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Can Stress Causes Diarrhea And Weight Loss?

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Posted on Mon, 18 Jul 2016
Question: I had a partial colectomy about 3 months ago. Bowel movements have been fine up until about 10 days ago. For the past 10 days I've had very watery diarrhea with very little solid (almost none). The frequency of having to go is very high, probably 10-12 times within a 24 hour period. I am worried this may be linked to the colectomy. I weighed today and discovered I have lost 17 pounds.

I am undergoing some very stressful life situations too. I don't know if that might have something to do with it.
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Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
see doctor right away

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you to for your question.
It is true that stress can do many things to the body. It can cause some loose stools but it is unlikely to cause that severe weight loss unless the stress has been going on for a long time.
I think you need to see your doctor for an exam, blood tests and stool studies as soon as possible.
It could be that you have an infection causing the diarrhea. Severe weight loss always makes us concerned about cancer.
See your doctor as soon as possible
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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Can Stress Causes Diarrhea And Weight Loss?

Brief Answer: see doctor right away Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you to for your question. It is true that stress can do many things to the body. It can cause some loose stools but it is unlikely to cause that severe weight loss unless the stress has been going on for a long time. I think you need to see your doctor for an exam, blood tests and stool studies as soon as possible. It could be that you have an infection causing the diarrhea. Severe weight loss always makes us concerned about cancer. See your doctor as soon as possible Regards, Dr. Robinson