Diarrhea post surgery, what can I do?
Asked 2014-06-10
I went through multiple procedures i.e. tummy tuck, breast augmentation, Umbilical hernia 8 days ago. Post-surgery I had a cough and the surgeon asked me to see an internal medicine doctor...though an antiviral was prescribed I never took it. I am taking 2 Percocet per day. The last 4 days I have had severe diarrhea - I continue to keep myself hydrated by drinking fluids and eating light food. Is this common? What can I do to stop the diarrhea? Frequency is very high.
1 answer
Procedure(s)
Your frequent diarrhea requires physician evaluation soon., You could have developed an overgrowth of bacteria in the bowl called Clostridium Difficile ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clostridium_difficile ). It is diagnosed with a stool culture and treated with specific antiboditics. The longer it is present the more difficult it is to get resolved. Consider starting with your internal medicine or Family Practice physician.
Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS