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    Diarrhea, Vomiting, almost passing out

    So the other day, I had all three happen - in that order.

    DH thinks it was some sort of food related thing since it was soon after supper. I didn't eat anything weird or different than he did. In fact it was a meal we often have.

    Could it have been MS related? I have been having some urine retention (nothing really weird for me) and my normal sort of/ maybe constipated issues.

    I have passed out when I am stressed before so maybe that is part of it. You know, embarrassment and all that. It only happened that one evening (thank goodness) but I haven't had a bm since either.

    Anybody have any other ideas?

    #2
    I had symptoms like that for years and just thought it was the flu. Apparently, 'not getting over the flu' can be a presenting symptom; as in my case..until it just got worse and worse.

    knowing we have M.S.; I am a little annoyed when it returns but, I realize it tends to come with humid weather, in my case. The humidity wrecks havoc on my entire body. fed

    Comment


      #3
      I need a WIN for a change.......

      I know this is an old post, but I can relate and someone else could too. This is graphic.

      I had a slight relapse last fall & left with frequent dizziness & nausea. But I got back to work and was doing okay until June.

      It was on Friday May 31st, my 2 yr anniversary at my job. I only had 1 peer to see and we went to Burger King. We sat in a booth and all I got was an ice coffee. I had been feeling like I was working up a bowel movement. I used the restroom before and after I bought the iced coffee.

      After work, I went home and headed straight to the bathroom. Finally, I had a bowel movement. Unfortunately, that was the beginning of a nightmare. I kept feeling constipated and having the urge to go. Then I started feeling dizzy and then came the vomiting.

      The dizziness got so bad, I couldn't walk. My family kept asking if I wanted them to call 9-1-1. Of course I said No at first, but then I blacked out (not passed out). I agreed it was time.

      EMS could not get a blood pressure on me, it was that low. When they put me on the gurney, my arms were hanging over the side, I couldn't move them, I was like a rag doll. I was admitted.

      The emergency room gave me fluids which began to help right away. After some food and some more bowel movements, I began to bleed. It looked like strawberry jam. That's when I got real scared. I can accept dehydration, but not this. The Dr was thinking I had some kind of food poisoning. The bleeding lasted through the night and stopped Saturday. They scheduled a colonoscopy and sent me home on Monday diagnosis: ISCHEMIC Colitis.

      Wednesday, I had the pain again (along with increased incontinence), got scared and went back to ER. More fluids. I had this crazy Dr that was trying to prescribe everything and anything like walkers, shower chairs, pain meds etc. That creeped me out so I left. He did call in some prednisone through my neurologist; he said it was another relapse caused by the last episode.

      Once again, getting back to 'normal'.......nope.
      About 2 months later..........diarrhea that would not quit. It started about 4 am and it was painful. I described it as having contractions. I was scheduled for my 1st half dose of Ocrevus that day, and I waited the last minute and gave in. My bathroom looked like a poop bomb went off. There was a spots from my bedroom to the bathroom. So embarrassing..........my sons cleaned it all up for me. I had to call EMS when I saw blood.

      Inpatient for a whole week. The bleeding lasted all week, finally on Friday it stopped, so I agreed to colonoscopy. Still no answers on how to avoid all this.

      Not done yet. Last Sunday Sept 22nd, the 'gas' pains started again. Back to ER. Now I have Diverticulitis. Fluids and pain meds helped again. Dr says I can't work for at least a week now.

      I was just getting back on schedule and finally completed both half doses of Ocrevus. I woke up this morning with severe back pain (long story) and I am still having abdominal pains. I'm supposed to get back to work tomorrow. Thank God I have flexible hours and I am needed at work. I work as a Certified Peer Specialist. I love it.

      I don't know if Colitis and Diverticulitis are just more happy surprises of MS, but I am near my breaking point. I try to tell myself -don't worry, it's just more 'job experience'.

      I hope someone can relate and know that "You Are Not Alone" with all this drama. MS is more like an umbrella term for 'all h*ll is about to let loose' on your life.
      Teri S.

