Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
|
|
 |  |
 |
 |
Abnormal bowel function/ intestinal swelling
Nov 14, 2000
For the last year , I have had abnormal bowel function w/ elimination problems. My stools are narrow in diameter & very broken. My regular MD prescribed Flagyl & then referred me to a Digestive Disease Specialist. Should I start taking Flagyl or any other medication? My CD4-350 & VL-4500 & taking no meds since 1985. Also, what questions do I ask the Digestive Specialist to determine the cause of my intestinal infection & if caused by bacteria,parasite or virus? Thank you for your opinion.
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Feinberg
You may have a chronic intestinal infection, or you may have something else entirely, such as spastic colitis (also known as irritable bowel syndrome). There are a number of tests that can be done on stool samples to look for a source of infection -- the GI specialist should know what to look for. With your T cell count, the problem is unlikely to be HIV-related. Your symptoms or the questions you might want to ask won't help you narrow the cause, even if it is due to infection. The only way to find out for sure is to be examined and have the stool tests done for a start. The GI doctor will know what to ask you, so don't worry about that part. I wouldn't take any more Flagyl until you know what you are treating -- otherwise, you're just shooting in the dark.
|
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
