What Causes Loose Stool,discomfort Stomach And Muscle Cramps In Legs?

Posted on Thu, 6 Nov 2014

Question: Over the last three to four weeks I began noticing symptoms that have slowly increased in intensity. They included oily loose stools, and a mild stomach sensation much like the feeling you get when you did too many sit ups the prior day. Also I started experiencing muscle cramps in my legs after strenuous exercise. Prior to this I have had no symptoms or issues. I am a sixty year old while male in good shape for my age, exercise regularly, etc. I was treated for prostate cancer in 2009 with a combination of internal seed radiation and external beam radiation. I was classified as stage two XXXXXXX level three. I have regular PSA test every six months with the latest two months ago, all in good range. I also passed a kidney stone in mid September that was 4mm and was stuck for three day just prior to reaching the bladder. I have no other history of diseases. The only other known diseases in my family were breast cancer in my mother who died at age 89, and my father dies of cardiovascular disease at age 62

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dehydration

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Looking at the symptoms and query, my opinion is as follows:

1. You are loosing fluids and electrolytes due to dehydration.

2. Low fluids and potassium are causing muscle cramps.

You need to take good amount of fluids (preferably with electrolytes like electoral powder) along with potassium rich diet (avocadas, potato, nuts, fish, etc) to improve potassium levels. Also take probiotics medications or yoghurt to improve gut bacteria to reduce incidence of loose stools.

At this age, however change in bowel habits should be seriously viewed. You might need a colonoscopy to rule out any colonic cancers.
Also get your serum potassium level evaluated. You doctor can prescribe potassium tablets based on your potassium level.

Hope it helps.

Any further queries, happy to help again.

Take Care.
Dr. Prakash HM

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

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