Chronic Diarrhea Cycle: A Plea for Help
Greetings, For the past three and a half years, my mother has been experiencing a relentless cycle of constipation followed by diarrhea, occurring every four to five days. Typically, she endures about four days of constipation, which then culminates in one to two days of severe diarrhea. This condition has led to significant anxiety for her; she often feels compelled to stay close to a restroom, severely limiting her ability to travel or engage in daily activities. There are moments when she can't even make it to the bathroom in her own home. A brief overview of her background: my mother is a 72-year-old female, standing 5'9" and weighing 190 pounds, residing in Oregon. She leads a non-smoking and non-drinking lifestyle. She is currently on medication for restless legs and uses an insulin pump, as she is classified as a type "1.5" diabetic, having developed gestational diabetes 37 years ago, which has left her pancreas incapable of producing insulin. Additionally, she underwent gastric bypass surgery 25 years ago and primarily follows a high-fat ketogenic diet. While she does not partake in cardiovascular exercises, she actively engages in yard work and heavy lifting around the house. Despite having undergone numerous colonoscopies, the results have consistently returned normal, and standard blood tests haven't indicated any issues. However, her doctor has suggested the possibility of polyps and noted that her colon is markedly enlarged. The physician speculated that this recurring issue could stem from her colon accumulating stool and subsequently releasing it all at once. My mother believes that her troubles began after a visit to my sister's home, during which they swam in a river. She suspects a long-lasting bacterial or viral infection in her stomach might be at play. I am reaching out in hopes of finding guidance, as I deeply wish for my mother to enjoy her remaining years without being confined to the bathroom, allowing her to explore life to the fullest.
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 9:30:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your mother's ongoing struggles with this distressing pattern of constipation and diarrhea. It's understandable how this situation can significantly impact her quality of life and cause anxiety. Let's break down the main points and provide some actionable steps.
Main Points
- Your mother experiences a cycle of constipation followed by diarrhea every 4-5 days.
- This pattern has resulted in significant anxiety and limited her daily activities.
- Her medical history includes diabetes and a history of gastric bypass, with normal colonoscopy results.
Explanation
Chronic gastrointestinal issues can have various causes, and in your mother's case, it may be related to her diet, the effects of her surgery, or possibly even an imbalance in her gut flora. The feeling of urgency for bowel movements can gravely affect day-to-day activities, and it is essential to address this to improve her wellbeing.
Next Steps
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Dietary Review: Consult with a registered dietitian to evaluate her ketogenic diet and consider modifications. High-fat diets can impact bowel habits, and it may be beneficial to introduce more fiber (make sure to balance this well with her existing diet, given her gastric bypass).
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Hydration: Ensure she is drinking plenty of water. Hydration can improve constipation and help manage overall digestive health. Aim for at least 8 cups a day unless otherwise directed by her doctor.
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Gradual Introduction of Fiber: If recommended by a healthcare provider, slowly introduce soluble fiber sources, like oats or psyllium, which can help with both constipation and diarrhea. Monitor her response to these changes closely.
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Probiotics: Discuss the possibility of probiotics with her doctor. Probiotics can help balance gut bacteria and may alleviate some of her symptoms.
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Regular Physical Activity: Encourage her to engage in regular moderate physical activity, like walking, which can support digestive function and reduce stress.
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Symptom Journal: Help her maintain a diary tracking her diet, symptoms, and bathroom habits. This information can be valuable for her healthcare provider to better understand the cycle and if there are any triggers or patterns.
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Stress Management Techniques: Since anxiety is a significant factor, consider implementing relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or simple breathing exercises.
If her symptoms persist, dramatically worsen, or new symptoms arise (like significant changes in weight, severe abdominal pain, or blood in the stool), it will be crucial for her to discuss these with her healthcare provider to rule out any serious conditions.
Your support and advocacy for your mother are incredibly valuable, and these steps can help empower her towards better management of her condition. Let me know if you require any additional details or clarity regarding these suggestions!
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