Struggles with Diarrhea and Constipation: A 3-Week Journey
Hello everyone, I’m a 23-year-old male from the UK, weighing 108 kg (recently lost 5 kg due to ongoing issues) and standing at 5’9”. I used to smoke but have since quit, and I was diagnosed with slow transit constipation when I was around 14 or 15. Since August 11, I have been facing alternating bouts of severe diarrhea and constipation. Initially, I suffered from diarrhea for two consecutive days, during which I took five 2mg doses of loperamide in a 24-hour span to manage it. While it did curb the diarrhea, I experienced intense nausea and a lack of appetite that lasted for three days. I felt better on the third day, only to find myself dealing with diarrhea again early the next morning. I resorted to the same dosage of loperamide again and didn’t have a bowel movement for the next ten days. Only after five days was I able to pass a small amount of stool—dark and heavily coated in mucus—which I sent to my doctor for analysis. Throughout the entire ten-day period, I continued to feel occasional nausea and lost my appetite. On the tenth day, I finally managed to pass semi-solid stool; however, it was shortly followed by another episode of diarrhea. This time, it was less severe, and I opted not to take any medication for it. Unfortunately, this led to another five days of constipation. Just today, I was able to pass semi-solid stool again, but it was dark brown, orange, and again laced with mucus. My physician suspects I may be experiencing either viral gastroenteritis or a C. difficile infection, especially considering I have been prescribed metronidazole twice and amoxicillin recently for a dental infection. I submitted a stool sample for testing, and while it didn’t indicate C. difficile, the results came back negative for a range of other pathogens (including Shigella, Salmonella, and various others). My primary concern is the persistent nature of my symptoms and the overall lack of resolution. Although I feel slightly better recently, the presence of mucus in my stool and sporadic abdominal pain leaves me worried that something is still amiss, and I don't feel that my concerns are being taken seriously by my GP.
Answers (1)
8/29/2025, 3:17:14 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been going through a challenging time with your gastrointestinal health, and your concerns are completely valid. The alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation, alongside other symptoms like mucus in your stool and abdominal pain, can be distressing. It’s good to hear that you have received some evaluations already, but I understand the need for clarity and resolution.
Main Points:
- Alternating Symptoms: Your symptoms suggest a possible underlying issue that may need more investigation.
- Mucus and Stool Color: The presence of mucus can indicate inflammation or irritation in your intestines.
- Follow-up Steps: Focus on keeping a symptom diary, adjusting your diet, and managing hydration.
Explanation:
The alternating patterns of diarrhea and constipation you've described could stem from several causes, including:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This common condition can cause alternating bowel habits and associated symptoms.
- Dietary Factors: Certain foods can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to mucus production or changes in stool consistency.
- Post-infectious changes: Sometimes, after a gastrointestinal infection, some people experience ongoing symptoms even after the infection has resolved.
The mucus in your stool along with your other symptoms indicates that your intestines may be reacting to something, whether it be dietary, infectious, or even related to your previous slow transit constipation.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor and Document:
- Keep a daily symptom diary. Note what you eat, your bowel habits, any abdominal pain, and associated symptoms like nausea. This documentation can help identify potential triggers and will be useful for future discussions with your healthcare provider.
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- Consider adopting a diet that is gentle on your stomach. Focus on bland foods (like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) and gradually reintroduce other foods. Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavy foods that can upset your stomach further.
-
Hydration:
- Stay well-hydrated, especially if you experience diarrhea. Drinking clear fluids can help maintain your hydration status. Consider electrolyte solutions if diarrhea persists.
-
Probiotics:
- Considering your symptoms and recent antibiotic use, you might benefit from incorporating probiotics into your diet (like yogurt or a probiotic supplement), which can help restore gut flora.
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Review Gastrointestinal Health:
- Given your ongoing symptoms, consider requesting a referral to a gastroenterologist for specialized evaluation. Tests such as a colonoscopy or further imaging may be suggested to rule out any underlying issues.
If you experience severe abdominal pain, high fever, or blood in your stool, these symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
Remember, it's important to listen to your body and advocate for your health. If you feel your concerns aren't being addressed, it’s absolutely okay to seek a second opinion. You're not alone in this, and taking these steps can help you gain more clarity about your condition.
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