Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Diarrhea, Abdominal Bloating And Flatulence
Question: Following hiatal hernia surgery, I began having infrequent or once a week experiences of what I thought was hypoglycemic reactions. If was like I had not eaten, became very weak, light headed, shaky and with blurry vision. If I ate a cracker (no bread), fruit or potatoes, I would eventually calm down. I am now 3 1/2 months past surgery. The symptoms have worsened. As recently as yesterday, I had the shakes so bad from head to toe and was so lightheaded that I felt I could faint - I have never fainted before. I craved instant liquid and food. After eating a large amount of popcorn and drinking a coke (close at hand) and as much as an hour later, my symptoms reduced. I was very tired after this event, as I have experienced previously. All this has become progressively worse and usually occurs approximately 30 minutes after eating. I followed a strict diet the first 3 months after surgery and lost 16 pounds. Rich diary products and soft breads seem to encourage these "attacks."
I also experience bad gas, occasional diarrhea as in the case yesterday, and bloating.
I also experience bad gas, occasional diarrhea as in the case yesterday, and bloating.
Brief Answer:
Details incorporated.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Have gone through your details.
Most likely they are episodes of hypoglycemia.As these episodes are responding very well to sugary monosaccharides they can be episodes of hypoglycemia.
I would advice you to keep a automatic blood sugar monitoring machine with you and record your blood sugar levels at the time of attack.
Secondly please specify your anxiety levels?
Anxiety makes this worse it seems to affect blood sugar,Anxiety increase the rate of metabolism.When you are anxious or stressed and burns of energy very quickly, giving you a sudden dip.
You need to try to eat slow burning carbohydrates, things like oats, banana, brown bread and pasta etc. High glycemic index foods will temporarily stop the problem but then you burn them off very fast so the same thing will happen again in a couple of hours time.
A second possibility can be Insulinoma.
Insulin's job is to reduce the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood by helping it move into cells. Most of the time when your blood sugar level drops too low, the pancreas stops making insulin until your blood sugar returns to normal. Tumors of the pancreas that produce too much insulin are called insulinomas.They can cause the same symptoms which you are having and patient responds very well to carbohydrates.
Advice
Ultra sound abdomen
Serum blood sugar levels noted at the time of next attack
HbA1C levels
Serum insulin levels.
Please mention of stress and anxiety levels?
Any history of panic attacks in family?
Follow up with reports.
Thanks
Details incorporated.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Have gone through your details.
Most likely they are episodes of hypoglycemia.As these episodes are responding very well to sugary monosaccharides they can be episodes of hypoglycemia.
I would advice you to keep a automatic blood sugar monitoring machine with you and record your blood sugar levels at the time of attack.
Secondly please specify your anxiety levels?
Anxiety makes this worse it seems to affect blood sugar,Anxiety increase the rate of metabolism.When you are anxious or stressed and burns of energy very quickly, giving you a sudden dip.
You need to try to eat slow burning carbohydrates, things like oats, banana, brown bread and pasta etc. High glycemic index foods will temporarily stop the problem but then you burn them off very fast so the same thing will happen again in a couple of hours time.
A second possibility can be Insulinoma.
Insulin's job is to reduce the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood by helping it move into cells. Most of the time when your blood sugar level drops too low, the pancreas stops making insulin until your blood sugar returns to normal. Tumors of the pancreas that produce too much insulin are called insulinomas.They can cause the same symptoms which you are having and patient responds very well to carbohydrates.
Advice
Ultra sound abdomen
Serum blood sugar levels noted at the time of next attack
HbA1C levels
Serum insulin levels.
Please mention of stress and anxiety levels?
Any history of panic attacks in family?
Follow up with reports.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
I am what is called a type A personality and a bit of a perfectionist. My anxiety levels go up and down depending on the challenge of the moment. I have taken the lowest dose of lexapro on an "as needed" basis, however I have not taken any of that med for at least a year. I also take 500 mg Valcyclovir/valtrex daily because of a propensity for shingles. Could this contribute in some way to my symptoms/"attacks?" My other meds are: simvastatin, felodipine, vitamin D and probiotic. All are lowest doses. Incidentally, I am a music performer/retired. Where can I get a blood sugar monitoring machine? I have been suspicious of a pancreatic reaction since this last "attack" was so severe. Could there be any association with my recent surgery? Thank you for your input!
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Most like vancyclovir has nothing to do with your symptoms.
Try to keep your anxiety levels normal,You can consult a pysciatrist for the same.
Blood sugar monitoring machines are available online and at the chemist shops.
To rule out the involvement of pancreas please get the investigations mentioned above done.
Hiatal hernia surgery i don't feel has any relation to these current events.
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Most like vancyclovir has nothing to do with your symptoms.
Try to keep your anxiety levels normal,You can consult a pysciatrist for the same.
Blood sugar monitoring machines are available online and at the chemist shops.
To rule out the involvement of pancreas please get the investigations mentioned above done.
Hiatal hernia surgery i don't feel has any relation to these current events.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
