Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Slow Bowel Movements And Diarrhea?
Just wanted a second opinion...my Father has been to the emergency room over 10 times the last several months because he can t hardly eat at all because he feels full all of the time and he is only eliminating a little and it s been diarrhea for months. They did do a test and say his stomach is emptying a lot slower than normal but they keep telling him you are fine just take more laxatives. He has been on 5 different laxatives for months. My father is a diabetic and his numbers are all over the place. I read it s common for diabetics to have gastroparesis but they seem to think he is fine and one doctor told him to see a psycologist. My Father was a very heavy set man and he is so skinny you can barely recognize him. I don t understand why they keep sending him home...just wanted an outside second opinion.
Tue, 17 Jan 2017
Hi,
Unintentional weight loss should always be fully investigated. As you mentioned, gastroparesis is a possible neurological complication of diabetes if the control has not been tight. In addition, laxatives should not be used too often because they eventually worsen constipation so these should not be continually prescribed.
He needs comprehensive blood tests such as a complete blood count, ESR and c reactive protein. The ESR and c reactive protein would show if there is any inflammation in the body (can be due to infection, allergy, trauma or cancer). He should also have scope of the lower gastrointestinal tract- colon , to look for any changes. He should be taken to see a gastroenterologist for an assessment. These doctors specialize in disease of the GI tract.
I hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
Unintentional weight loss should always be fully investigated. As you mentioned, gastroparesis is a possible neurological complication of diabetes if the control has not been tight. In addition, laxatives should not be used too often because they eventually worsen constipation so these should not be continually prescribed.
He needs comprehensive blood tests such as a complete blood count, ESR and c reactive protein. The ESR and c reactive protein would show if there is any inflammation in the body (can be due to infection, allergy, trauma or cancer). He should also have scope of the lower gastrointestinal tract- colon , to look for any changes. He should be taken to see a gastroenterologist for an assessment. These doctors specialize in disease of the GI tract.
I hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....