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What Causes Bloating, Constipation And Abdominal Discomfort?
Question: Hi,
I started feeling bloated, constipated, abdominal discomfort about 10 days ago. Blood, urine, xrays and CAT scan of abdominal and pelvic area were all negative. I was referred to a GI doctor yesterday. He wants to do a colonoscopy and endoscopy in one week and was not specific about what he thinks may be wrong, however, the C word did come up. I'm scared to death and freaking out over what may be found. Do these symptoms always suggest C or may it be other ailments? I'm so nervous and alone.
I started feeling bloated, constipated, abdominal discomfort about 10 days ago. Blood, urine, xrays and CAT scan of abdominal and pelvic area were all negative. I was referred to a GI doctor yesterday. He wants to do a colonoscopy and endoscopy in one week and was not specific about what he thinks may be wrong, however, the C word did come up. I'm scared to death and freaking out over what may be found. Do these symptoms always suggest C or may it be other ailments? I'm so nervous and alone.
Brief Answer:
Very short history if at all worrying about cancer,
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Firstly thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.
As per your query most likely you are having gastroenteritis. After the age of 50, it is recommended that everyone should have a colonoscopy every 5-10 years. Even if you have had this test in the last 5 years it might be recommended to repeat it but I don’t feel that with such a short history we should suspect cancer.As per my opinion its acute gastroenteritis (infection of bowels) it usually limits itself in 7-10 days, but in your case, as it is already more than 10 days.
Initially, I would advise you to go for stool routine and microscopy test to rule out to rule out Bacterial or Protozoal infection.
I would suggest you take a probiotic twice daily.
Apart from that Ispaghullu husk (Metamucil) should be taken twice daily.It will increase bulk of stool and bowels normal.
Take a course of Rifaximin 400 mg once daily for 7 days (may need a prescription from the local physician).
General precautions-
Eat light and easily digestible food.
Avoid red-meat for the time being.
Try boiled food(Vegetables) with spices and herbs for a week.
Drink plenty of orange juice and coconut water.
If not relieved even after that then we could think of higher diagnosis.
Thanks!
Very short history if at all worrying about cancer,
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Firstly thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.
As per your query most likely you are having gastroenteritis. After the age of 50, it is recommended that everyone should have a colonoscopy every 5-10 years. Even if you have had this test in the last 5 years it might be recommended to repeat it but I don’t feel that with such a short history we should suspect cancer.As per my opinion its acute gastroenteritis (infection of bowels) it usually limits itself in 7-10 days, but in your case, as it is already more than 10 days.
Initially, I would advise you to go for stool routine and microscopy test to rule out to rule out Bacterial or Protozoal infection.
I would suggest you take a probiotic twice daily.
Apart from that Ispaghullu husk (Metamucil) should be taken twice daily.It will increase bulk of stool and bowels normal.
Take a course of Rifaximin 400 mg once daily for 7 days (may need a prescription from the local physician).
General precautions-
Eat light and easily digestible food.
Avoid red-meat for the time being.
Try boiled food(Vegetables) with spices and herbs for a week.
Drink plenty of orange juice and coconut water.
If not relieved even after that then we could think of higher diagnosis.
Thanks!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Dr.
Thank you for your response.
I have been taking Cultrelle Probotics once per day since 12/21 and Metamucill too.
They did not take stool samples. They did not prescribe any medications. I cannot receive your prescription here without prescription and it is very expensive.
My concern is no appetite and some weight loss. Just do not feel like eating.
I am trying to eat dry toast and egg. Little fruit. Some coconut milk yogurt.
Why do you think the DR here did not suspect acute gastroenteritis and prescribe anti-bodies?
Now, i must wait another 8 days before more testing and i am concerned about continued weight loss.
Still nervous as never felt this uncomfortable for so long.
Thank you
Thank you for your response.
I have been taking Cultrelle Probotics once per day since 12/21 and Metamucill too.
They did not take stool samples. They did not prescribe any medications. I cannot receive your prescription here without prescription and it is very expensive.
My concern is no appetite and some weight loss. Just do not feel like eating.
I am trying to eat dry toast and egg. Little fruit. Some coconut milk yogurt.
Why do you think the DR here did not suspect acute gastroenteritis and prescribe anti-bodies?
Now, i must wait another 8 days before more testing and i am concerned about continued weight loss.
Still nervous as never felt this uncomfortable for so long.
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello my dear patient,
Its very difficult to answer that why din’t the doctor at your place investigated you for gastroenteritis.
Take VSL#3 probiotic thrice daily.
If you can’t get antibiotics then try to avoid all nonvegetarian food.
Take boiled and easily digestible food.
Take Banana,Rice,Apple,and Greek yoghurt in food.
When there is inevtion in intestines appetite won’t be there.Once infection is cured appetite would be back.
Hope this would be helpful.
Happy new year and get well soon!
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello my dear patient,
Its very difficult to answer that why din’t the doctor at your place investigated you for gastroenteritis.
Take VSL#3 probiotic thrice daily.
If you can’t get antibiotics then try to avoid all nonvegetarian food.
Take boiled and easily digestible food.
Take Banana,Rice,Apple,and Greek yoghurt in food.
When there is inevtion in intestines appetite won’t be there.Once infection is cured appetite would be back.
Hope this would be helpful.
Happy new year and get well soon!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Dr.
I am scared because they want to do colonoscopy and endoscopy at same time. I have never had these procedures before. How may i calm myself?
In your diet recommendation, is soups ok?
I purchased your recommendation VSL-3 and i must admit it is helpful.
I thank you for your guidance thus far.
Best,
I am scared because they want to do colonoscopy and endoscopy at same time. I have never had these procedures before. How may i calm myself?
In your diet recommendation, is soups ok?
I purchased your recommendation VSL-3 and i must admit it is helpful.
I thank you for your guidance thus far.
Best,
Brief Answer:
follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again my dear,
Don’t grt terrified they are both normal procedures.
Soup is good you can have it.
Probiotics are good for you.
Natural mind calmer like lactium can be taken as 300 mg once daily.
Thanks
follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again my dear,
Don’t grt terrified they are both normal procedures.
Soup is good you can have it.
Probiotics are good for you.
Natural mind calmer like lactium can be taken as 300 mg once daily.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Dr,
Now i am experiencing light head since yesterday.
Now i am experiencing light head since yesterday.
Brief Answer:
follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Dear sir,
Try to have some coconut water and orange juice.
Electrolyte imbalance can cause nausea and light headedness.
Take complete bead rest.Don’t move your head.
Take Betahistine 8 mg twice daily if light headedness continues for 3 days.
Regards!
follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Dear sir,
Try to have some coconut water and orange juice.
Electrolyte imbalance can cause nausea and light headedness.
Take complete bead rest.Don’t move your head.
Take Betahistine 8 mg twice daily if light headedness continues for 3 days.
Regards!
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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