Question:

I was on antibiotics last Sept. for a throat and ear infection. In the third week, and a third different antibitic i noticed my stomach staring to growl a lot. This was followed sunnenly by bouts of diarreaha. CT scan..stool samples, blood work all normal. I wasd put on bentyl and told to eat yogurt. It got somewhat better, but now the diarreaha is back daily now where it was only about once a week before. My stomach growls continuously! I tried to get another appointment with my gastro doctor, but it will be April 4 before he can see me. The diarreaha now seems to come soon after a meal. Should I be worried? I dont know if I can put up with this until April.

Answer:

Sounds like a change in your ability to absorb nutrition- could be related to a change in your bacterial balance from the antibiotics.

Some easy things to try until the doctor sees you-

• A probiotic from the health food store;
• Pepto-bismol;
• Eliminating milk-containing products from your diet.

If you notice blood with your stool, or have fevers, let the doctor know you may need to be seen sooner.

For more information:

Go to the Colorectal Diseases health topic.