Chronic Diarrhea

[lucy101]

I've been diagnosed with Crohn's disease since the age of 12 (I am now 19), however since late last year I've been in remission. I thought being in remission would mean that my pain and symptoms would dissappear however this is not the case. After every meal or food intake I immediately end up in the bathroom with severe diarrhea. On a good day I have diarrhea about 5-6 times a day. Everyone suggested it was due to my diet so I began eliminating certain foods such as dairy, raw vegetables, high fatty foods but no positive results. The doctor suggested I take a lactose intolerance and celiac disease test but the results were normal. I'm at the point where I have given up hope on trying to fix this problem since my body is so used to it now. So does having crohns mean I'll have chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain for the rest of my life? If anyone has any suggestions on what to do please do share! Thanks.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

remission is a relative term, maybe the underlying disease is mildly active but it isn't causing inflammation in the bowels. If it's not tied to a particular food I would suggest controlling it by incorporating imodium to slow down the transit time. Certain foods may bulk you up to, bananas, marshmallows, potatoes, peanut butter. If you're not strictured you can try psyllium husk or Metamucil.

 

[Ali29]

I too have Chronic Diarrhea - I take lomotil. My GI has also placed me on a special diet which is similar to the FODMAP diet but far more restrictive - I had 2 days of positive results so far. What meds does the GI have you on now and has he given you anything to control the diarrhea.

Mine has been going on a year but I also have Bile Acid Diarrhea which we haven't been able to control real well. GI also feels I have other underlying conditions we haven't been able to diagnose yet.

Hope you feel better!!:ghug:

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Ali have you tried Questran for the bile acid?

 

[lucy101]

Thanks for the quick replies! I am currently not on any medication the doctor only suggested a high fibre diet in which I took Metamucil but I have seen zero results in fact it has worsen my symptoms. My sister did some research and suggested I take medication for bile acid malabsorption which did help me however when I told my doctor she said it was most likely a placebo effect and told me to stop.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Placebo effect for diarrhea? That's ridiculous. If it helps it helps. You aren't imagining you have diarrhea. Try psyllium husk, imodium or Lomotil. Those are all good options.

 

[Ali29]

I did try Questran for the D but I had severe pains/bloating and had to stop due to side effects and the D continued. My gallbladder scans were normal - but it seems the pain I'm having are radiating from the stomach towards the right side so we are watching that. I'm so sensitive to meds - makes this really hard to find the right treatment/meds.

Lucy, is it possible to get a 2nd opinion - I agree with Nogutsnoglory - Diarrhea is a reality - you have it or you don't. I have had to get up in the middle of a meal/middle of the night to run to the restroom. Loosing so many nutrients/possible dehydration are so crucial to our recoveries and how we feel day to day.

 

[Darmora]

Humira has definitely helped chronic diarrhea for me but I still can't live without Colestid. Can't take cholestryamine and after terminal ileum removed and then 6 months later gallbladder removed doc gave me Colestid. Saved my sanity! It definitely works. Started at 16/ day but now I can get by with 9 to 12 a day. Absolute godsend.

 

[Susan2]

Lucy, are you going to a GP or to a gastroenterologist? I would query your doctor's understanding of Crohn's if he told you to have a high fibre diet, unless he meant soluble fibre.

When you say that you have been in remission, what do you mean by that? The continued severe diarrhoea sounds as though there is something going on that should be taken seriously.