What Causes Severe Diarrhea, Muscle Aches And Fever?

Posted on Thu, 21 Jan 2016

Question: On Saturday morning I began vomiting with severe muscle aches and fever becoming unbearable by Saturday evening. The vomiting stopped and was replaced by severe diarrhea. On Sunday morning I went to the er. They did some tests with an elevated d dimer but no clot found. The er sent me home with my labs and told me to take them to my pcp asap. The diarrhea has since gotten worse and this morning it is extra watery and looks of black coffee grounds. I am a healthy 37yo female. My pcp is out of the office until XXXXXXX 4 and no one will I contact will see a new patient today. I have no idea what to do next.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Immediate medical attention required; go to ER...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

I am sorry for the situation you are going through.

Your situation is an emergency and should go to ER as soon as possible as you need iv fluids replacement to avoid dehydration. You can't wait until XXXXXXX 4 to see your doctor but need immediate medical attention.

If I was your caring doctor further tests should be immediately carried out:
- culture of stool
- occult blood testing
- complete blood count
- abdominal ultrasound

I understand you have already done some tests so far; can you please provide the results to me for a more accurate analysis and advice?

For the moment, I advice to:
- increase fluids intake
- take tasectan to stop diarrhea
- take probiotics to stabilize intestinal flora
- take antacids to normalize stomach pH

until you get the tests results in.

Wish fast recovery!
Let me know if you need further assistance!
Dr.Albana

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

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (9 minutes later)

I have attached all test results.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
viral infection to be further evaluated

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for providing the requested data.

I have gone through them and noted that you ran basic blood tests. Slightly elevated glucose levels were noted. I advise to repeat testing: fasting, two hours after eating and run HbA1C test to determine whether you have problems with glucose metabolism

Next, from the complete blood count, I noted elevated monocytes and reduced lymphocytes, indicating viral infection.

Other tests were fine.

Further abdominal ultrasound is advised together with other specific tests as mentioned earlier to determine the right cause : fecal occult blood test, fecal examination for ova / parasites, culture of stool.

Once again, rehydration is important and still thinking should seek immediate medical help.

With regards to increased d dimer, that is a specific test to determine clotting problems. I need to know what other problems you have as has nothing to do with vomiting or other gi problems you are currently having. Furthermore, deep vein thrombosis is ruled out as per doppler report.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

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