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What Causes Recurring Diarrhea Despite Having Normal Stool Culture Tests?
Question: I have had diarrhea for eight weeks, with two remissions. I first started with big doses of probiotics 40-100 billion-daily and my symptoms attenuated but returned. During diarrhea my stool is very watery with lots of gas and gas sounds; otherwise I have no pain, except when I MUST defecate. I then started amoxicillin, which seemed to work and the diarrhea went away for about 10-12 days. Stool was like the regular stools I’ve had all my life (age 78). It was fully formed. I have never been constipated and have had a bowel movement daily, which only takes about 1-minute. I continued with the probiotics 20-40 billion a day but the diarrhea returned. I still continue taking the probiotics 20-50 billion daily. I then started Cipro, which also seemed to work but not as well as the previous amoxicillin and two days after discontinuing Cipro the diarrhea returned and gradually got worse. I took another amoxicillin regimen that worked for the first 6-7 days but diarrhea returned even though I was still taking the last of the amoxicillin. My Dr. has done 4 different stool cultures and all have come back negative. I am otherwise healthy and exercise regularly. I’m also relatively stress free albeit with bad arthritis in my back and knees for which I take pain meds. I’ve been on these same meds (and doses) for @10 years. Last routine colonoscopy was @ 10 years ago--normal.
Brief Answer:
Following suggestions.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns. .
1. You are saying that your doctor did 4 stool cultures with negative results. May I know if the stool culture was to detect pathologic bacteria only? Any stool test for:
- candida overgrowth?
- intestinal parasites?
Both of these can also cause changes in bowel movement. You can send the reports of tests you did so far for further evaluation.
2. What you eat also matters. Avoid foods that would trigger /aggravate diarrhea like seeds, milk, gluten, figs, pear, etc.
3. Alcohol and coffee can also trigger diarrhea. So try to avoid using them.
4. The very first thing is to rule out organic problems. So far, you have done :
- stool culture , I need to have the results
- colonoscopy 10 years ago. At thidthis point, if I was your caring doctor would advise to repeat colonoscopy now (schedule as soon as possible )
- abdominal ultrasound is advised to check gallbladder and liver
- you are saying to be using pain meds for about 10 years so far. Are you having heartburn or any other stomach issue so far? Stomach problems associated with hyperacidity can also cause diarrhea and alterations in intestinal flora.
If nothing organic is found, then IBS is to consider.
Hope it was of help! You can discuss my suggestions with your doctor.
Dr.Albana
Following suggestions.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns. .
1. You are saying that your doctor did 4 stool cultures with negative results. May I know if the stool culture was to detect pathologic bacteria only? Any stool test for:
- candida overgrowth?
- intestinal parasites?
Both of these can also cause changes in bowel movement. You can send the reports of tests you did so far for further evaluation.
2. What you eat also matters. Avoid foods that would trigger /aggravate diarrhea like seeds, milk, gluten, figs, pear, etc.
3. Alcohol and coffee can also trigger diarrhea. So try to avoid using them.
4. The very first thing is to rule out organic problems. So far, you have done :
- stool culture , I need to have the results
- colonoscopy 10 years ago. At thidthis point, if I was your caring doctor would advise to repeat colonoscopy now (schedule as soon as possible )
- abdominal ultrasound is advised to check gallbladder and liver
- you are saying to be using pain meds for about 10 years so far. Are you having heartburn or any other stomach issue so far? Stomach problems associated with hyperacidity can also cause diarrhea and alterations in intestinal flora.
If nothing organic is found, then IBS is to consider.
Hope it was of help! You can discuss my suggestions with your doctor.
Dr.Albana
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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