Suggest Treatment For Recurring Diarrhea,low Grade Fever And Cold

Posted on Fri, 23 Jan 2015

Question: I have had off and on diarrhea and cold symptoms, low grade temp since Nov. Was prescribed two different antibiotics. Nothing helps. No white count has ever been done. There was sore throat mixed in early on, too, was tested for strep, and no. The bowel movements in between seem ok, but when this hits they are watery. I can't seem to get much attention, been to two different Drs since I changed location. Can this be an ongoing virus??? I am elderly, and have lots of stress the last two years caring for an ill husband, who has since passed. Any ideas??? I am also "getting off" a .05 mg dose of xanax and am cutting in half now. This was prescribed because I was getting no sleep as caregiver. Do not want to be on this stuff. I think I have been having some withdrawal. Please give me advice. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
cool

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

U understand how distressing this could be. But I do believe there is much than be done. Simple measures could help.

I suggest you maintain the 0.05mg of Xanax you are taking for a week or two, then you can take same dose once every two days.

It is important to check if you changed your diet. New foods could lead to intolerance and can cause diarrheoa. It is not very likely this could be a viral infection at this point in time.

I suggest stress management for now, a bit of exercise, check your diet and just think positive. Sharing and being with loved ones could.

Getting a stool exam and some blood tests if this persists would be useful.

I think its too early to bother this much.

Regards as I wish you the best of health..

Dr Bain

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

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (13 minutes later)

I am not taking .05 mg xanax, only 1/2 of that pill. I stated that have been taking only 1/2 for about 4 weeks. Could it be C Diff? I have had that in the past. My stools are sediment like. I do not have constant diarrhea, only every other day or so.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Observe symptoms carefully, antibiotic related at times

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the update,

It might be really interesting to check the antibiotics you were prescribed. Some of them do have as side effect diarrhea. However, this diarrhea rarely goes over a week after the antibiotics are stopped. It would be appropriate in my opinion to check the antibiotics. Penicillin family antibiotics like Amoxicillin - Clavulinic acid generally have this as side effect. This special kind of diarrhea is called pseudomembranoeus colitis.

I think this should fade out gradually. In case this persists, you might have to see a doctor for a proper review.

Absence of alarm signs like severe pain, fever, blood in stool are however reassuring. However, watching carefully for persistence, aggravation or onset of new symptoms remains important.

Kind regards as I wish you the best of health.

Dr Bain

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