[44F] With chronic diarrhea and mucus in stool

Patient Description

A 44-year-old female has been experiencing constant diarrhea with mucus in the stool for the past two years, having bowel movements 2 to 3 times daily. The symptoms are mostly postprandial. She has tried dietary changes and Intesta Care, which provided some relief, but fiber gummies caused intestinal pain. She reports rare abdominal pain, occasional nausea, fatigue, chills, and joint pain. There was one instance of blood in the stool. Her medical history includes fibromyalgia, arthritis, and degenerative disc disease. She takes Diclofenac 25 mg twice daily for arthritis and Intesta Care (2 droppers once daily). She recently had a sinus infection and has no known drug allergies. There is a family history of fibromyalgia.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Your symptoms could be related to several conditions:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This condition often causes chronic diarrhea, mucus in the stool, and can be triggered by eating. Stress and certain foods can exacerbate symptoms. Treatment typically involves dietary changes, stress management, and sometimes medication.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause diarrhea, mucus, and occasional blood in the stool. These conditions often require medical treatment, including medication to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
Medication Side Effects: Diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory medication, can sometimes cause gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea. Discussing this with your doctor might be helpful.

What you can do

For Diarrhea and Mucus in Stool:

Dietary Adjustments: Consider a low-FODMAP diet, which can help manage IBS symptoms. Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms.
Hydration: Ensure you stay hydrated, especially with chronic diarrhea.
Probiotics: These may help balance gut bacteria and improve symptoms.

For Weight Gain:

Monitor Diet: Keep track of your food intake and consider consulting a nutritionist.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can help manage weight and improve overall health.

For Joint Pain and Chills:

Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your symptoms and medication use. They may adjust your treatment plan or explore other causes.

Symptom Tracking:

Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share insights with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek Medical Attention: If you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent blood in your stool, or significant weight loss, see a healthcare provider.
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any new or worsening symptoms and discuss them with your doctor.

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

1

Hugs

0

Comments

Save

7 mo ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines