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Does Electric Shock Cause Constipation Along With Appetite Loss?

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Posted on Mon, 15 Dec 2014
Question: Hello,


Back in July 2014 I was shocked electrically at work (high volts, low amps). From that point, I became constipated, lost my appetite and lost some weight(5-7 pounds) (I'm assuming due to loss of appetite) and also has a slight pain where the appendix would be located(felt like runners stitch, appendix was removed 14 years ago) . I also felt fatigued from time to time(maybe due to anxiety?) this lasted until November (almost 4 months later). I've had blood work done, a CT scan,EKG, endoscope and colonoscopy. No one can seem to pin point what was wrong, but I am now feeling better. I'm just wondering if you thought the electric shock could have caused any of this considering it all started right after the shock.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please see the explanation below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Electric shock is able to harm any muscles and nerves. Both this tissues are great conductors of electricity. Moreover electricity can change brain function (electroconvulsive therapy has been used in psychiatric diseases treatment).

So it is possible that somehow the electricity which has passed through your body has destroyed small nerves and some part of muscles in the digestive tract. And as the bowels movement depends of proper smooth muscle action and nerves stimulation, the electric shock could cause symptoms mentioned by you including constipation, lack of appetite.

Some anxiety worsening is also possible due to such shock.
And it takes up to a year (or even longer) for the nerves to regenerate.

So this can be a kind of explanation of what has happened. However you need to know that in general the impact of electricity to human body (especially to the brain) remains unknown.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (25 minutes later)
That's what I figured, thank you very much!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome. The most important is that you are getting better.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (9 minutes later)
One last thing in February I had unprotected sex with my ex girlfriend, I took an HIV antibody test 5,7 and 8 months past possible exposure, all came back negative. I've asked other Doctors/Specialists if the shock could have altered the tests, they all said no. Would you say 8 months later I'm conclusive
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, you are free from HIV.

Detailed Answer:
You can forget about this possible exposure and HIV infection. 8 months after the exposure is a history. Please note that it takes few weeks for human body to produce virus antibodies. So in case of infection, 5 or 7 months tests would be positive.
Electric shock has no impact to antibodies circulating in the blood stream. So it is impossible for the shock to mess up with HIV test results.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Grzegorz Stanko

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 5795 Questions

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Does Electric Shock Cause Constipation Along With Appetite Loss?

Brief Answer: Please see the explanation below. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. Electric shock is able to harm any muscles and nerves. Both this tissues are great conductors of electricity. Moreover electricity can change brain function (electroconvulsive therapy has been used in psychiatric diseases treatment). So it is possible that somehow the electricity which has passed through your body has destroyed small nerves and some part of muscles in the digestive tract. And as the bowels movement depends of proper smooth muscle action and nerves stimulation, the electric shock could cause symptoms mentioned by you including constipation, lack of appetite. Some anxiety worsening is also possible due to such shock. And it takes up to a year (or even longer) for the nerves to regenerate. So this can be a kind of explanation of what has happened. However you need to know that in general the impact of electricity to human body (especially to the brain) remains unknown. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.