Expert: Nigel Simmons - 9/28/2007

Question
Hi, im a 24 year old female with a lot of medication.

i have mental health problems, brittle asthma, i had a pulminary embolism in november o6 and now have cushings syndrome caused by prednisolone.

I take:

Warfarin, Queiapine,Uniphyllin,Escitalipram, Ventolin, Flixotide,Serevent, and i take dihydracodiene and temazapan and prednisolone when i need them.

i have a permanant upset stomach, for over a year. my stomach cramps and i have bloody diohrea a lot. I am worried what it is because it is now affecting where i go incase im not near a toilet.

thanks in advance

Answer
Niki

None of the medications are likely to cause the bleeding or diarrhoea you describe, indeed dihydrocodiene is more likely to cause constipation.

Any bleeding should be investigated, so it is important that you speak to your doctor and have the appropriate investigations by a gastro-specialist. It may not be a pleasant experience, but it will give a clear diagnosis.

In the meantime, you could review your diet and reduce the amount of fibre foods (fruit, vegetables, brans, nuts etc.) you are eating. This will give your system a bit of a rest and maybe allow things to settle.

Also, try to relax as much as possible. The symptoms are unpleasant and therefore stressful, but this anxiety is only likely to make things worse. Anything you can do to help reduce stress will help and will also benefit your asthma.

I hope this helps.