I’m Definitely Falling Apart.!

[Mobi]

Well ever since I was discharged from hospital more than 3 weeks ago I have been suffering from severe diarrhoea – like at least 6 times a day, and very watery – in fact after the food is gone, it is all water.

After 8 days the hospital took a sample, and reported nothing wrong.

I consulted 2 doctors in Pattaya and they both prescribed antibiotics.

So as there was no improvement I consulted a doctor at Phya Thai Hospital in Sri Racha this morning. He said that the antibiotics would have cured me by now if it had been ‘microbes’ or whatever. He has booked me in for a colonoscopy and said it might be cancer.

I have been Googling the symptoms on various websites and only the Mayo clinic mentions diarrhoea as a symptom. All the other sites don’t mention it - just constipation or a change in the stool size, and frequency of passing etc.

There are a number of other symptoms, but the only ones I have are diarrhoea, a gassy stomach, and general fatigue. There has been no weight loss, and I can’t detect any blood in my ‘water’, and I still have a reasonable appetite.

Anyone else out there had colon cancer who may be able to reassure me?

And if I have got it - assuming I've caught it early - what is the survival rate?

[zorro1]

Well ever since I was discharged from hospital more than 3 weeks ago I have been suffering from severe diarrhoea – like at least 6 times a day, and very watery – in fact after the food is gone, it is all water.

After 8 days the hospital took a sample, and reported nothing wrong.

I consulted 2 doctors in Pattaya and they both prescribed antibiotics.

So as there was no improvement I consulted a doctor at Phya Thai Hospital in Sri Racha this morning. He said that the antibiotics would have cured me by now if it had been 'microbes' or whatever. He has booked me in for a colonoscopy and said it might be cancer.

I have been Googling the symptoms on various websites and only the Mayo clinic mentions diarrhoea as a symptom. All the other sites don't mention it - just constipation or a change in the stool size, and frequency of passing etc.

There are a number of other symptoms, but the only ones I have are diarrhoea, a gassy stomach, and general fatigue. There has been no weight loss, and I can't detect any blood in my 'water', and I still have a reasonable appetite.

Anyone else out there had colon cancer who may be able to reassure me?

And if I have got it - assuming I've caught it early - what is the survival rate?

'99.99% you have gluten intolerance or celiacs disease. EXACTLY same symptoms as I had and can get it anytime although not curable you wont die

see a naturopath as doctors are not big in this area

[Pushit]

Well ever since I was discharged from hospital more than 3 weeks ago I have been suffering from severe diarrhoea – like at least 6 times a day, and very watery – in fact after the food is gone, it is all water.

After 8 days the hospital took a sample, and reported nothing wrong.

I consulted 2 doctors in Pattaya and they both prescribed antibiotics.

So as there was no improvement I consulted a doctor at Phya Thai Hospital in Sri Racha this morning. He said that the antibiotics would have cured me by now if it had been ‘microbes’ or whatever. He has booked me in for a colonoscopy and said it might be cancer.

I have been Googling the symptoms on various websites and only the Mayo clinic mentions diarrhoea as a symptom. All the other sites don’t mention it - just constipation or a change in the stool size, and frequency of passing etc.

There are a number of other symptoms, but the only ones I have are diarrhoea, a gassy stomach, and general fatigue. There has been no weight loss, and I can’t detect any blood in my ‘water’, and I still have a reasonable appetite.

Anyone else out there had colon cancer who may be able to reassure me?

And if I have got it - assuming I've caught it early - what is the survival rate?

I had symptoms like this, doctor at BKK Christian said irritated bowel syndrome, went on for ages. Then a friend advised that a high fiber

diet may help, especially high fiber muesli at breakfast. It worked and symptoms haven't returned for years. Try changing to high fiber diet.

Good Luck

[Who, me ?]

Hi Mobi

Sorry I can't answer your questions...

But do not panic. There might be several reasons for your diarrhoea, and cancer is not the only one. You might have a bacteria, an irritation / inflammation....etc....I used to have those symptoms, and you know what ? I went through a full load of tests, exams, x ray, etc..... At the end, it was stress......Don't panic

Anyway, go for all tests.

And I really wish you all the best .... Cheers

[taxexile]

it could also be antibiotic induced colitis. can take ages to right itself , but meds can control the symptoms.

try the digestive diseases center at bumrungrad bangkok , dr. nusont kladcharoen (uk graduated).

if you have the colonoscopy done elsewhere and decide to go to bumrungrad , make sure they film the procedure and take the dvd along to any other doctor you see. that should save another colonoscopy.

