my loose motions are not stopping - #16137
I am going through this frustrating thing where my loose motions are not stopping, and honestly, it's really affecting my daily life. Like, just last week, I went to a wedding, and I ended up spending half the time in the restroom. I can’t even enjoy a meal without worrying about when the next wave of, well, loose motions will hit me! I’ve tried diet changes, even cutting out dairy 'cause I read it might help, but my loose motions are not stopping. I went to the doc, did some tests, and they just said it might be a bug or something, but I don’t know, it feels like something more. At night, it's the worst, I wake up multiple times and have to run. I’m losing sleep over this! Anyone ever experienced this where your loose motions are not stopping for weeks? I’m kinda at my wits end here and I've got work and life to live! Should I be thinking about any specific medication or natural remedies, or just give it time? Any advice would be super appreciated!
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Doctors’ responses
Experiencing persistent diarrhea can be quite overwhelming and disruptive. One thing to consider is whether you’ve been exposed to anything unusual, like travel to a new location, contaminated food or water, or medication changes, which might have sparked this ongoing problem. Since common causes like infections or dietary intolerances can sometimes be ruled out, it’s crucial to think about other possibilities such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even prolonged stress, all of which can lead to chronic diarrhea. While you explore potential causes, continuing a bland diet for now — such as foods like dry toast, rice, applesauce, and bananas (the BRAT diet) — might reduce symptoms. Staying hydrated is essential, so consider oral rehydration solutions to maintain electrolyte balance. If this persists, medications like loperamide might help control symptoms, but it’s crucial to use them cautiously. Also, probiotics may aid in restoring gut flora balance, but these take time to be effective. Since you’re waking up at night and it’s affecting your sleep, it’s vital to follow up with a medical professional, perhaps a gastroenterologist, for more robust diagnostics. Night-time symptoms could indicate a more significant condition requiring closer examination. Ensure to persist in seeking medical advice if it doesn’t improve or if you notice any warning signs like blood in stools, severe pain, or significant weight loss.
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