Resolved question:
Had gallbladder surgery in June; was having back pain on right side before hand and after, which ended up being an ulcer. Took Dexilant for four months until October, and a second upper GI showed ulcer had heeled. Just after that upper G began experiencing pain near gallbladder site and very loose stools and passing smelly gas. I had CT w/contrast, CT without contrast, sonogram done on my stomach and MR Enterography on my liver, small intestines, pancreas and bile ducts in early July and all came back negative and so did my blood work. I do have Crohn's so my GI doctor says I may be in a flare but without the blood work to show for it. I'm on prednisone and have been for a few days but still having same loose stool and smelly gas, along with pain near where my gallbladder was. GI dr. said we wouldn't need to repeat the scans and testing since we just had it done in July. Any idea if this sounds like a Crohn's attack?
Dr. said I might be in the midst of a flare since I'm bridging between Humira (stopped it 8 weeks ago) and Entivyo. The latter takes about 10 weeks to take affect and I've only had 3 treatments of it and it has only been six weeks.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Gastroenterologist, Medical
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
I went through your post about loose stools.
I also understand you had gallbladder surgery and a history of Crohn's disease.
With the information you have provided, I would say the following are the possible causes for the loose stool you have.
1. Bile induced diarrhea due to gallbladder. Since the reservoir for bile, the gallbaldder has been removed , excess bile flows the distal gut causing loose stool. It is usually self limiting. If it is very troublesome, then you can trt taking cholestyramine.
2. Flare up of Crohn's disease - You can get lab tests done ( CRP and ESR) to see if it is a flareup. You can continue with the same medications
3. Gut infection - Stool analysis may be done. C .difficile infection is common in those with IBD.
4. Sometimes IBS may be associated with IBD.
You can discuss with your doctor about these possibilities.
I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.