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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
Related Questions
Navigating Motion Sickness and Cybersickness
Hello everyone! I'm a 16-year-old female, with a height of 162 cm, and I’ve dealt with motion sickness for most of my life. Recently, however, it has worsened significantly, extending to cybersickness as well. Spending more than 25 minutes in front of a screen leads to severe discomfort—something that is particularly challenging since I need to use screens for my schoolwork and beyond. After these episodes, I often find myself unable to do anything but lie in bed for the remainder of the day, wrestling with nausea or even vomiting. This issue doesn’t just arise from screen time; I also experience stomach upset during walks or jogs, which leaves me puzzled about how to alleviate this condition. I frequently rely on over-the-counter travel sickness medication, specifically Avomine, and while it does offer some relief, the effect is minimal. I’m seeking advice or suggestions that might help me regain a sense of normalcy in my daily life. For your reference, I don't smoke and only consume alcohol on very rare occasions. I’m located in the UK! Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Persistent Pain in the Right Flank: Seeking Insights
Greetings, medical professionals. I'm a 38-year-old woman, having recently celebrated my birthday. My daily regimen includes multivitamins with iron, and I occasionally take Valtrex, though it hasn't been necessary for some time. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing 140 pounds, I have endured this discomfort for the last three to four months, although I've suffered intermittently for approximately five years, with no definitive diagnosis from various doctors. The pain manifests as a sharp sensation near my belly button, resembling a knife stabbing me. In addition, I experience a general ache in the right flank and my lower back. This discomfort ranges from my ribs on the right side right down to my hips and pelvis, affecting areas near my ovaries and the region close to my belly button. I’ve noticed that certain stretches can intensify the pain along the backside of my ribs during movement. I've undergone an abdominal CT scan and a thorough medical examination, revealing no kidney issues, gallstones, appendicitis, or ovarian cysts, and my blood work appears normal. A HIDA scan indicated that my gallbladder operates at merely 23%, but I have not experienced any gallbladder attacks. An endoscopy indicated mild gastritis, but otherwise, the results were acceptable. Does this situation resonate with anyone? I'm puzzled about what could be present near my navel if appendicitis is ruled out. My doctor suggested a connection to my IBS-C, but my bowel movements have been regular, occurring once daily with normal consistency. During my examination, my abdomen was pressed, and she noted tenderness near my belly button, attributing this to local inflammation, as there are no significant organs in that area aside from the small intestine. Any advice or insights would be appreciated, as this has been an ongoing issue since 2020.
Severe Pain in Lower Right Abdomen for Two Weeks
Hello everyone, I am an 18-year-old assigned female at birth, weighing 65 kilograms and standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall. I have been experiencing intense discomfort in my lower right abdomen since January 28th. On that evening, I sought medical attention and was given codeine for the pain before being sent home. However, due to the persistent agony, I returned to the hospital on January 31st, where I was admitted for the night. There, I underwent numerous tests, including blood tests, a CT scan, and two ultrasounds, yet all results appeared normal. Tests confirmed that my kidneys, intestines, ovaries, uterus, and, critically, my appendix were all unaffected. After a night in the hospital, I was discharged once more with codeine to help manage the pain. As of February 7th, the discomfort remains excruciating—so much so that even minor movements are painful without the assistance of codeine. My bowel and urinary habits remain consistent with my normal routine. Yet, I find myself feeling frightened. The level of discomfort I’m experiencing is unlike anything I've endured before, and there's been no improvement. I’m apprehensive about relying on opioid medication due to fears of developing an addiction, but the reality is that I can't manage the pain effectively without them. The symptoms I’m experiencing closely mimic those of appendicitis, except there's no accompanying fever, vomiting, or any indicators of appendicitis from my tests. The pain amplifies with movement and contact, and oddly, when my lower left abdomen is touched, it triggers pain in the lower right. I’m at a loss about what to do next. The possibility of pregnancy and a urinary tract infection have already been ruled out. Should I consult my general practitioner? I hesitate to do so, as I worry about overburdening healthcare resources, but I’m genuinely struggling to live in this state. The side effects from codeine, including severe memory loss and disrupted sleep patterns, only add to my distress—yet it’s the only solution I have that alleviates the pain. What steps should I take next? What might this condition be?
