New, need advice re nighttime diarrhea - Bowel Disorders Message Board

pa_prof · 06-02-2007, 04:04 PM

Good evening all,

I have searched the archives as best I know how, and can't find any threads on this, so here goes.

I am 41, female. At the moment am overweight (need to lose 30 pounds to be within weight range). About 7 or 8 years ago I first had an episode of diarrhea at night. The first few times, very infrequently, maybe not even once a year, I chalked up to eating something that disagreed with me.

About 4 years ago I was diagnosed with GERD, due to chronic heartburn every evening, and brash at night.

The nighttime diarrhea appears to be increasing in frequency. I wouldn't be concerned, except that I wake up with cramps. By the time I get to the bathroom I am feeling dizzy. For the 10-15 minutes I am "going" I feel like I am going to pass out (have to keep my head down), and I sweat profusely, all over, even the top of my head. When the diarrhea ends, the dizziness starts to fade and I make my way back to bed drenched in sweat. The only time I can remember this happening during the day was about 6 weeks ago when I had rotavirus for a week, or at least something akin to it.

My husband is concerned that I will actually pass out and fall and hit my head - and the fact that it doesn't appear to be normal. I had an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy 18 months ago - only minimal damage from the GERD, and no evidence of damage from celiac.

Any idea what could be causing these episodes? They happen with no warning, and are probably happening every couple of months now.

Thanks for any insight you may be able to offer. I didn't think to mention this to my GI doc went I went for the scopes. Oh yes, I take 20mg Nexium daily, but was not taking it yet when this weird problem started.

datgrlstef · 06-07-2007, 07:15 AM

I wish I could help you. I had this start happening to me after I had my son. At least once a week, I was in the bathroom. It always started the same way- wake up with cramps, and then end up in the bathroom for the next hour. I always felt dizzy, nauseous, like I was going to pass out. It is absolutely horrible. I've been tested for Celiac, and been to the allergist to see if there are any foods I'm allergic to. Nothing showed up on any of the tests. I'm having a scope done on the 15th to see if this might shed some light.. I stopped having the issue once the weather cooled down (last fall), but the warmer months don't help.

I hope you find out what's causing your problems. HUGS