Suggest Treatment For Persistent Diarrhea After Leg Amputation

Posted on Thu, 22 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 22 Oct 2015 Answered on

Thu, 12 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My father has diarrhea. He had a leg amputation (because of peripherial arterial disease) a week ago, after that he started to struggle with stomach problem. First there was no stool, now he has a lot of stool but diarrhea. He is getting weeker and weeker, and thinner. Why is that? He is lying in the chirurgia vascolare (because of his original disease), doctors just wait and don't give any advice how to help in recovering. What could I take to my father to help in recovering? Some probiotics? How dangerous is this diarrhea to his health? How long will that take (now I it is for 2 days)? I am afraid of that if the food does not stay in his stomach, and come out quickly in a water like (brown) stool, he will not get the important nutritients to get stronger. How can I make my father getting stronger and stronger in this situation?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Metronidazole, probiotics

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

Since he developed diarrhea following hospitalization and taking medications, it could be probably be due to C diff infection /antibiotic associated diarrhea.
Stool analysis may be done for confirmation.

A course of metronidazole and probiotics will provide relief.

Uncontrolled diarrhea may lead to dehydration and may affect kidney function. Diarrhea over a longer period of time only would lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Enough fluids will prevent dehydration.
I presume his blood tests ( for kidney function - urea, creatinine and electrolytes) are normal.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar