What is wrong with me?

A month ago I had a relatively healthy digestive tract, with regular BMs (everyday after breakfast) that were a nice consistency (Bristol stool scale 3-4). Then a few weeks ago I started having these watery stools (primarily after drinking the night before) and in response I finally cut out all caffeine and alcohol about 10 days ago. Yet, for the last 10 days, I've suffered from the same urgency to poop right after eating (a pain under the belly button and a liquidy feeling in my colon) and these spastic BMs that release loose, watery stools. One of those times I saw what was clearly a piece of an undigested raspberry from the day before. I have been on a BRAT diet for approximately 48 hours now, and nothing is really changing. I also have a bloated feeling after eating and this weird gas that comes up (not quite a burp or belch, but feels like one with a strange wet sound as it comes up the esophagus). I probably hit the head 4-5 times a day now, and only one of those times do I have a real substantive BM. It feels like I just have a lot of water in my colon. Should I consider seeing one of those natural holistic places that do the colon cleanse thing ("colonics" I believe they're called)? What can I do to make it stop?

I have taken the following medications at some point in the past 4 days: Pepto, Anti-Diarrheal (loperomide hydrochloride), Aleve (broken footbone-minor, not serious), and Vitamin B and Vitamin C supplements.

I am starting to get into a depressed state mentally now, as it seems like it'll never stop. I am a fit young man, 26 years old, 5-10, 160 lbs, and for all of my life I've loved food and eaten a very varied diet, from spicy foods to coffee to pizza to black beans salad, BBQ, you name it, and I've tolerated it with ease. Has my body finally given out on me? I've been in the hospital for traumatic head injury, a broken jaw, and a broken arm, and I've never felt this bad about my health. To try and pep myself up I talk trash to the toilet when I walk by it ("I'm not gonna sit on you, I'm not pooping until tomorrow, you'll see!"). It helps a little, but at the end of the day I'm just really scared. I hope somebody out there can help me.

Post Edited (RonSwanson) : 7/11/2011 9:14:33 PM (GMT-6)

I agree with lookingforpeace with the probiotic idea. I helps to restore the good bacteria in your gut. You can also get them in yoghurt type drinks.

I do think that you should see your doctor and put in a stool sample as there is something going on with you. As it has been going on longer than a week, you should definatley get checked out.

Let us know how you get on.

---

Tori xx

Forum Moderator - IBS and UC

Thanks for the advice guys. It was sudden, and I talked to a colon health specialist who suggested the possibility of a parasite as well. I got a colonic too and with that and a bland diet I got my BMs almost back to normal. I have also began a good probiotic, which has seemed to help. I dont have any more blood or mucus in my stools either, which was the result of a really inflammed colon.

The only thing that still bugs me is the constant burping/gurgling/bloating feeling. I have a feeling the large amount of fruit I'm eating has something to do with it, but I can't switch to heavy meats just yet. . I really want to eat a cheeseburger, but I will wait and give it time. Do y'all have any good recommendations for exploring my diet beyond the typical bland stuff? I've heard fish and small amounts of chicken are good, but my favorite is eggs and beef. How far and how fast should I push it to return to my normal diet?

As well, if you were on antibiotics (and you probably were?) that can have disasterous effects on your gut, even if it has been awhile since you took them. Your bowel flora could be all out of whack. If so, then you should restrict refined foods including grains and sugars for awhile as they feed the bad bacteria and fungus that has been allowed to proliferate. If that is the case, then thet BRAT diet would be the worst thing to be on....very high sugars and carbs. I'd opt for a low carb diet with lots of protein and veggies and see how you feel. Do you consume artificial sweetener? I would also avoid that.