[garro]

Hi Mobi, cancer is a possibility with the symptoms you describe, but the same could be said about most symptoms. You are doing the right thing by checking it out. A regular colonoscopy is actually recommended for people over a certain age and with certain risk factors. Do you have a history of cancer in your family?

To say at this stage that you have cancer is a major leap and, even if you did have it, this is no way the death sentence that it once was. I would try not to dwell on the worst case scenario, but do get things checked out.

[Wrong Turn]

Mobi,

Sorry to hear the news on Cancer.

Did you get a second opinion.

You don't have to answer the following questions if you don't want to but:

1. how old are you?

2. what stage is the cancer? How much has it spread?

Best of luck. And, fight it. Fight.

[Who, me ?]

Mobi,

Sorry to hear the news on Cancer.

Did you get a second opinion.

You don't have to answer the following questions if you don't want to but:

1. how old are you?

2. what stage is the cancer? How much has it spread?

Best of luck. And, fight it. Fight.

You should read the post more carefully, Wrong Turn........

[g00dgirl]

Mobi, I am sorry if I missed something, but when you were in hospital 3 weeks ago and then discharged, what were you there for and most importantly what did they do to you there?

Were you alone in a room or sharing with other people (possibly being exposed to whatever you might have now)?

[geriatrickid]

Not such a bad thing to have the exam. Have no idea how old you are or when your last one was (if at all). No idea whether or not they did a stool culture or the usual blood tests. Please don't get stressed. No one can do anything until the possible alternative causes are ruled out. Chronic squirts are not good for your metabolite levels so it has to be dealt with and fast. You have been given some decent practitioner referrals, so the first step is to see one that will do a proper work up. Suggest you move to a light diet, free of bowel irritants and drink properly (avoid alcohol) until you are examined, and under no circumstances engage in anything that requires exertion. Avoid spices in particular.

[marshbags]

General advice i offer to others is.........

If in doubt and it is health related i reckon the best action is a trip back home, providing you are fit and healthy, or have someone who can accompany you.

In your case Mobi, i would suggest such a visit and sod the searching for x amount of opinions.

You will know in your own mind / have an idea if it is indeed, more serious than a bout of something other than the runs.

If it,s the worst case scenario.............

Colon Cancer can be dealt with in a positive way, providing it is treated in it,s early stages and please consider this option.

If you are mis diagnosed out here then like many others that haven.t seriously observed their symptoms, it will be to far gone if it is the above and you will loose the chance to have it surgically removed.

I have had several mates back home who had it and only one wasn,t able to be treated.

Survival rates are very good, providing it is dealt with early

This being because it had progressed to the vital organs and they sent her home unable to help her.

Sadly she,d ignored the signs, especially during the oblution visits and kept it to herself.

The others have all come through it and are now living life to the full again.

We only have one life and we must do what is best to keep healthy, not only for ourselves, but more importantly, our loved ones and dependants.

Not a sermon sounding observation, just a reflection on a reason why.

Many a millionaire would love / have loved another chance to stay with their loved ones........... the money ect. they have, is rendered meaningless, as it will not buy them their lives back.

Your a good lad Mobi and deserve better, all the best and if you have doubts, think about booking a flight, it,s money vs health and peace of mind.

It may be something else, but do not waste to much time if things do not improve.

marshbags

Edited April 11, 2008 by marshbags

[Crushdepth]

Well ever since I was discharged from hospital more than 3 weeks ago I have been suffering from severe diarrhoea – like at least 6 times a day, and very watery – in fact after the food is gone, it is all water...There are a number of other symptoms, but the only ones I have are diarrhoea, a gassy stomach, and general fatigue. There has been no weight loss, and I can’t detect any blood in my ‘water’, and I still have a reasonable appetite.

This really sounds exactly like giardia to me which is dirt common here. It is easily fixed with a certain kind of antibiotic (eg Flagyl) but the 'normal' antibiotics they give for gastroenteritis won't help. Suggest you see the doctor again and specifically ask them to investigate it (or more pragmatically, to just prescribe you some flagyl). Usually clears up in a day or two. I wouldn't worry about cancer at this stage.

It can be a real battle to get doctors here to think about giardia - usually they just keep prescribing general antibiotics so you may need to insist to get the issue looked at properly.

Edited April 11, 2008 by Crushdepth

[Tammi]

Well ever since I was discharged from hospital more than 3 weeks ago I have been suffering from severe diarrhoea – like at least 6 times a day, and very watery – in fact after the food is gone, it is all water.

After 8 days the hospital took a sample, and reported nothing wrong.

I consulted 2 doctors in Pattaya and they both prescribed antibiotics.

So as there was no improvement I consulted a doctor at Phya Thai Hospital in Sri Racha this morning. He said that the antibiotics would have cured me by now if it had been ‘microbes’ or whatever. He has booked me in for a colonoscopy and said it might be cancer.

I have been Googling the symptoms on various websites and only the Mayo clinic mentions diarrhoea as a symptom. All the other sites don’t mention it - just constipation or a change in the stool size, and frequency of passing etc.

There are a number of other symptoms, but the only ones I have are diarrhoea, a gassy stomach, and general fatigue. There has been no weight loss, and I can’t detect any blood in my ‘water’, and I still have a reasonable appetite.

Anyone else out there had colon cancer who may be able to reassure me?

And if I have got it - assuming I've caught it early - what is the survival rate?

As so many of the other have said this is probably not cancer. It is notoriously difficult to find anything in a stool specimen unless it is absolutely laden with the bug - that's been my experience in Thailand. Might be giardia and/or amoebiasis. Could be that the antibiotics haven't helped diarrhoeawise. Get a real good doctor to do the colonoscopy - not a novice. I've used Dr. Virasak at Bumrungrad. You should be taking electolyte solution while diarrhoea is so bad. I take Oreda unflavoured. Box of 100 at Fascino.

[PeaceBlondie]

At age 56, I had diarrhea (as we Yanks spell it), for months without finding a cause or a cure. In the second emergency room and hospital stay (in Texas where they have lots of specialists) they happened to give me a different antibiotic that cured me of pseudomonas bacteria. Keep getting the best diagnoses and tests in Bangkok and London, Mobi. We cannot afford to lose you.

[chiang mai]

There's far too many options and alternatives to be considered before you jump to that conclusion Mobi and this has already been pointed out to you. Second and third opinions are a brilliant idea in any country and if in doubt, get thee to Bumrungrad and put your mind at rest - it will be OK.

[Mossfinn]

Keep getting the best diagnoses and tests , Mobi. We cannot afford to lose you.

Agree with that.

Good Luck Mobi,

Moss

[FBN]

Mobi,

You had the pseudomembranous colitis a few weeks ago. With underlying diabetes, it may just be fungal overgrowth as we suggested in a post on that thread. C. dificile is not easily found in tests but have it repeated.

More antibiotics without a specific diagnosis will only aggravate the situation.

By all means have a colonoscopy done; it is a good test to have if you are over 50 anyway but I don't know of any colon cancer that presented with diarrhoea; the colonoscopy should exclude that and may also offer an opportunity to take samples from the intestine for checking.

[Tammi]

Sorry, had missed that you had pseudomembranous colitis a few weeks ago. As far as I know this is caused by clostridium difficile that is normally present in the bowel but may overgrow if one has been on antibiotics that may have caused lining of bowel to become raw and bleed, abdominal cramps, bloody stools, low-grade fever, urge to have bowel action, watery diarrhoea. Looks as though you didn't get better?

Somebody I know had c. difficile found after blood tests for c. difficile toxins A & B. He was in B'grad and given Tazocin antibiotic intravenously for the c. difficile and it cleared up.

Colonoscopy is a good idea but, as already said, get an expert - don't want a novice poking tubes into a perhaps raw bowel.

[BigSnake]

to hear of your illness, wish you all the best. Will pray for remission for you.

[Who, me ?]

to hear of your illness, wish you all the best. Will pray for remission for you.

again, it should be nice that you guys read the post carefully before making a comment

So far , Mobi is fearing to have a cancer, after ONE doctor said that it is a possibility . There is no confirmation, and Mobi needs to undergo more exams and tests. Hopefully again, doctors will find a much less serious cause to his symptoms...

