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What Causes Diarrhea Followed By Constipation?
Question: med for IBS
1 wk ago I had 2 days of diarhea, followed by 6 days of constipation. A general ache and tenderness in my lower abdomen with epigastric pain. Yesterday the pain became more severe and was worse in my left side at the splenic flexure. Periodically I have temporary pain here. The pain was bad enough that I considered going to urgent care. I took 2 gasex tabs and walked and then rested for about an hour and the pain was relieved. I was able to have a bowel movement later. Today I still have slight pain under my left rib cage and a tenderness in my lower abdomen. I have also had a bladder sling with mesh in 2005. I have just started a new job driving motorcoach in march and drive 5 or 6 days a week to places like NYC. D.C. , Phila. etc. I have also had some emotional stress right before the symptoms started. Any advice? YYYY@YYYY XXXXXXX
1 wk ago I had 2 days of diarhea, followed by 6 days of constipation. A general ache and tenderness in my lower abdomen with epigastric pain. Yesterday the pain became more severe and was worse in my left side at the splenic flexure. Periodically I have temporary pain here. The pain was bad enough that I considered going to urgent care. I took 2 gasex tabs and walked and then rested for about an hour and the pain was relieved. I was able to have a bowel movement later. Today I still have slight pain under my left rib cage and a tenderness in my lower abdomen. I have also had a bladder sling with mesh in 2005. I have just started a new job driving motorcoach in march and drive 5 or 6 days a week to places like NYC. D.C. , Phila. etc. I have also had some emotional stress right before the symptoms started. Any advice? YYYY@YYYY XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Investigations as advised
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Read and understood your history and concern.
To recapitulate: F/55 - taking Efffexer XR and Simvastatin - med for IBS - 2 days diarrhea followed by 6 days of constipation - pain in abdomen as explained - emotional stress - periodic pain at the splenic flexure - Dad a bad pain > gasex > pain relieved and passed BM -pain remains - bladder sling in 2005 - job driving motorcoach -
Thanks again for such a good chronological history that the first differential diagnosis goes to the problem at the splenic flexure.
At the same time it is interesting to know that as a side effect, Effexer too can have such action on the colon and to a lesser extent Statin can cause.
I would advise you the following:
Colonoscopy
Barium meal with follow-through
CT scan of the abdomen
Along with routine tests of blood, urine and stool.
Standing X-ray of the abdomen when you are in acute pains
These investigations will give us the best possible diagnosis and as you may know a proper diagnosis is very important for the effective treatment.
I hope this answer helps you to get a proper diagnosis, and get a proper further treatment. Please feel free to ask for more or if you need further clarifications or if you feel there is a gap of communication.
Investigations as advised
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Read and understood your history and concern.
To recapitulate: F/55 - taking Efffexer XR and Simvastatin - med for IBS - 2 days diarrhea followed by 6 days of constipation - pain in abdomen as explained - emotional stress - periodic pain at the splenic flexure - Dad a bad pain > gasex > pain relieved and passed BM -pain remains - bladder sling in 2005 - job driving motorcoach -
Thanks again for such a good chronological history that the first differential diagnosis goes to the problem at the splenic flexure.
At the same time it is interesting to know that as a side effect, Effexer too can have such action on the colon and to a lesser extent Statin can cause.
I would advise you the following:
Colonoscopy
Barium meal with follow-through
CT scan of the abdomen
Along with routine tests of blood, urine and stool.
Standing X-ray of the abdomen when you are in acute pains
These investigations will give us the best possible diagnosis and as you may know a proper diagnosis is very important for the effective treatment.
I hope this answer helps you to get a proper diagnosis, and get a proper further treatment. Please feel free to ask for more or if you need further clarifications or if you feel there is a gap of communication.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
It is 3 days later. Abdomen is bloated and tender. Esp. In epigastric area. When I eat I feel full right away and I feel like I will throw up. What is your opinion as to what the problem is .I did have huge bowel movement this morning, so things are moving again. I did not have any test yet, but it seems worse. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Consult a Surgeon ASAP / intestinal obstruction needs to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
It is 3 days already.
You still have problems. I think you should go for the basic steps and tests ASAP before it get late and the clinical evaluation, examination by a Doctor, preferably by a General Surgeon.
I shall be waiting for the results of the tests and the opinion of the examining Doctor.
Consult a Surgeon ASAP / intestinal obstruction needs to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
It is 3 days already.
You still have problems. I think you should go for the basic steps and tests ASAP before it get late and the clinical evaluation, examination by a Doctor, preferably by a General Surgeon.
I shall be waiting for the results of the tests and the opinion of the examining Doctor.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks, that is what I think also. But I drive motorcoach and I am on a trip. I will not get
home til 1 am. I rested for a couple hrs. Then ate applesauce and drank iced tea and saltines . 30 minutes later I threw it all back up. An empty stomach is my only relief.. Tomorrow I will get it checked out. XXXXXXX
home til 1 am. I rested for a couple hrs. Then ate applesauce and drank iced tea and saltines . 30 minutes later I threw it all back up. An empty stomach is my only relief.. Tomorrow I will get it checked out. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Please get investigated ASAP
Detailed Answer:
Oh, I can understand that you are working and have this problem. It must be really taxing.
Please get everything checked.
Proper diagnosis and proper treatment alone can help you to get a proper treatment and relief and ability to work normally.
Take care.
Please keep me posted about the further developments, investigations and treatment.
I shall be very happy to assist you.
Please get investigated ASAP
Detailed Answer:
Oh, I can understand that you are working and have this problem. It must be really taxing.
Please get everything checked.
Proper diagnosis and proper treatment alone can help you to get a proper treatment and relief and ability to work normally.
Take care.
Please keep me posted about the further developments, investigations and treatment.
I shall be very happy to assist you.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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