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What Causes Alternating Diarrhea And Constipation?
Question: I have been having constant RUQ discomfort for approx 5 weeks. It spreads around my back in a gall bladder pain pattern and sometimes into my RLQ. I have had episodes of this pain in the past. They would last a few weeks and then go away. I am post appendectomy, post perc cholecystectomy (1991) and post hysterectomy w/ removal of right ovary so not much left on the right side. I have always had tricky bowel habits - mostly constipated but with episodes of cramping and very loose stool. I have also had mucous in my stool in the past but not lately. During this episode I have experienced 2.5 days of very watery diarrhea. Internist says liver doesn't feel enlarged. Sending me for LFTs and and ultrasound. I haven't had a loss of appetite and no unexplained weight loss. No jaundice or pruritis. I'm thinking IBS, possible sphincter of odd I dysfunction. How concerned should I be? I am trying to get in with my GI but scheduling is tricky. How concerned should I be? US is scheduled for 30 Aug.. I am 53. Female.
Brief Answer:
Please follow
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX
I read carefully all your concerns and I can say as follows:
1. With regards to your bowel movement you are writing that it is sometime constipation and sometimes diarrhea. It is true that these symptoms may be related
with IBS but firstly you should rule out other issues of large bowel.
This is why at your age and with bowel movement changes like you describe I suggest to do colonoscopy.
2. You are asking about you pain that starts in your back and spread into you RLQ.
It is important to know about ultrasound results. This symptoms may be related with :
- biliary tree sludge
- sphincter of odd dysfunction
- kidney issues
3. Meantime I would suggest to :
- use plenty of water
- use fresh fruits and vegetables
- use olive oil 2 teaspoon per day
- use antispasmodic drugs like buscopan
- avoid fatty and sugar foods
It is nothing to be too worried about your symptoms. Otherwise it is a good choice to be evaluated.
Hope it was helpful to you.
Dr.Klerida
Please follow
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX
I read carefully all your concerns and I can say as follows:
1. With regards to your bowel movement you are writing that it is sometime constipation and sometimes diarrhea. It is true that these symptoms may be related
with IBS but firstly you should rule out other issues of large bowel.
This is why at your age and with bowel movement changes like you describe I suggest to do colonoscopy.
2. You are asking about you pain that starts in your back and spread into you RLQ.
It is important to know about ultrasound results. This symptoms may be related with :
- biliary tree sludge
- sphincter of odd dysfunction
- kidney issues
3. Meantime I would suggest to :
- use plenty of water
- use fresh fruits and vegetables
- use olive oil 2 teaspoon per day
- use antispasmodic drugs like buscopan
- avoid fatty and sugar foods
It is nothing to be too worried about your symptoms. Otherwise it is a good choice to be evaluated.
Hope it was helpful to you.
Dr.Klerida
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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