Question:
Embarrasing post re: Prevacid and diarrhea...Sorry!

My surgery was 08/19/03, and so far I've had a few problems. Last weekend I was hospitalized because of nausea and dehydration. I was admitted to the hospital and then was scoped; had my stoma dilated and they also happened to retrieve a loose staple. I was given 5 bags of fluid to rehydrate me. While there, they advised me to start taking Reglan and Prevacid. Well, the Reglan pretty much wiped me out, so much so that I couldn't even work all week. So I'm done with that. I'm still taking the Prevacid to prevent acid and nausea and also hopefully keep ulcers from forming, since I also have to take Vioxx for arthritis. <p>Anyway, since I've been taking the Prevacid, I've had terrible, uncontrollable diarrhea. It's so embarrasing because this evening, while in here at the computer, I was not able to make it to the bathroom in time. Then I have to explain what happened when my husband asks! I've tried taking Immodium in both the pill form and the liquid, and they help very little. I'm also worried about the long-term affects of taking Immodium. </p> <p>I'm so scared because I'm supposed to start back to work tomorrow, and the bathroom is so far away, I'll NEVER MAKE IT! I intend to call the surgeon tomorrow, but this is just so humiliating. If anyone else has any other suggestions, I'd be eternally grateful! Thanks, Moysa    — Moysa B. (posted on October 20, 2003)

October 20, 2003
While waiting to talk to your surgeon, the only advice I have is to wear adult diapers to help protect you in case you can't make it to the bathroom again. I was sick once and had a similar experience. It was horrible and now if my tummy even hints at a problem, I go sit in the bathroom, some time for a hour!!!
   — Renee B.

October 20, 2003
Renee, thanks for your response. I actually went and got a towel to put under me in my chair and in my bed as well; unfortunately it's uncontrollable when I sneeze or cough also. The surgeon told me to discontinue the Prevacid and try either Pepcid AC or Prilosec. I hope one of those helps. I didn't even go to work today because I couldn't stay out of the bathroom long enough. I'll be fine until I eat or drink something, and then it goes right through me. Anyway, no Prevacid for me!!!
   — Moysa B.

October 20, 2003
Moysa, I was in the hospital a few weeks ago with adhesions wrapped around my intestines... they gave me Reglan to help CLEAN out my bowels....of course it was the shot in the IV form, not the pills, but I will say I spent 3 days in the bathroom.... not a pretty site! My doc said that Reglan has a laxative effect and that after you stop taking it - things should return to normal after a week or so... this could possibly be your problem.... Your having a reaction to the meds... maybe you should stop taking them for a few days and see if it clears up on it's own. But remember to drink lots of fluids during this time too - because you need more of them, since your body is ridding itself of the waste..... NOW, I will say if it stays with you longer than a week - go to the doc, becasue you could have a bacteria infection or something like that causing the diareeha... OKAY -- good luck! Tammy
   — Tammy T.