All the best Mobi

[Naam]

to hear of your illness, wish you all the best. Will pray for remission for you.

again, it should be nice that you guys read the post carefully before making a comment

So far , Mobi is fearing to have a cancer, after ONE doctor said that it is a possibility . There is no confirmation, and Mobi needs to undergo more exams and tests. Hopefully again, doctors will find a much less serious cause to his symptoms...

All the best Mobi

i second that and add "a clown of a doctor who says something like this without a colonoscopy". don't worry too much now Mobi but whatever it might be our best wishes are with you!

[ThaiPauly]

Well ever since I was discharged from hospital more than 3 weeks ago I have been suffering from severe diarrhoea – like at least 6 times a day, and very watery – in fact after the food is gone, it is all water.

After 8 days the hospital took a sample, and reported nothing wrong.

I consulted 2 doctors in Pattaya and they both prescribed antibiotics.

So as there was no improvement I consulted a doctor at Phya Thai Hospital in Sri Racha this morning. He said that the antibiotics would have cured me by now if it had been ‘microbes’ or whatever. He has booked me in for a colonoscopy and said it might be cancer.

I have been Googling the symptoms on various websites and only the Mayo clinic mentions diarrhoea as a symptom. All the other sites don’t mention it - just constipation or a change in the stool size, and frequency of passing etc.

There are a number of other symptoms, but the only ones I have are diarrhoea, a gassy stomach, and general fatigue. There has been no weight loss, and I can’t detect any blood in my ‘water’, and I still have a reasonable appetite.

Anyone else out there had colon cancer who may be able to reassure me?

And if I have got it - assuming I've caught it early - what is the survival rate?

Get a real good doctor to do the colonoscopy - not a novice. I've used Dr. Virasak at Bumrungrad. You should be taking electolyte solution while diarrhoea is so bad. I take Oreda unflavoured. Box of 100 at Fascino.

I have been to Bumrungrad when I had severe stomach pains, I thought I was sure I had cancer, but after a spin in the Cat Scanner I was told it was nothing more than a severe stomach infection which was sucessfully treated with antibiotics.

Get yourself down there Mobi asap, you know it's the best hospital around.

Good Luck, I'm sure it's not as bad as you think, but the longer you wait the more your mind will play tricks on you.

Don't wait till the wek after next to go to BK, go NEXT week mate.

[Mobi]

Many thanks to all of you who have given me advice and wished me luck. It really is much appreciated, and has been very useful and, to a degree, comforting.

To follow up on a few points raised.

I don't know if I did have pseudomembranous colitis. It was a self diagnosis I made when reading the side effects of the anti biotic I was given by the hospital that I was admitted to when I had my accident. When I finally went to see a doctor, he didn't think that I had it, and prescribed me some new antibiotics. They didn't work so he gave me another lot - which also haven't worked. Hence my visit to Phyathai hospital.

I looked at several sites on the symptoms of colon cancer, and only the Mayo clinic mention diarrhoea as a symptom. Constipation is a far more common symptom, but it seems it would depend on where the tumour(s) are located. Here's a snip from the Mayo site:

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

• A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhoea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks
  
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
  
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
  
• Abdominal pain with a bowel movement
  
• A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
  
• Weakness or fatigue
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  

I score on points 1, 3, 4, and 6. I have lost 1 kilo since 30th March, so I may score on point 7. There is no bleeding that I can detect.

I admit to beinga bit mystified as all the threads in the Pattaya forum reported that Phyathai is a good hospital., I'm now being told to go elsewhere and find a good doctor. The only reason I went to Phyathai was on the recommendations from the folk on Thai Visa. I found the doctor there knowledgeable and competent. He is one if the first I have consulted (outside of Bumrungrad) to make a note of all my current medications and conditions - most of them couldn't care a less.(Including the hospital I was admitted to last month) He spoke good English, and explained that my symptoms did indicate cancer of the colon, but he couldn't be sure until I had the colonoscopy.

I am not panicking at this juncture. I will have the colonoscopy at Phyathai and see what transpires. As some posters have said, it would seem to be good idea to have one anyway. Then depending on the results, and my gut feeling (no pun intended ), I will decide whether to continue there or to go to Bumrungrad.

Maybe I can have my colon repaired and my snoring problem dealt with all at the same time, at a reduced rate

[sbk]

Mobi, hate to get disgusting here, but giardia is a possibility. Google giardia symptoms, lots of gas, sticky mucusy bowel movements, its worth checking out with your doctor. I've had it once, my mother got it in the US. It is not pleasant to have but easily curable with a course of Flagyl. Nasty antibiotics, but they do work, unlike other antibiotics which have no effect at all on giardia.

