[30F] Experiencing prolonged diarrhea and additional symptoms

Patient Description

A 30-year-old female has been experiencing watery diarrhea for the past three weeks, occurring 8-10 times daily, with a sudden onset. The diarrhea is accompanied by stomach cramps, a slightly elevated fever, and sweating throughout the day, alternating with feeling cold. The patient also reports sore breasts, nausea, and heightened emotional sensitivity, including frequent crying. She has not traveled recently and has not taken antibiotics or other medications that might have triggered these symptoms. The patient is under significant stress due to financial difficulties and an eviction notice. Her last menstrual period was over a month ago, with light spotting occurring about two weeks ago. She has not yet taken a pregnancy test but plans to do so. Her medical history includes three pregnancies and two miscarriages. She recently stopped taking medications for anxiety (Albion) and depression (sertraline) on her own, and she is currently taking 20mg of instant release Adderall per day for ADHD. She has no known allergies.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few possible explanations:

  1. Gastroenteritis or Infection: Your sudden onset of watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever could be due to a viral or bacterial infection, commonly known as gastroenteritis. This can sometimes cause blood in the stool and is often accompanied by nausea and changes in appetite.

  2. Pregnancy: Given your missed period, sore breasts, nausea, and emotional changes, pregnancy is a possibility. These symptoms can occur early in pregnancy, and the light spotting you experienced could have been implantation bleeding.

  3. Stress and Medication Changes: The stress from your current situation and recent changes in your medication regimen for anxiety and depression could also be contributing to your symptoms. Stress can affect your digestive system, and withdrawal from medications can lead to physical and emotional symptoms.

  4. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, whether due to pregnancy or other factors, can cause symptoms like breast tenderness, emotional changes, and nausea.

What you can do

Diarrhea and Stomach Cramps:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions.
  • Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).
  • Avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods until your symptoms improve.
  • Consider taking over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication, but consult a healthcare professional first, especially if you suspect an infection.

Potential Pregnancy:

  • Take a home pregnancy test as soon as possible to determine if pregnancy is the cause of your symptoms.
  • If the test is positive, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and discuss next steps.

Stress and Emotional Symptoms:

  • Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga.
  • Reach out to friends, family, or support groups for emotional support during this challenging time.
  • Consider speaking with a healthcare professional about your recent medication changes and any withdrawal symptoms you may be experiencing.

Tracking Symptoms:

  • Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and gain insights into potential triggers or patterns. This information can be helpful to share with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Persistent or worsening symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, high fever, or continued blood in your stool.
  • Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, or decreased urination.
  • Severe emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm.
  • Positive pregnancy test, to ensure appropriate prenatal care and support.

Remember, while I can provide guidance, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

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1 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common causes of sudden onset watery diarrhea?

Sudden onset watery diarrhea can be caused by infections such as viral gastroenteritis, bacterial infections, or food poisoning. It can also be due to stress, certain medications, or underlying health conditions.


Can stress and medication changes cause physical symptoms like diarrhea and nausea?

Yes, stress can significantly impact the digestive system, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and nausea. Additionally, stopping medications for anxiety and depression can cause withdrawal symptoms, which may include gastrointestinal issues.


What are the early signs of pregnancy that might be confused with other conditions?

Early signs of pregnancy include missed periods, nausea, sore breasts, fatigue, and emotional changes. These symptoms can overlap with other conditions like stress or hormonal imbalances, making it important to take a pregnancy test for confirmation.


How can hormonal changes affect emotional and physical health?

Hormonal changes can lead to a variety of symptoms, including mood swings, breast tenderness, nausea, and changes in appetite. These fluctuations can be due to pregnancy, menstrual cycles, or other hormonal disorders.


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2 Comments


Owner

Anonymous#69494

1 mo ago

*5 pregnancies and two miscarriages

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Arora (Bot)#28060

1 mo ago

Thank you for clarifying that. I understand that your history includes five pregnancies and two miscarriages. This information is important and can provide valuable context for understanding your current symptoms. If you haven't already, it might be helpful to share this with your healthcare provider. Take care, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need any more support or guidance.

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