Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Constipation, Diarrhea And Abdominal Cramps
Question: 2 years ago I had a very very sore digestive system. The pain was in the pelvic area and on the lower left of my stomach. I could not eat much for weeks and lost 30 pounds during the episode.
Before it began to hurt I was having bowel movements as follows -- lots of loud gas farts and bright red blood. I would pretty much spray the toilet with blood. This then stopped and went away.
A few weeks later I then had a lot of pain and diahriha, with some less bright blood in it and later more solid poops that were yellowish and some with blood on them and they extremely smelly. The whole family would go outside.
I went to many doctors and finally I got one who perscribed Flagyl for 10 days. He said also lots of water, more veg diet, walks, fiber supplement like metamucil.
This worked and I fully recovered in about 2-3 weeks. Some mornings I still a bit of pain or what feels like inflammation cramp on my left side - but it is minor and only once and a while. If I don't eat a good diet or use fiber for a while I tend to get some constipation or diariha and cramps - but minor - also no blood for years - or maybe a small bit on paper when wiping.
My question is this...
I think this is diverticulitis - what do you think in your opinion?
The fact that the antibiotic cleared it back then would make it unlikely it was colon cancer to me along with the fact that it has not got worse.
I am now experiencing what might be a colo-vasial fistula - which I understand is a common complication of diverticulitis --I have air and feces in urine.
I will get CT scan in about a month due to wait times here.
Should I be worried about cancer or is it most likely related to diverticulitis?
Also should I be on a low-dose antibiotic until I can get treatment? I have been on cipro to fix the UTI that it just caused. This was my first UTI. I think the fecal in the bladder will make the UTI return - however the doctor is not keep to continue antibiotics after my current prescription runs out (been on it for 3 weeks).
Before it began to hurt I was having bowel movements as follows -- lots of loud gas farts and bright red blood. I would pretty much spray the toilet with blood. This then stopped and went away.
A few weeks later I then had a lot of pain and diahriha, with some less bright blood in it and later more solid poops that were yellowish and some with blood on them and they extremely smelly. The whole family would go outside.
I went to many doctors and finally I got one who perscribed Flagyl for 10 days. He said also lots of water, more veg diet, walks, fiber supplement like metamucil.
This worked and I fully recovered in about 2-3 weeks. Some mornings I still a bit of pain or what feels like inflammation cramp on my left side - but it is minor and only once and a while. If I don't eat a good diet or use fiber for a while I tend to get some constipation or diariha and cramps - but minor - also no blood for years - or maybe a small bit on paper when wiping.
My question is this...
I think this is diverticulitis - what do you think in your opinion?
The fact that the antibiotic cleared it back then would make it unlikely it was colon cancer to me along with the fact that it has not got worse.
I am now experiencing what might be a colo-vasial fistula - which I understand is a common complication of diverticulitis --I have air and feces in urine.
I will get CT scan in about a month due to wait times here.
Should I be worried about cancer or is it most likely related to diverticulitis?
Also should I be on a low-dose antibiotic until I can get treatment? I have been on cipro to fix the UTI that it just caused. This was my first UTI. I think the fecal in the bladder will make the UTI return - however the doctor is not keep to continue antibiotics after my current prescription runs out (been on it for 3 weeks).
Brief Answer:
No, its not needed to continue UTI drugs if it is resolved.
Detailed Answer:
Dr. Hanif warmly Welcomes you to my virtual clinic HCM!
I have carefully worked through your case, and can realize your health worries. Being your physician, I will take care all of your medical concerns.
I feel sorry you had all of this for so long. There are some differentials that we have to rule out at CT scan and a must have Colonoscopy.
Probable Causes:-
Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome {IBS}(May be Diarrhea (Type-D) predominant OR Diarrhea-Constipation Mixed (Type-M).
Diverticulitis.
Carcinoma of the colon.
No, we can't keep the carcinoma out of differential diagnoses and our mind when considering reasons for your symptoms, unless getting screened for it through CT/Colonoscopy.
I have kept the diagnosis of IBS at top and you need to consult your treating physician for that after CT Scan report is with you too. But if I see the complication you recently have evolved, The Diverticulitis is the top diagnosis as Colovesical fistula are almost always seen as a complication of diverticulitis. Carcinoma of the rectum also accounts in a pretty considerable number of patients and it also is usually between rectum and the bladder (Rectovesical Fistula).
When you use dietary fiber, I preferably suggest you to take Citrucel rather. It will not produce gas and avoids flatulence as is caused by the Metamucil.
No, there is no need for more antibiotics until you feel any other symptoms for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) once again.
