QuestionI've tried to research this on the internet, but it's only confusing me more. I've had on/off digestive problems for almost a year. I have midsection pain, radiating to my back. About six weeks ago, I developed intermittent light colored, chemical smelling stools after which my doctors sent me for tests. I've had a colonoscopy (normal), endoscopy of throat/stomach (normal), HIDA scan (normal), abdominal ultrasound (normal), and abdominal CAT scan (without IV contrast-allergic to dye) but with contrast that I drank (normal). Since all of the tests came back normal, I feel like a hypochondriac or that I must be crazy and I am hesitant to call my doctor back regarding the itching all over my body that started a couple of weeks ago (it comes and goes, but when the stools are light colored and smelly, the itching is worse). I have decreased appetite, but I am eating. I may have lost 3-4 pounds in the last month. I am not overweight, I am female, and I am 51 years old. Is there anything serious this may be that the tests I have had might not have detected? Or am I just neurotic? I don't see how I could imagine these problems with my stools, however.
Thank you,
AnswerIs there anything serious this may be that the tests I have had might not have detected? yes, dysbiosis of the bowel
Or am I just neurotic? Probably not.
http://www.gsdl.com/assessments/finddisease/cfs/digestive_function.html
CFS and Digestive Function
Fatigue is a common symptom associated with a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).1-3 Researchers have recently uncovered a particularly strong link between chronic fatigue and IBS. In one group of 1,797 chronic fatigue sufferers, a surprising 63% were found to satisfy the diagnostic criteria for IBS.4
Maldigestion, malabsorption, and abnormal gut flora and ecology have all been linked to many conditions associated with chronic fatigue. An imbalance and/or overgrowth of yeast in the colon, for example, often follows the use of antibiotics and can be one of various triggers resulting in fatigue symptoms.5 Treatment against Candida albicans, a potential intestinal pathogen, has also been shown effective in reducing symptoms of fatigue in sensitized patients.6
Fatigue can also be caused by inadequate digestion and malabsorption, which prevents proper nourishment from protein, carbohydrate and fiber foods and greatly diminishes the body's available supply of energy. In addition, a "leaky gut" can allow macromolecules of food and other particles to penetrate the mucosal lining of the intestine, placing added stress on the immune system, which has to work overtime to deal with these new "invaders." Over time, this can wear the body down and increase feelings of exhaustion.
The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) evaluates digestion and absorption, bacterial balance and metabolism, yeast and immune status. The analysis is a useful screen for patients with systemic problems related to gastrointestinal dysfunctions, and can lead to safe and effective individualized treatment of many chronic symptoms, including fatigue.
References:
1 Schaffner JA. En route to celiac sprue: the path to diagnosis. Lifeline 1991;9(2):1-3.
2 Cabrera CT, Gomollon GF, Simon MA, Uribarrena ER, Alvarez R. Hemorrhagic diathesis as initial clinical manifestation of celiac disease. Rev Clin Esp 1996; 196(1):28-31.
3 Read N. Importance of gut feelings. J Gastro Mot 1992;4(2):79-81.
4 Gomborone JE, Gorard DA, Dewsnap PA, Libby GW, Farthing MG. Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in chronic fatigue. J R Coll Physician Lond 1996;30(6):512-3.
5 Baker S. Detoxification and Healing. New Canaan (CT): Keats Publishing, 1997: 34-5.
6 Galland L. Normocalcemic tetany and candidiasis. Magnesium 1985;4:5-6:339-44.
