Persistent Diarrhea: Should I Seek Medical Testing?

Question
I do not have any health insurance at this time, so am writing to determine whether your opinion is that I should try to scramble enough money for tests I'm
guessing they would want to do.



I am a 49 year old female. I have had severe diarhhea for the past 5 weeks. It's not black, or "tarry" looking, I've only lost 2 pounds, I sometimes have abdominal pain, especially in the mornings,am  sometimes nauseus, am somewhat bloated but not horribly, have some weakness and dizziness sometimes, am drinking lots of liquids to make sure I dont get dehydrated.

The strange thing is that the diarhhea doesnt usually start up until I eat something, even only eating a cup of jello seems to get it started. Within 1/2 hour of eating, I am literally running for the bathroom with watery diarhhea.



I havent been out of the country or anything, and I dont think it's food poisoning (as my stomach isnt cramping all the time and theres no vomiting). Theres also no fever.

I tried doing a little research online but not sure which information is reliable. I hate to try to scrape together the money for a lot of diagnostic testing (I could afford to see a Dr for an initial visit but thats about it) - unless you really feel that I should try to get to a Dr.

Any thoughts you could give me would be appreciated and I thank you for your time.


Melanie Sullivan - Tierney  

Answer
melanie;

this sounds like it could be diverticulosis/diverticulitis;
but its hard to say,there so many it could be.

the digestive system is a large area.
i suggest you see your doctor to be checked out,and take it from there;
i am sorry,i dont want to guess about what could be the problem.

dont wait,your doing more harm then good at this point.
your not getting any nutrition;

good luck;

catherine;