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What Causes Stomach Ache,diarrhea And Tenderness In Intenstines?

Posted on Mon, 28 Jul 2014

Question: Hi I am a 56 year old women. I am on vacation and have been having stomach issues. My stomach or lower intestines have felt very tender. When I eat I get stomach aches and loose stools. So I have been eating very little for the last 4 days. I also will feel tired and crummy. This has been happening off and on but more on for the last week and a half. So when I think I'm feeling better and start eating again it all starts again. My stool has mucous in it which I have never had before. It is not a lot but it is there. I take probiotics on a regular basis and that is not helping. I've stopped all supplements, vitamin C, vitamin D, a multi vitamin and gelatin, probiotics, and enzymes. I had celulitis 1 month ago and was in the hospital for 2 days with intravenous antibiotics, and 10 days worth of antibiotics after I was home. Not to mention the winter from hell in which I was on a load of antibiotics for swine flu and walking pneumonia. One more thing and then I'm done I had neck surgery for a ruptured disc on May 17th. So I have no idea if any of these things may be causing this issue or not. I continue to stay active hiking, walking, etc. I am so frustrated with my health I could cry. I have had a crummy year to say the least. Thanks for listening!
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Set appointment with GI specialist...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

I am sorry for the situation you are in!

Having GI problems while traveling is normal due to climate and diet changes. You are reporting to have taken a load of antibiotics around 1 month ago due to cellulitis.

As you had a large amount of antibiotics, to my opinion, you might have developed fungal infection of the intestines, which is showing up with the GI problems you are having right now.

So, apart probiotics, I highly suggest to take anti-fungal treatment. As you need a prescription for that, I advise to get an appointment with a GI specialist and to run following tests:
- culture of stool
- examination of stool for ova/parasites. One of the most fastidious intestinal parasites is Giardia intestinalis causing Giardialis or traveling diarrhea. That's why I advise to examine your feces for ova/parasites to rule out Giardiasis.
- abdominal ultrasound.

Depending on these tests results, specific treatment will be prescribed!

I highly advise to keep a good hygiene especially when preparing food or when you use public toilets.
Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (11 hours later)

Thank you,
I will be in XXXXXXX for 6 more days should I go to the clinic here or just wait until I get home?
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If symptoms will get worst,should go to ER...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX

If the stomach problems you are experiencing won't affect negatively your vacation, you can wait until you turn back. If you will develop fever or any other symptom, you should go to ER at the place you are passing your vacations.

Meanwhile, you should:
- watch foods and drinks you consume and avoid those who are aggravating/triggering your symptoms
- have more natural (Greek) yogurt and light meals
- apply good hygienic measures.

Wish fast recovery! Enjoy your vacations!
Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar