Gee... Just when you think there is nothing else that can be affected, along comes something new. I am so sorry to hear this, Tony.

Do you notice that this problem is aggravated by certain foods? How about eating fats? Does this bother you or cause any pain? Have you ever had any gallbladder problems?

If your doctor feels there is an autoimmune component causing some of these problems, I would suspect he would consider putting you on medication used in autoimmune disorders.


Cathie

Hi Tony
 

I understand about feeling low. My autonomic system was out of control for a long time.Boy was I sick.My BP was erractic and I was very unwell. I have spoken to a number of people with various autonomic problems like mine and yours,who have said that it often spontaneously resolves itself. I beleive this to be true. Just as our sensory symptoms change week to week and so forth,there is a good likelyhood that this is temporary... and it really am hoping it is.

My BP issues just resolved one day, just as quickly as they came on. And others who have had issues with bowels have told me that it resolves as well.

Don't give up hope,and please cheer up a bit,as this may go away on it's own very soon.

Tony, I have a suggestion...
 

Do these loose events occur as your opiate is wearing off?

Some people on long term opiate therapy develop physiological tolerance, and when the drug wears off, there can be a "mini" withdrawal, which would have diarrhea presenting.

I have seen loperamide (Imodium) which is OTC in USA given for this.

It is something to think about.

So in addition to evaluating your back (which might be the cause of your escalating pain), think about the timing of your meds, and when you get the diarrhea events.

These are the only other things I can think of to investigate for you.:o

i fixed it for you tony. titles have to be edited by mods after a certain length of time. just send me a pm if you need anything changed in the future. :)

Thank you all very much for your replies. They are both very helpful and thought provoking.

Glenn – I am going through the websites you listed with considerable interest. I may have a question or two to ask you later.

Kmeb – I realise they won’t see any connection to my PN but as you say I need to make sure there is nothing else to worry about. I should get the result as soon as I come round then I will have to think about future plans. Boy! Will I be nervous.

Mrs D – Thank you so much for all your suggestions. In the case of my back, I have to say that I have no back pains, especially lower back. I used to have trouble in that region when I was young but nothing to talk about for many years. How right you are about being thankful for normality!! We sure do take things for granted when we are young and until things start to go wrong.

Dahlek – I have thought a lot about the medicines and supplements that I take. I did overdo the magnesium citrate powder once! I am now aware of that. My diet is very limited now due to my sedentary life style. I try to eat fruit and rice as much as possible and have made a note of your BART diet. I had not heard of this until now. As for liquids I don’t find drinking an easy occupation. However I will have to try harder I know. Thank you for your kind wishes.

Cathie – Yes I do think that fats aggravate things a bit, so I have cut back on those quite a lot recently. I do have gallstones but was assured at my ultrasound last year that they were very “grainy” and nothing to worry about. As for autoimmune medicines, I guess if they are necessary I will have to go back to my neuro for his advice. He does know about the current problem and has said he will consider a short course of prednisilone if things continue to get worse. I am not sure about going down that path.

Aussie99 – It is interesting to read about the spontaneous resolving of autonomic problems, I would hope that happens quickly! As for my BP, that’s ok – I check it regularly because of my blocked arteries. I haven’t given up hope yet but it sure is hard to be optimistic with so many things going wrong.

Mrsd – I have just read your latest post regarding a possible opiate connection with my bowel problems. I have given this thought and can’t think of any particular occasion when there might have been a connection between the end period of my oxycontin and a bowel action. I do use loperamide vary rarely and only when absolutely necessary otherwise it turns things the other way again. As I said before it seems that the peristalsis in my bowel has completely packed up. When I told the consultant this he nodded and said this was to be expected if my problem was caused by my PN developing an autoimmune connection. He added that he would discuss that with me when and if he found no other problem on the 4th Oct.

Thank you all again for your posts which I am reading over and over. I will post the result of my exam that takes place on the 4th Oct and will try to stay sane until then.:rolleyes:

Tony

PS Curious – thank you for your help. I will PM in future if need be.

If loperamide is too strong...
 

you can take 1/2 of one you know. (or use the liquid and take only 1mg)
Often that helps with diarrhea without rebound constipation.
We often do that here..use 1/2 the typical dose. In USA the OTC version is
a tablet easily broken. The RX version however here is a capsule and not
adjustable that way.