Struggling with Ongoing Diarrhea: Seeking Clarity and Support
For the last five months, my life has been turned upside down, and I’m at a loss for what step to take next. I’m reaching out in the hope that someone here might provide guidance or at least some comfort in knowing I’m not alone in this battle. I’m 28 years old, stand 6 feet tall, and currently weigh around 64 kg, which is below what’s considered healthy for my height. I've always been on the thinner side, but my weight has plummeted throughout this ordeal. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from smoking and drinking, which makes my current situation even more disheartening. Initially, I began experiencing some loose stools. It wasn’t alarming at first, just sporadic watery occurrences. However, it soon escalated to a daily routine with multiple episodes daily. The stools were always loose and never returned to a normal consistency. This relentless cycle has continued for months without any break or predictable pattern. In the beginning, I felt an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. After a visit to my doctor and some blood tests, it was revealed that I had a significant B12 deficiency along with a mild iron deficiency. Consequently, I began receiving Vitcofol injections—daily for the first week, then weekly for the following two months. Although my energy levels improved slightly, the diarrhea persisted relentlessly. Out of the blue, I also experienced a wave of severe anxiety, akin to having panic attacks. This was entirely unfamiliar to me and prompted me to see a psychiatrist. I was prescribed paroxetine, alongside a proton-pump inhibitor. Although the occasional panic relief medication proved helpful, paroxetine had an adverse impact on my mental state, prompting me to cease its use after three weeks. Interestingly, my anxiety subsided on its own soon after, but the diarrhea refused to budge. Simultaneously, I began to feel consistently bloated, lost my appetite, and the fatigue returned with force. A gastroenterologist prescribed a combination of a PPI and doxycycline, leading to minor improvements for just a few days before reverting back to my initial state. Then I encountered a new set of symptoms: insomnia, a racing heartbeat, and intense fatigue. The GI specialist switched my medication to ciprofloxacin in conjunction with a PPI and suggested I undergo thyroid and HIV testing if my condition didn’t improve—for which the results came back negative, leaving me feeling rather disheartened as I was hoping for some actionable insight. I’d like to emphasize that I have a history of IBS-C and NERD, having been diagnosed a couple of years ago. I previously experienced mild flare-ups about once a year, but this current situation is markedly different—chronic, intense, and resistant to treatment. Now, my gastroenterologist is recommending a colonoscopy. Honestly, I’m at a point where I hope they uncover something, not because I desire bad news, but because the uncertainty is unbearable. Every test that returns a "normal" result only deepens my confusion and stress. On a related note, my ex recently contacted me to inform me she tested positive for hepatitis. I subsequently underwent screening for Hepatitis B and C along with liver function tests, which all returned normal results, adding yet another layer of unanswered questions. I’m utterly exhausted—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Sleep has become elusive, and both my work and personal relationships are struggling. All I want is to feel like myself again. Even just a few words of understanding from someone who has faced a similar challenge would mean a lot to me. If anyone has dealt with similar symptoms—persistent diarrhea, vitamin deficiencies, insomnia, anxiety, or fatigue—I would greatly appreciate any insights on what I should pursue next. I’m eager for advice on further tests, potential conditions (like IBD, SIBO, malabsorption, or even cancer), or any thoughts. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read this. It genuinely means a lot to me.
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 10:10:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenging situation you’ve been facing with ongoing diarrhea and its impact on your life. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and exhausted; many people share similar experiences, and it's important to know you are not alone in this battle.
Main Points
- Chronic diarrhea lasting for five months, especially with weight loss, fatigue, and vitamin deficiencies, requires thorough investigation.
- Your history of IBS-C and NERD complicates matters, but it’s important to keep tracking your symptoms and pursuing potential diagnoses like IBD or malabsorption.
- A colonoscopy is a reasonable step to gain clarity, and continuing to communicate openly with your healthcare team is vital.
Understanding Your Situation
Diarrhea that persists for months, coupled with nutritional deficiencies and fatigue, can be indicative of several underlying conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis), infections, or malabsorption syndromes. Your history of IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation) may also contribute significantly to your symptoms.
You’ve done well to follow up with various specialists and tests, which is key in managing complex symptoms like yours. At this point, while awaiting the colonoscopy and results, focusing on your overall well-being is essential.
Specific Steps to Take Now
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Dietary Adjustments:
- Eliminate Trigger Foods: Consider keeping a food diary to identify and eliminate any foods that worsen your symptoms. Many people with IBS find success with a low-FODMAP diet.
- Stay Hydrated: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Aim to drink plenty of fluids and consider oral rehydration solutions like electrolyte drinks if needed.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, diet, bowel habits, and any relationship with stressors or anxiety. This information can be valuable for your healthcare team to pinpoint causes.
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Manage Stress and Anxiety:
- Stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms. Consider integrating relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation, which may provide some emotional relief and help with sleep.
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Prioritize Sleep:
- Establish a regular sleep routine. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, creating a restful sleeping environment, and avoiding screens before bed to promote better sleep.
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Follow-Up on Care:
- Stay in touch with your gastroenterologist about your current state and how you’re feeling. Be open to discussing your mental health and seeking counseling if your anxiety resurfaces or worsens.
Conclusion
Facing ongoing symptoms can feel daunting, especially when seeking answers that seem elusive. It's commendable to pursue every avenue for understanding your health. Trust the process, stay proactive with your health management, and lean on support systems around you—friends, family, or support groups can be invaluable. You deserve to feel like yourself again, and with persistence and the right approach, it is possible to find relief and clarity. Please keep me updated on your progress, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or need further support.
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