Expert: Suzan Jackson - 2/18/2011

Question
I'm 37 & for the last month, I've been having diahrea, have been real tired, & have been urinating ?

Answer
Dear Adam -

It sounds like you need to go see a doctor - you may have some sort of gastro-intestinal problem.

Since you posted this question in the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) category, I'm assuming you are wondering if you might have CFS.

CFS does cause fatigue, but it also causes many other symptoms which you didn't mention, including recurring sore throat or swollen glands, flu-like achiness, and an intolerance to exercise.  That last symptom is a critical one in CFS:  you may be able to exercise but within hours of any kind of exertion, you suddenly feel as if you have the flu and the resulting flare-up or crash can last for days or even weeks.

Here is a self-quiz for CFS:

http://www.cfids.org/about-cfids/do-i-have-cfids.asp

And more information about CFS (also known as CFIDS):

http://www.cfids.org/about-cfids/default.asp

You'll see in the diagnosis section on that page, a long list of other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms and that must be ruled out in order to diagnosis CFS.  Use that list with your doctor to help figure out what might be causing your fatigue and other symptoms.

So, my advice to you is to see a doctor right away and be sure to tell him or her about ALL symptoms, and have any tests the doctor thinks might help make a diagnosis.  Long-term diarrhea like you've described can be very serious and needs immediate medical attention.

Best of luck to you -

Sue Jackson