Why Am I Getting Diarrhea, Stomach Cramps, Very Dark Stool, Extreme Fatigue, Nausea And Muscle Aches?

Posted on Fri, 18 May 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 18 May 2018 Answered on

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : Yesterday I started getting diarrhea, stomach cramps, extreme fatigue, nausea and muscle aches. I rested all day pretty much. My concern is that my stool is very, very dark. Today my stool is still dark, but no diarrhea - just soft, and I still feel nauseous and very tired. I'm trying to decide whether I go to my Dr - who is an hour away and I don't fee like going - or see how I am on Monday. The fact that this just happened suddenly leads me to believe it's a virus.

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possible Acute Gastrointestinal Infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ma'am

I can certainly understand your concern.

I have worked through your attached query in detail...

As per your symptoms, the possibility of an Acute Gastrointestinal infection is very high.

The color change of the stools is directly related to Infection. The Infection is possibly bacterial in origin.

I generally prescribe oral medications of antibiotics like Ofloxacin-Ornidazole combination to my patients with such symptoms.

Please check with your physician if he shares my view and if can prescribe these medications to improve your symptoms.

Avoid fried and fatty foodstuffs.

Maintain adequate hydration and have simple home-cooked food for the time being.

The stool color will gradually improve with time and clearance of Infection.

Post your further queries if any
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee