Resolved question:
I'm very comfortable with my doctor but wanted to ask this a bit anonymously first as it's a bit on the embarrassing side.
The last couple months I've noticed that my bowel movements have been very loose. Not diarrhea really, just very watery and loose. And I have to go pretty frequently - several times a day. I also have a lot of gas. A lot. I also have been getting heartburn a fair bit. I feel fine otherwise. Haven't been sick with a cold or anything this winter. The only other thing a bit odd is my temperature. It's been "normal" for me at 97-98 taken in the armpit but checking it rectally it's been fluctuating from "normal" of 99.4 - 100 up to as high as 101.2 a couple times.
My diet isn't perfect but it's not horrible. Cereal or oatmeal for breakfast, soup or salad for lunch and a reasonably balanced dinner. I could probably eat more fruit. I do drink alcohol. Most nights a couple of glasses of wine, perhaps a martini before dinner. There are nights though I don't. Weekends I may drink a bit more if I'm out and it would most likely be beer in those cases.
No family history of intestinal issues that know of.
Thanks for any advice
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring.
I understand your concern and will try my best to help you here. The major symptoms - prominent abdominal symptoms in form of loose stools and mild rise in temperature are most likely from an infective etiology.
A symptom bases analysis is Gastro Intestinal complaints can give us only a limited information. Still in case of a loose stools for couple of months the first thing to be ruled out is viral or bacterial infection. At this onset I would like to know some additional information from you :
1. Is there any history of a 'stomach bug' causing any upset prior to the onset of symptoms ?
2. Any 'dark' loose stools ?
3.Any abdominal pain ?
4. Any nausea/ vomiting ?
5. Any history of high risk sexual activity ?
You can reply as a followup
Thank you
Thanks for your response. In answer to your questions:
No, I haven't had any illnesses in the last couple months. I did have a couple day bug early in December.
Yes, some days they are darker than others but I wouldn't say they are "dark" every day.
Yes, I forgot to mention that some days I have some nausea. Not acute, and not all day.
I have in the last year had what would be considered high risk activity sexually but not in the last several months.
I also should mention that very often I need to go to the bathroom very soon after eating. Especially earlier in the day.
Hello,
Thank you for your response.
You are having IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome ) like symptoms possibly from a bacterial infection in the gut. Please note this is not irritable bowel syndrome. You will need few tests - basic complete blood count, liver function tests (no need to repeat if done within 2 months) , a urine routine. Based on a physical examination you might need few more tests like Ultrasound, OGDscopy, Stool occult blood and s stool study.
Generally symptomatic management and an antibiotic would suffice without much tests. But sinc you are having rise in temperature along with this symptoms it is better evaluated. This is because although rate many other conditions like a Upper GI bleed, Tuberculosis, Parasitic infection etc can present like this. You should discuss this with your GP. You will need a Medical Gastroenterologist referral. You should not delay this any further, 2 months is pretty long time.
If there was history of unprotected sexual intercourse it is better to get a HIV test done , just to be sure.
Hope this helps
Feel free to ask followups
Thank you
Thank you for the information. I had thought a parasitic infection might have been possible. I was tested for HIV about 7 moths ago but will do that again. Will be seeing my GP as soon as possible. Thanks again.
If you had the HIV test at least 12 weeks after the last high risk sexual activity , then you need not repeat it for now. Bacterial infection is more likely, although parasitic infection can also present similarly.
Wish you good health
Thank you