Frustrations with Ongoing Pain and Numbness on My Right Side
I'm feeling quite overwhelmed. Despite the notable compassion and efforts of various medical professionals over the years, my condition appears to be deteriorating, with symptoms intensifying in severity and frequency. I’m unsure whether what I’m experiencing are interrelated issues or separate anomalies that just happen to manifest on the right side of my body. Any suggestions or guidance on how to uncover the underlying causes would be greatly appreciated. For over three years, I’ve endured a numb sensation in the right side of my face, which tends to tingle upon rising and intensifies when I clean my ears. After undergoing an MRI to rule out a tumor, I was informed that it was psychosomatic, a diagnosis I accepted at the time. Around a year ago, I started experiencing severe, stabbing pains just beneath my right rib cage. Initially, these episodes were sporadic, occurring only once every few months, but following a particularly severe incident last year, I have been dealing with a low-level ache that has become a near-constant presence. Currently, doctors are still investigating these symptoms. Although an ultrasound did not reveal any clear issues—likely due to my slightly elevated weight impacting image clarity—a CT scan also yielded no results. I’ve been closely monitoring my diet since these pains reoccurred, but I see no meaningful connection. Interestingly, the onset of this discomfort was not triggered by movement; it has commenced while I was engaged in housework as well as during sleep. I have observed that lying too long can exacerbate the pain, especially if a pillow presses on my stomach. A colonoscopy yielded no findings, nor did stool sample tests. I have an appointment next week to further examine my stomach. Less than a year ago, I unexpectedly suffered a herniated disc despite having a lifestyle with regular walking and stretches between long periods of sitting at my computer. Prior to this, back issues were infrequent for me. The herniated disc affected the lowest lumbar segment, resulting in pain that radiated down my right leg's sciatic nerve. The pain became so unbearable that I required emergency surgery, and even after physical therapy, I still experience numbness and sporadic pain in that area. I routinely undergo blood tests, which generally showcase good results aside from a slightly elevated purine level. I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder since my teenage years; however, my condition is under control. I also manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism, both of which are effectively treated. Two years ago, I underwent a hysterectomy due to complications arising from PCOS and excessive bleeding. As a citizen of Germany, my current medications include: * Bupropion 300mg (for bipolar disorder) * Duloxetine 60mg (to address facial numbness) * L-Thyrox 175mcg (for hypothyroidism) * Melperone 17.5mg (to assist with sleep) * Metformin 2000mg (for PCOS, paused to assess its impact on stomach pain) * Quetiapine Retard 100mg (for bipolar disorder) * Quetiapine 150mg (for bipolar disorder) * Spironolactone 200mg (for PCOS) * Venlafaxine Retard 187.5mg (for bipolar disorder) * Vitamin D 2000 IU (due to low sunlight in Germany) I strictly refrain from using any recreational drugs. I am of Caucasian descent, stand 175 cm tall, and weigh 110 kg. I am starting to question my sanity from constantly seeking medical advice; I worry that healthcare professionals might think I'm exaggerating or fabricating symptoms because of my bipolar diagnosis. However, I firmly believe that my abdominal issues cannot solely be attributed to stress or psychosomatic conditions (which, while valid, feel insufficient in explaining my current distress). I have consulted with my general practitioner, two neurologists, an internist, my endocrinologist, and an orthopedist. The waiting times for appointments in Germany can be quite lengthy, so any insights or suggestions would be immensely valuable. I sincerely wish to avoid inconveniencing even more specialists who may not specialize in these matters. If you've made it through this lengthy account, I genuinely appreciate your time and attention. I wish you a wonderful day, and I welcome any thoughts or advice you might have!
Is My Sacral Discomfort Due to Normal Anatomy or Something Else?
Lately, I’ve encountered a peculiar feeling of discomfort when I lie down or sit in specific curled or slouched positions. It has come to my attention that there is a notable triangular bony structure at the top of my buttocks, particularly in the sacrum and PSIS region. This sensation is not painful and feels different from a solid mass. It doesn’t hinder my mobility, daily activities, or sleep patterns. I mainly become aware of it when any pressure is applied directly to that area, such as when I’m lying down or sitting in a crouched position. However, I don’t perceive it at all during walking or movement. Additionally, there are no accompanying signs like redness, swelling, or bruising, nor do I experience fever, numbness, weakness, or any neurological issues. I maintain a lean stature and have consistently been underweight, which leads to my confusion regarding this newfound prominence of the bone after years of being the same body type. My weight has remained stable, so I wonder why this bony structure has suddenly become more noticeable. The sensation feels more like an awareness of the bony area rather than actual pain. Does this align with the typical anatomy of the sacrum and the effects of posture or pressure sensitivity, or could this indicate an issue that requires further examination? This discomfort has lingered for weeks. Whenever I recline and feel this sensation, I can’t help but worry that something might be wrong in that region. I would greatly appreciate any insights. Thank you!