Good luck and hope you feel better soon

[Mobi]

Mobi, hate to get disgusting here, but giardia is a possibility. Google giardia symptoms, lots of gas, sticky mucusy bowel movements, its worth checking out with your doctor. I've had it once, my mother got it in the US. It is not pleasant to have but easily curable with a course of Flagyl. Nasty antibiotics, but they do work, unlike other antibiotics which have no effect at all on giardia.

Good luck and hope you feel better soon

Thanks sbk.

I also hate to get disgusting, but my movements are not really sticky and mucusy. Just small bits and pieces, ususually the proper colour, with loads of water. After the first couple of times in a day, it is pretty much all water. When the diarrhoea first started, it was foul smelling, but hasn't been like that for a long time. The doc said my stomach had gas, but I don't experience much gassy movements, as apparently is the case with giardia.

Anyway, I will ask the hospital to check for giardia when I go to have my colonoscopy, just to be sure.

[Who, me ?]

All the best Mobi, and please keep us updated !

Cheers

[PeaceBlondie]

Mobi, a loss of one kilo in about two weeks is not remarkable. Diarrhea is, by its nature, dehydrating; also, it makes you lose your appetite. And most scales vary or fluctuate, as does our normal body weight from day to day.

It is great to hear that you have a good doctor there in Pattaya. Bumrungrad does not have an exclusive license on "the best doctors."

[Bisto]

Having gone through a life threatening condition in the last month i can only say to you is wait don't jump to conclusions please

wait and see what the doctors say.

Stress brought about by trying to diagnose a condition can in itself cause your health to deteriate, look on the positive side of things.

Best of luck Mobi be positive

[pattayadave]

Well ever since I was discharged from hospital more than 3 weeks ago I have been suffering from severe diarrhoea – like at least 6 times a day, and very watery – in fact after the food is gone, it is all water.

After 8 days the hospital took a sample, and reported nothing wrong.

I consulted 2 doctors in Pattaya and they both prescribed antibiotics.

So as there was no improvement I consulted a doctor at Phya Thai Hospital in Sri Racha this morning. He said that the antibiotics would have cured me by now if it had been 'microbes' or whatever. He has booked me in for a colonoscopy and said it might be cancer.

I have been Googling the symptoms on various websites and only the Mayo clinic mentions diarrhoea as a symptom. All the other sites don't mention it - just constipation or a change in the stool size, and frequency of passing etc.

There are a number of other symptoms, but the only ones I have are diarrhoea, a gassy stomach, and general fatigue. There has been no weight loss, and I can't detect any blood in my 'water', and I still have a reasonable appetite.

Anyone else out there had colon cancer who may be able to reassure me?

And if I have got it - assuming I've caught it early - what is the survival rate?

sorry to hear of all your woes the past few weeks mobi

silly question but have you been tested for dengue fever

[LaoPo]

Mobi, hate to get disgusting here, but giardia is a possibility. Google giardia symptoms, lots of gas, sticky mucusy bowel movements, its worth checking out with your doctor. I've had it once, my mother got it in the US. It is not pleasant to have but easily curable with a course of Flagyl. Nasty antibiotics, but they do work, unlike other antibiotics which have no effect at all on giardia.

Good luck and hope you feel better soon

Thanks sbk.

I also hate to get disgusting, but my movements are not really sticky and mucusy. Just small bits and pieces, ususually the proper colour, with loads of water. After the first couple of times in a day, it is pretty much all water. When the diarrhoea first started, it was foul smelling, but hasn't been like that for a long time. The doc said my stomach had gas, but I don't experience much gassy movements, as apparently is the case with giardia.

Anyway, I will ask the hospital to check for giardia when I go to have my colonoscopy, just to be sure.

Hi Mobi,

I'm not sure if Giardia can be checked or found during a colonoscopy as the giardia parasite attach itself in the small intestines and a colonoscopy just views into the large intestine.

The diagnosis for giardia is found in the stool of the person involved and in some cases they do an endoscopy and take samples of the tissue from inside the intestine.

I'm scheduled for a colonoscopy as well in 1 1/2 week, checking the colon after 2 times hospital for diverticulitis.

Hang in there !

LaoPo

Edited April 12, 2008 by LaoPo