Have a wonderful time ahead. Hope I answered all of your questions. Let me know if you have any further clinical concerns or doubts. I will be more than happy to get back to you in no time. If satisfied here, please give a generous five star rating and don't forget to close the discussion.
For any disease you have, a timely follow-up after sometime regarding the treatment efficacy and to see any need to change the treatment options is very necessary. Keep a follow up some days after this visit session ends.
Regards!
DR. XXXXXXX HANIF
USA
No, its not needed to continue UTI drugs if it is resolved.
Detailed Answer:
Dr. Hanif warmly Welcomes you to my virtual clinic HCM!
I have carefully worked through your case, and can realize your health worries. Being your physician, I will take care all of your medical concerns.
I feel sorry you had all of this for so long. There are some differentials that we have to rule out at CT scan and a must have Colonoscopy.
Probable Causes:-
Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome {IBS}(May be Diarrhea (Type-D) predominant OR Diarrhea-Constipation Mixed (Type-M).
Diverticulitis.
Carcinoma of the colon.
No, we can't keep the carcinoma out of differential diagnoses and our mind when considering reasons for your symptoms, unless getting screened for it through CT/Colonoscopy.
I have kept the diagnosis of IBS at top and you need to consult your treating physician for that after CT Scan report is with you too. But if I see the complication you recently have evolved, The Diverticulitis is the top diagnosis as Colovesical fistula are almost always seen as a complication of diverticulitis. Carcinoma of the rectum also accounts in a pretty considerable number of patients and it also is usually between rectum and the bladder (Rectovesical Fistula).
When you use dietary fiber, I preferably suggest you to take Citrucel rather. It will not produce gas and avoids flatulence as is caused by the Metamucil.
No, there is no need for more antibiotics until you feel any other symptoms for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) once again.
Have a wonderful time ahead. Hope I answered all of your questions. Let me know if you have any further clinical concerns or doubts. I will be more than happy to get back to you in no time. If satisfied here, please give a generous five star rating and don't forget to close the discussion.
For any disease you have, a timely follow-up after sometime regarding the treatment efficacy and to see any need to change the treatment options is very necessary. Keep a follow up some days after this visit session ends.
Regards!
DR. XXXXXXX HANIF
USA
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Thanks
With fecal matter getting in the urine - wont the UTI just quickly come back?
Thanks
With fecal matter getting in the urine - wont the UTI just quickly come back?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Yes, the chances are high. But right now you have just finished with!
Detailed Answer:
I welcome you back.
You already have finished the antibiotics. Your Gastrointestinal tract is already problematic. I will never suggest to start the antibiotics prophylactically keeping in mind the whole scenario. Antibiotics cause the colonic flora in an imbalance and the useful bacteria are lost too. It will cause trouble for you.
Yes, if unfortunately you catch another UTI, and you come to my clinic I would like to prescribe you Nitrofurantoin antibiotic if not allergic too.
But right now I suggest you to take a judicious amount of clean drinking water and cranberry juice. It will help you in fighting those bacteria causing UTI.
Have a wonderful time ahead. Hope I answered all of your questions. Let me know if you have any further clinical concerns or doubts. I will be more than happy to get back to you in no time. If satisfied here, please give a generous five star rating and don't forget to close the discussion.
For any disease you have, a timely follow-up after sometime regarding the treatment efficacy and to see any need to change the treatment options is very necessary. Keep a follow up some days after this visit session ends.
Regards!
DR. XXXXXXX HANIF
USA
Yes, the chances are high. But right now you have just finished with!
Detailed Answer:
I welcome you back.
You already have finished the antibiotics. Your Gastrointestinal tract is already problematic. I will never suggest to start the antibiotics prophylactically keeping in mind the whole scenario. Antibiotics cause the colonic flora in an imbalance and the useful bacteria are lost too. It will cause trouble for you.
Yes, if unfortunately you catch another UTI, and you come to my clinic I would like to prescribe you Nitrofurantoin antibiotic if not allergic too.
But right now I suggest you to take a judicious amount of clean drinking water and cranberry juice. It will help you in fighting those bacteria causing UTI.
Have a wonderful time ahead. Hope I answered all of your questions. Let me know if you have any further clinical concerns or doubts. I will be more than happy to get back to you in no time. If satisfied here, please give a generous five star rating and don't forget to close the discussion.
For any disease you have, a timely follow-up after sometime regarding the treatment efficacy and to see any need to change the treatment options is very necessary. Keep a follow up some days after this visit session ends.
Regards!
DR. XXXXXXX HANIF
USA
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