      Comment


        #4
        Oh Teri! What a horrid ordeal you have gone through! I really don't know much about colitis and diverticulitis as I haven't experienced either one, but it sounds painful. My mom had diverticulitis and she was advised to lay off certain foods like fatty foods, nuts and seeds and spicy foods when it was flaring up (can't remember what else), but she was living in an assisted living facility and didn't have much of a choice what was served. We lived 1000 miles away so I couldn't help.

        You might want to do a search and find out what other foods to avoid, especially when you are "flaring" I don't know if this has anything to do with MS, but then MS can affect so many different things.

        Hope you are feeling better and can find ways to alleviate the problem! Take care
        1st sx '89 Dx '99 w/RRMS - SP since 2010
        Administrator Message Boards/Moderator

        Comment


          #5
          It does sound like a horrible experience. I've had some dizziness experience, during my first flare, that triggered nausea and vomiting. I had some success with physical therapy helping me get over that. If you want more info, let me know. But, your situation might be enough different that my experience might not apply.

          I've also had problems with diarrhea, related to my MS. I eventually figured out that my diarrhea symptoms were triggered when I consumed gluten (wheat, flour). They seemed especially bad if the gluten foods also had yeast in them. (For example, tortillas and cookies were better than bread.) So, yeah. It might be food related. Other food sensitivities that some experience include sugar, dairy and soy. You could try an elimination diet to see if any of these seem to affect your symptoms.
          ~ Faith
          MSWorld Volunteer -- Moderator since JUN2012
          (now a Mimibug)

          Symptoms began in JAN02
          - Dx with RRMS in OCT03, following 21 months of limbo, ruling out lots of other dx, and some "probable stroke" and "probable CNS" dx for awhile.
          - In 2008, I was back in limbo briefly, then re-dx w/ MS: JUL08
          .

          - Betaseron NOV03-AUG08; Copaxone20 SEPT08-APR15; Copaxone40 APR15-present
          - Began receiving SSDI / LTD NOV08. Not employed. I volunteer in my church and community.

          Comment


            #6
            Sort of an update

            I have avoided the hospital for a few months. Trying to drink a lot more water.

            Dr. did suggest that I take Benefiber everyday. It is different than Metamucil, less of a laxative and more of a 'lube' that helps going a bit easier.

            My first BM would be a dehydrated. Each BM would get softer until it turned to very liquid diarrhea. This happens almost on weekly basis. I would go about 5-6 times in one day/night. This is my normal 'poo' schedule. So it used to be.

            I am taking Dicyclomine 3-4 times a day. When I get diarrhea, I take Immodium. I was taking Beano with larger meals which seemed to be helping. Just passing gas is so painful, like bad period cramps. Dicyclomine helped with spasms, it felt like contractions.

            I have been doing a lot of research. I don't believe I have Colitis which is basically 'colon inflamation'. My GERD has been getting bad lately. I haven't had those symptoms in a very long time since being on omeprazole for years. GERD and IBS have been linked together. I'm not sure if one has to come before the other. And of course they are both linked to stress and depression. Which I have had over 20 yrs from chronic pain following a car accident.

            Being the holidays and losing many people this year, I thought that was the cause of my depression.

            I have been trying to find info on any links to abdominal hernia repair. I remember the surgeon told me that he made it 'really tight'. I had 5 abdominal hernias at that time. That was quite a few yrs ago.

            When I get bloated, my large intestine gets hard and is noticeable.

            MS is just a bowlful of ''who the heck knows'' and full of surprises. I think I had about 3 relapses in one year from all this stress. Physical health, trying to work and to stay financially above water. I know there have been many times that I did eat; sometimes I just forgot or just didn't care because we didn't have much food.

            My 'poo' days always seem to happen in the middle of the night. I had less than 3 hrs of sleep last nite and I'm still working.

            Sort of an update with some venting and whining. Sorry about that.
            Teri S.

            Comment


              #7
              Hi Teri,

              Sorry that you are having such a rough time of it. I really am not much of a help with this topic. Do you see a gastroenterologist regularly, in conjunction with your neurologist? You may do this already, but do you track your food and beverage intake, along with symptoms? It is possible some associations may turn up.

              Also sorry to hear that you have lost people dear to you this year. Have you always had depression or is this new to you? Please make sure your neurologist is aware of all the symptoms, including depression. if it is persistent, you may want to consider therapy. Do you have any family or friend support with it? Are you able to do any exercise or other activities that help you feel a little better?

              Take care. Hope things improve for you.
              Kathy
              DX 01/06, currently on Tysabri

              Comment


                #8
                Is it worth having a test run on what microbiome residents you have going? I would hope they would have tested the poo for any bacteria that should not be present. Have you looked at the FODMOP diet regimen?

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by pennstater View Post
                  Hi Teri,

                  Sorry that you are having such a rough time of it. I really am not much of a help with this topic. Do you see a gastroenterologist regularly, in conjunction with your neurologist? You may do this already, but do you track your food and beverage intake, along with symptoms? It is possible some associations may turn up.

                  Also sorry to hear that you have lost people dear to you this year. Have you always had depression or is this new to you? Please make sure your neurologist is aware of all the symptoms, including depression. if it is persistent, you may want to consider therapy. Do you have any family or friend support with it? Are you able to do any exercise or other activities that help you feel a little better?

                  Take care. Hope things improve for you.
                  Hi Pennstater,
                  Thank you. I appreciate your post.
                  No worries about the depression. I am feeling it more on a physical level.

                  I did have a colonoscopy while in the hospital back in August. When I asked how to avoid all these problems, they weren't very helpful.

                  In the early 90's I was treated for depression. My doctor thought it would be a good idea to see if antidepressants would help with my back and neck pain (rear-ended). The meds gave me crazy thoughts which lead to going inpatient at the mental health unit. Having chronic pain can cause anxiety and depression, but that started a whole new coaster ride.

                  I work in the mental health field which helps me understand myself better. I see a counselor every 2 wks.
                  I have been doing some research. I did not save the web page on a link between IBS and GERD. I have had GERD for a long time. After an accident some of those pain meds and muscle relaxers mess with your stomach. Plus the fact that my whole world was turned upside down. (stress)
                  I was reading that IBS and GERD can both cause depression (Not to mention just the fact of feeling like you are losing even more control of your body functions)

                  My Dr is still away for the holidays. I will be calling to make an appointment. I have been having heart burn and indigestion for a few days. Around the same as my last bout of gas and bloating and pain started. It isn't my diet; I have been watching what I eat.

                  I'm thinking I might need to try a gluten free diet. Not too happy about that.

                  MS just seems to throw some curve balls when you least expect them. Thank God I do have a good sense of humor. That keeps me going.

                  Take care.

                  Teri
                  Teri S.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by scraphappy View Post
                    I'm thinking I might need to try a gluten free diet. Not too happy about that.

                    MS just seems to throw some curve balls when you least expect them.
                    Curve balls; yup.

                    I'm glad you're considering GF. It's a big commitment and w big change if you hadn't been doing it, but I'm so glad I've made my GF / DF changes. My MS is stable now.

                    Food is medicine. I suspect that gluten free and dairy free could make a difference in your MS, your IBS, your GERD, and your depression.

                    I also encourage you to use stress management techniques, such as simple yoga, some meditation, essential oils or herbal teas (lavender, etc).

                    I've changed my life significantly in the past eighteen months; I don't regret it one bit. I've seen results.

                    (BTW, I love your photo. So cute!)
                    ~ Faith
                    MSWorld Volunteer -- Moderator since JUN2012
                    (now a Mimibug)

                    Symptoms began in JAN02
                    - Dx with RRMS in OCT03, following 21 months of limbo, ruling out lots of other dx, and some "probable stroke" and "probable CNS" dx for awhile.
                    - In 2008, I was back in limbo briefly, then re-dx w/ MS: JUL08
                    .

                    - Betaseron NOV03-AUG08; Copaxone20 SEPT08-APR15; Copaxone40 APR15-present
                    - Began receiving SSDI / LTD NOV08. Not employed. I volunteer in my church and community.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Hi Teri! Sorry you have to go through all this aggravation.

