I've had stomach/bathroom issues (loose stools) for over a month now and finally went to the dr. last week (great timing with covid!). They did a stool sample for parasites first, all negative, and a blood test for celiac - also negative.
They are working on a GI referral but are thinking it's going to be the end of May before I can get in.
Anyone gone through something like this? Should I try going gluten free anyways? Dairy free? Any other ideas??
apricot / 431 posts
@josina: do you have any pain or episodes of pain? I had a lot of stomach issues before having my gallbladder removed, but had episodes of severe pain too.
nectarine / 2433 posts
@josina: Have you been keeping any sort of food journal? I think before you try eliminating something major from your diet it might be easier to see if you can identify potential problems. We did this with my daughter when she was young for chronic constipation and did it more informally with my SO before he was diagnosed with lactose intolerance.
pomegranate / 3973 posts
@MommySLP: Not really any pain at all or any other symptoms.
@mrswin: I have not but I agree that that would help. If I can figure it out on my own before the end of May that would be great.
kiwi / 617 posts
I have IBS, here’s what I suggest:
Keep a food journal, but also track your emotions and your stools.
Besides certain foods, my triggers are stress, my period and drinking hot drinks outside in cold weather. (Can’t drink hot coffee right before snow shoveling 🤷♀️) it hot food right before cold ( no drinking hot tea and eating ice cream)
I take fiber pills every morning, which really help regulate me (I alternate between loose and constipated)
If I take antibiotics, my gut will be messed up for a while - did you take anything before this started happening?
Good luck!
pomegranate / 3973 posts
@jennlin821: I had a 3-week long cold when it started (actually started the DAY I finally went to the doctor), he prescribed me a z-pack.
The only other thing that has changed is that my nuvaring is now the generic EluRyng.
It's been consistent the whole time, so total of 7 weeks I think.
GI called me back and will do a zoom appointment on Friday so hopefully find out more info. then.
pea / 19 posts
@josina: oof yeah this sounds like me! I haven’t gone to the doctor for it though. I always assumed I just had IBS or something. I hope you get some answers!! I’m curious to what they say.
pomegranate / 3973 posts
@Art Mom: So they want to do a colonoscopy to check for ulcerative colitis or chrohns, but can't do that till all this COVID stuff is over.
She said we could try another stool sample to check for microscopic blood levels and something else, but I opted out since I think its more diet-related...
I had stopped eating Gluten and Dairy last Monday and noticed a BIG improvement, so I asked about it still being a gluten/dairy sensitivity and she said it still could be one or the other or both, despite the negative Celiac test. I'm leaning dairy right now but am going to follow her advice to cut out both for 3-4 weeks, then reintroduce one at a time.
She did mention that it could just be IBS related to the virus I had though, that could last 6-12 months. That'd probably be best case since I'd rather not be dairy intolerant!
We can do a lactose test later also, but thats a 2 day test and again, delayed because of Covid.
She was going to do a follow up virtual appt. in a few weeks.
So, at this point its kinda wait and see.
Probiotics, no dairy, no glucose.
pear / 1565 posts
@josina: ugh I am sorry this is popping up at the worst time! I hope maybe the diet change will help alleviate symptoms till you can get further testing?
nectarine / 2641 posts
@josina: this happened to me a few years ago after using an antibiotic for the first time in years. It wreaked total havoc on my system for at least 3 months, I’d say. Eventually got better with time and a good probiotic. My doctor recommended cutting gluten and dairy even though we were fairly sure it was related to the antibiotic. I did neither of those things and it eventually went away anyway 
Might have gone away faster if I’d cut them. Hope you get answers soon!
pomegranate / 3973 posts
@graceandjoy: So far the diet change has made a huge difference!
@Jess1483: Sounds like that could be my issue, I haven't taken an antibiotic in years, and this was my first time taking a Z-pack. Maybe the covid-closures could be a benefit then since it will delay the drastic testing. Fingers crossed that by my follow up virtual appt. next month we're all good!
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