HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes A Sudden Change In Bowel Habits, Loud Gurgling Sound In The Stomach, Fatigue, Dry Mouth And Loss Of Appetite?

Posted on Fri, 8 Mar 2019

Question: I have experienced the following symptoms for the past 5 months: A dramatic change in bowel habits. I used to be very regular, at least once each morning, and sometimes in the evening. I have taken laxatives and two doses of Metamucil daily, which have resulted in what looks to be a "normal" bowel movement. My symptoms have included constipation, stomach cramps and pain, sometimes alleviated by bowel movement or the symptoms just stop. Also I experience a loud gurgling in my stomach, especially after eating. In the past 10 days I have experienced fatigue, dry mouth, and a reduction of appetite. I am assuming I have colon cancer or peritonitis. This is not a prank email. I have my reasons for not seeking treatment. My question to you is, how long do you think I have to live, and is there any chance I could survive this. Thank you, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hardly a year or two.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

A drastic and sudden change in bowel habits could be suggestive of colon carcinoma. Ideally, a colonoscopy should be done because your symptoms are either suggestive of colon cancer or irritable bowel syndrome.

As per protocol colonoscopy should be done every 5 years after an age of 60 males. However, as per survival is concerned there are various stages of colon cancer.

If detected early and treated properly you can survive as long as a normal person can live however if symptoms are neglected the disease would progress and survival would be around a year or two.

Would strongly recommend you to go for a colonoscopy. Excellent prognosis is there with proper treatment.

Hope to see your reports soon.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (8 minutes later)

Thank you so much for your detailed answer. At this point I have one follow up question: A year or two from now, or a year or two from the very onset of symptoms, which only included reasonably mild constipation at the onset.

My younger brother suffered from Crohn's disease. Also, I have an enlarged prostate which was checked a few months ago, and a hernia in my groin area. I don't know if any of this information is pertinent.

Thank you for your information. Much appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The main problem with any disease of the intestine is that there are only a few symptoms of loose stools constipation altered bowel habits pain bloating and belching and that's it. Apart from this only a minority of patients present with other symptoms.

So as per your history initially you should go for a colonoscopy. It would give you the answer whether it is inflammatory bowel disease any polyp in the intestine or any malignant pathology.
Hope you can understand all pathologies have the same presenting symptom initially.

Hope I have answered your query.

Feel free to follow up.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (7 hours later)

Thank you again for your help. I understand what you have been telling me. I will contact my primary physician and request a colonoscopy. I hope to be back in touch with you.

Do you think a Cologuard test is of value to me? Still waiting to hear from my primary physician re: an appointment or referral for a colonoscopy. Thank You,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (38 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,

Cologuard is a screening test and sensitivity is low (nothing as compared to colonoscopy). However, in case, you can't get an appointment for a colonoscopy you can go for this test.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (9 hours later)

Thank you very much. Still waiting to hear from my primary physician. May go to Urgent Care today. I dread the E.R. Long, long, waits and harried staff. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

You can get cologuard test done by that time. And attach reports.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Best of luck.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (9 minutes later)

I have an appointment at the office of my Primary Physician on Monday the 19th at 10:30 AM Pacific Time. They will do an ultrasound and other tests. I will be seeing a Physician's Assistant. My doctor is booked through April!

What might an ultrasound show? I am sure they will schedule other tests as well. They agreed to order a Cologuard test, but I'm thinking a colonoscopy might be scheduled nearly as quickly.

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Ultrasound is just a baseline test and is used to see inflammation in liver, pancreas and intestine. Not of much use yet no problem in going for it.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (6 hours later)

The doctor's office will, apparently, be doing a full range of tests. Bloodwork, etc. I haven't had a physical exam in a number of years.

I have had far less pain or fatigue lately. But sometimes, and only sometimes, I will have a pain in my stomach but also in my left ribcage, and both sides of my back, under my shoulder blades. Not sure what that might mean. What is your opinion?

Also, I've been reading that Metamucil may actually be bad for me, not good. What do you think? Also, a nurse friend (without seeing me) has said that Clearlax is a better laxative than most. Do you agree?

Just wrote to you and forgot to mention the following: I have a toenail fungus that has gotten worse this past year. This, and other symptoms previously mentioned (including today) seems to indicate to me that I might have gallbladder problems. What do you think?

Please see the other email I sent, just a few minutes ago.

Thank you so much!
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It can be either cardiac or gastric.

How to be sure-
-2D echo to rule out a cardiac problem
-Endoscopy to rule out gastritis or H. pylori infection.

For laxative-Take lactulose. Very safe and well tolerated by patients and is non-habit forming.

Instead of Metamucil take Isapghul husk. The easiest way out for gall bladder is just getting a USG done things would be clear in 5 minutes.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana