,

Luchuo, MD.

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Hi and thanks for the query,

It is not uncommon to have interchange of episodes of diarrhea and constipation in IBS. It is not unusual. It is important notifying this past history of anxiety. It is observed that psychiatric disease or conditions have repercussions on the gastrointestinal system. This has a physiologic explanation however.

It would be interesting to know if you have ever had a consultation with a psychiatrist or a psychologist? Have you ever been prescribed any anti anxiety drugs?

If not, stress, anxiety distorts the functioning of the whole system at all levels, and might have consequences not only at physical level, the IBS, but also on your general performance but at social and job site level. It is an important consideration to have a session or consultation with a psychiatrist and/ or a psychologist. This might change lots of things. Mental state in good shape actually shapes one s life.

I conclude by saying it is NOT unusual experiencing this interplay of diarrhea and loose motion in IBS, but insisting on respect of the treatment prescribed and other above cited life style changes. Meeting a psychiatrist/psychologist to me could be very useful.

Thanks once again as I wish you the best of health.
Best regards,

Luchuo, MD.

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