                      I hate when things don't work the way they're supposed to. Pooping and peeing shouldn't be so hard! Glad to see you have a good sense of humor! Laughings better than crying!
                      Best wishes! Ei

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Sort of an update??

                        More like a 'down-date'.
                        Things got better for awhile but now much worse. Digestive system has been stable.
                        MRI shows no progression in MS. Thank God for that.
                        Back pain is way out of control. The last time I had any procedures for pain management was Feb/2019. And then all those issues with the bowels and a few inpatient stays- a lot of missed days of work.
                        I didn't get back to pain management because I was trying to get caught up with work and life. Trying to make up for lost finances.

                        I really do like my job; which makes it harder for to say, 'hey, i can't work' ... push thru the pain and all that......... So much stress.
                        My neurologist scheduled an EMG and MRI for neck and shoulder pain and fingers going numb on left hand.
                        About the first week in Feb this year, I started to feel pressure in my back again. At the time, my neck was worse and it was high time it was treated. I would keep putting it off because the back pain was always worse. In 1990, I had whiplash from a car accident. Pain management was going to give me a nerve block.

                        On 2/15, my birthday, I indulged myself with an extra long hot shower. Within an hour, the pain traveled into my right flank. Sharp, stabbing...take your breath away and stop you in your tracks kind of pain. I went to the ER (the following day), worrying it had something to do with my kidney. That was all ruled out by ultra sound and blood work. Of course they said it was just muscle spasms. Whatever. I went home and back to work.

                        The month of Feb this year, I had MRI, EMG, appointments with Pain Mngmnt, trip to ER and to add to the stress; over 25 hrs of CEU trainings due by end of the month. I also had to keep working, some days driving 100 miles a day while carrying my laptop.......... while trying to keep a smile on my face so my 'clients' didn't worry about me.

                        On March 6th, I was to have a nerve block done on my neck. I told them how bad my back had gotten and that I couldn't keep working like this. Instead of canceling, they did treat my back.

                        I have not been able to stop crying since. I felt the whole procedure. Anesthesia, local and intravenous did not work at all. I still will not be able to work. Worse, I cannot have the nerve block done on my neck. I am feeling hopeless and pretty useless right now.

                        I feel like I am letting my job and my 'clients' down. I am trapped in this body of pain and imbalance; spending most days in bed crying and just wanting to sleep through everything. I am worrying about going down the steps because of the pain. Stress and pain make my balance worse.

                        Pain is my TRIGGER for depression. Always has been since 1990. I am not feeling hopeful about much of anything right now. I'm glad I applied for SSDI, which should be decided on soon.
                        At this point, I do not see myself being able to go back to work.

                        I do recall, over 30 yrs ago, Novocaine did not work on me for a root canal. Dentist did not believe me and I endured it more than half way through; he finally realized I wasn't lying. Last year, high doses of fentanyl did not work on my back.

                        What happens now? In the future if I ever need surgery? I am kind of freaking out.

                        I am thankful for having a safe place to vent my fears without judgement.
                        Teri S.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Update

                          I'm sorry for not thanking all of you for your advice and support.

                          I have been doing better in some areas and worse in others. Balance is still a struggle.

                          Thinking back to February, my MRI showed no new activity with MS. I began to do some research on Fibromyalgia. I learned a lot. All those other problems seemed to fit under Fibro and not MS.

                          A lot of my pain is my spine; arthritis, herniated, bulging discs, stenosis and unresolved whip lash. I've been referred to ortho surgeon. I will get tested for osteoporosis and hopefully find better arthritis meds. I guess I'll see how that goes.
                          Teri S.

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Originally posted by scraphappy View Post
                            I have been doing better in some areas and worse in others. Balance is still a struggle.
                            Glad for the better in some areas part not so much for the worse....Do you stretch at all? I was surprised how stretching and even more so, challenging yoga poses, helped my balance.
                            The future depends on what you do today.- Gandhi

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