[24F] With chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential diagnoses that could explain your condition:

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

   • Rationale: IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. It can cause symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. The fact that your symptoms come and go, and are accompanied by mucus in your stool, fits with IBS.
   • Typical Treatments/Testing: Diagnosis is often based on symptoms and ruling out other conditions. Treatment may include dietary changes, stress management, and medications to manage symptoms.

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

   • Rationale: IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. The presence of mucus in your stool and joint pain could be indicative of IBD.
   • Typical Treatments/Testing: Diagnosis usually involves blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy, and imaging studies. Treatment often includes anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, and sometimes surgery.

3. Celiac Disease:

   • Rationale: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and fatigue. Given your family history of gastrointestinal diseases, this could be a possibility.
   • Typical Treatments/Testing: Diagnosis is typically made through blood tests and a biopsy of the small intestine. Treatment involves a strict gluten-free diet.

What you can do

Diarrhea and Stomach Pain:

• See a doctor: It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They may recommend tests such as blood work, stool tests, or imaging studies.
• Dietary Changes: Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how it affects your symptoms. This can help identify any food triggers. Consider a low-FODMAP diet, which can help manage IBS symptoms.
• Hydration: Ensure you stay hydrated, especially when experiencing diarrhea. Drink plenty of water and consider oral rehydration solutions if needed.
• Over-the-counter Medications: Continue using Pepto Bismol as it provides some relief, but consult your doctor for long-term use.

Fatigue and Joint Pain:

• Rest and Manage Stress: Ensure you get adequate rest and manage stress, as stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Exercise: Gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, can help manage stress and improve overall well-being.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with joint pain, but use them sparingly and consult your doctor.

General Health:

• Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
• Symptom Tracking: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.

What you should look out for

Given the chronic nature of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical care to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. However, if you experience any of the following, seek medical attention more urgently:

• Severe abdominal pain that doesn't go away
• Blood in your stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent vomiting
• Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, or reduced urination

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to continue the conversation.