Severe Diarrhea, Abdominal Discomfort, and Loss of Appetite Over the Past Week
Hello everyone, I’m a 23-year-old male, standing at 5'9" and weighing 113 kilograms prior to this incident. I used to smoke but quit a month ago. Since last Monday evening, I have been experiencing diarrhea. For around 14 hours, from 9 PM to 11 AM, I found myself confined to the bathroom, dealing with frequent bowel movements. After taking five doses of loperamide, my condition finally began to stabilize. After that ordeal, I managed to avoid further stools until 4 AM on Thursday. However, I struggled with a persistent lack of appetite and relentless abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea. To cope with this discomfort, I resorted to Pepto-Bismol over the next couple of days. Come Thursday at 4 AM, I faced another wave of severe diarrhea, spending the next 11 hours in the bathroom. Despite halting bowel movements by 7 AM—with the aid of five loperamide capsules and 30ml of Pepto-Bismol—I was unable to escape the restroom. Standing up triggered an urgent need to use the toilet once again, and only a hot bath for two hours provided me any semblance of relief. Alongside the diarrhea, I have experienced a continuous urge to urinate—even when my bladder isn’t full—culminating in a burning sensation that has prevented me from focusing on anything else. This discomfort kept me awake until 4 AM on Friday, resulting in me being alert for over 36 hours straight. On Thursday at 9 PM, I visited an out-of-hours doctor. Although my urine appeared clear, he prescribed nitrofurantoin, suspecting I might have cystitis due to the fluctuating urinary urges that coincided with the diarrhea. This medication has somewhat alleviated the urinary discomfort. He suggested that I resume loperamide if my diarrhea flares up again but could not pinpoint the reason behind my intermittent symptoms or the persistent discomfort. Since 7 AM on Thursday, I haven't had a bowel movement but continue to feel a significant pressure in my rectal area, along with bloating and sporadic urges to urinate. I stopped taking any medications after 10 AM on Saturday (Pepto-Bismol). My appetite is somewhat restored, but I can only manage light foods like crackers, rice, and dry digestive biscuits. Thankfully, I can still drink normally and don't feel dehydrated, as my urine is mostly clear or pale yellow and occasionally bright green. I attempted to relieve the pressure today but only produced a tiny, dark pellet along with some yellowish discharge, which I suspect might be mucus. Is this a typical occurrence? I'm planning to visit my doctor tomorrow, but I can’t shake off the anxiety that this might escalate into an emergency. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. P.S. I now weigh 110 kilograms, having lost approximately 3 kilograms since Monday.
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 7:01:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through a very challenging experience with severe gastrointestinal symptoms, and it's completely understandable to feel anxious. Based on what you've described, your symptoms could be caused by several factors, including an infection, inflammation, or possible dietary issues. Here’s a clear summary and some actionable steps:
Summary of Your Situation
- Severe Diarrhea: You've experienced repeated episodes of diarrhea over the past week, with some periods of relief after taking loperamide and Pepto-Bismol.
- Abdominal Discomfort: This includes bloating, pressure, and pain, along with a persistent urge to urinate.
- Loss of Appetite: You’ve managed to eat some light foods but are still experiencing discomfort.
- Recent Medication: Nitrofurantoin was prescribed for possible cystitis, which has helped somewhat.
Explanation
Your symptoms suggest an irritation or infection in the gastrointestinal tract possibly combined with urinary issues. The diarrhea could have been caused by a viral infection, food intolerance, or even stress. The presence of mucus and the nature of your stool could indicate a gastrointestinal response, and the burning sensation while urinating could be related to your urinary tract, which seems to have partially improved with medication.
Next Steps
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Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of fluids. Hydration is critical, especially after episodes of diarrhea. If you're ever feeling lightheaded or dizzy, that could indicate dehydration.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of your symptoms, including any changes in bowel movements, appetite, and any additional concerning signs like fever or blood in the stool. This will be useful information for your doctor.
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Dietary Management: Stick to bland foods for now; continue with rice, crackers, and dry biscuits. You might also consider including applesauce and bananas, as they are gentle on your stomach.
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Avoid Over-the-Counter Medications: Since you've been advised by a healthcare professional to manage your symptoms, continue to limit the use of antidiarrheal medications like loperamide unless absolutely necessary, as overuse can lead to complications.
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Follow-Up: Since you’re planning a visit to your doctor, make sure to discuss all the symptoms, the current medication, and any new developments. They might suggest further tests or a detailed evaluation to pinpoint the cause.
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Recognize Warning Signs: Be wary of symptoms that would require immediate attention, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, inability to keep fluids down, or bloody stools.
It’s important to address your anxiety, so if you're feeling overwhelmed, it may help to practice some stress-relief techniques like deep breathing or gentle stretching, which can also assist with discomfort.
You are taking the right steps by being proactive and seeking medical advice. Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!
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