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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Recurrent Diarrhea Be Treated?

More than a year ago (77 years old now) begin recurring bouts w/diarrhea, known spastic colon...having always been more to the constipated side...since teens, Metamucil, prune juice, high-fiber diet. Last fall, o/a November 2016, my previously seen-gastroenterologist, had another colonoscopy. Routine, removed two small polyps, negative, no issue. Come back in three years (79 y.o.). Three times I ve been appointed w/family physician s Nurse Practicioner, about Jul/Aug a request to return my phone call was dropped? Physician had suggested removal Metformin, after o/a 3 yrs use - adjusting A1C/ok at last result; provided w/numerous dietary lists do eat, don t eat. Eat yogurt, take probiotic, immodium, couple of embarrasing incidents (at home). Occasionally, w/o correlation, subsides 3, 6 wks; my annual workup physician s visit appointed a yr ago coming late Nov. Meanwhile...I hate it when this happens! History - two older sisters diagnosed Crohn s Disease, eldest sister colostomy in her later 40 s, second sister probably more than two ft large intestine, two surgeries, removed. But, thinking my reaching the age I am and never been diagnosed, probably not going to happen. I was with both of them at various times, am aware, this is not easy. Okay to use anti-diarrheal and wait out my family doctor of 10-11 years, been there for me, or...? Insist/ask for help.
Wed, 20 Dec 2017
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hi and welcome to Healthcaremagic. Thank you for your query. I am Dr. Rommstein, I understand your concerns and I will try to help you as much as I can.
Watery loose stools are in most cases caused by dietary causes or infectious ones. If this is caused by diet then he should try to rest more and switch to a diet of clear liquids. Drink water, juice, bouillon and weak tea to avoid becoming dehydrated. Replace lost fluids and electrolytes with sports drinks. Avoid coffee or soft drinks that contain caffeine, since caffeine increases the loss of water and salt. If you have nausea in addition to diarrhea, take very small sips of fluid frequently and suck on ice chips. He also may consider over-the-counter medications such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or loperamide (Imodium).In cases of infectious diarrheas, you should do microbiologist testing of stool and see the exact microbe and then antibiotics can be used additionaly.
I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us in every time.
Kindly regards. Wish you a good health.
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How Can Recurrent Diarrhea Be Treated?

Hi and welcome to Healthcaremagic. Thank you for your query. I am Dr. Rommstein, I understand your concerns and I will try to help you as much as I can. Watery loose stools are in most cases caused by dietary causes or infectious ones. If this is caused by diet then he should try to rest more and switch to a diet of clear liquids. Drink water, juice, bouillon and weak tea to avoid becoming dehydrated. Replace lost fluids and electrolytes with sports drinks. Avoid coffee or soft drinks that contain caffeine, since caffeine increases the loss of water and salt. If you have nausea in addition to diarrhea, take very small sips of fluid frequently and suck on ice chips. He also may consider over-the-counter medications such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or loperamide (Imodium).In cases of infectious diarrheas, you should do microbiologist testing of stool and see the exact microbe and then antibiotics can be used additionaly. I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us in every time. Kindly regards. Wish you a good health.