I have always dealt with chronic constipation, my whole life, but since taking diamox I am regular, so it wouldn't surprise me if it gave someone that uses the bathroom regular diarrhea. I also have a lot of stomach aches, whether it's just pain from gas or acid. All of which started since being on Diamox!

I have been back on Diamox for almost a month. I have noticed a lot of stomach problems but didn't link the two. My neuro is supposed to call me back with pain med changes......still waiting.

Well TMI/MM3,

Strange that it would start all of a sudden but my stomach hated DIamox and I had constant diarrhea and lost about 30 lbs that I didnt need to lose. I went to see my PCP and he put me on meds to stop the diarrhea and I was able to gain the weight back. It was a constant struggle for me and I hated it!!

TMI/TJRasta

well, I had severe stomach problems after my second attempt on diamox and it got much worse after I was on it for awhile. I can see how it would do that. The thing right now is to make sure you stay dehydrated. I took a anti-diarhhea med that I got over the counter when I talked with my Dr. on the phone since being dehydrated is so bad for my kidney. I"m sorry you are going through this. I was wondering if you are throwing up? The nori-virus(sp?) has the same symptoms but it is with severe diarrhea and vomiting. Can you go to the Dr. to get checked out?

Thanks guys. I was initially embarrassed to mention it, but it has gotten so bad that I got a little freaked out. Colon cancer runs in my family so stuff like this that just comes out of the blue can set off red flags. I called my PCP yesterday and he said that if it wasn't better by today he wanted me to come in for testing. I took some Immodium yesterday and it helped....for awhile. But, I am sick again this morning. I take my Diamox at night before I go to bed so, it doesn't seem too far fetched that this could be the problem. I guess if it is the Diamox....then a shunt is on the way. (So sad.)

Stay tuned...

MM3

Quick update:

I called my Neuro-Opthalmologist. I have already been waiting a month and a half for a refill on pain medication. My medication is written out for a 10 day use, but I usually don't call in for a refill until at least 30 days has passed, because I don't use it that often. Yet everytime I call for a refill she has to see how I'm doing first. Last time I called for my refill it took her 3 days to return my call. Somehow I missed that call and she left a message saying she would call again. Two days later she called again, and once again I missed it. She hasn't called since. So I have no pain medication.

Furthermore, I called her today to let her know of my current condition. Her assistant told me that she is out of town until next Wednesday and no other doctor in the office treats PTC or headache patients, so I have to wait til she returns. She said if I am doing so poorly I should go to the ER. (I have a $100 copay each time I go in...Which is why I'm all for health care reform...but I digress.)

So, I called Dr. Katz' office. His nurse said that she had no doubt that my problem is being caused by the Diamox. She said that I shouldn't stop it though, because if I do then things will actually get worse for awhile.

My pressures are rising as tonight my head, neck and lower back are KILLING me. I have no pain meds to take. Dr. Katz was also out of the office for the afternoon. As they are in another state, his nurse suggested I go to the ER to at least get IV fluids. She feels that despite my attempts to stay hydrated, I'm likely in need of an IV. If that doesn't take care of the pressure she said I would need a LP done.

So, here's the deal. I've no pain medicine...but I refuse to pay another $100 dollars to go to the crazy place we call the ER. I'm scared to take the Diamox, because I don't want to wake up tomorrow sick...again.

So...I'm turning to you guys. What do you suggest I do???

MM3

oh MM3 I wish I was there to help you. I know you don't want to spend the money to go to the ER but I can't think of any other way to get the relief you need (at least you'd get a prescip. for some pain meds if what ever Dr. you get isn't a jerk) plus not get so dehydrated that you go into acute kidney failure which would require temp. dialysis....I see it all the time with pt's I work with and I have to be careful of it myself. I can't believe there isn't an on call dr. who can help you since your Dr. is out of town. My prayers are with you, Jazzy

mm3,

I have been getting all my pain med scripts through my PCP. Every time I see him I ask for more even if I still have plenty so I just end up with a stock pile of them for when it gets ugly (like now). My last visit I went just to get a refill script and to bring him up to date with my whole ordeal but he saw through it and said "ya you just want your drugs" to which I said "you're damn right I want my drugs" LOL.

Good Luck and like Jazzy said it might be time to bite the bullet and go to the dreaded ER......ugh.

Thanks Jazzy and TJ!

I called my PCP today and he wrote out a script for Diluadid and Phenergan til my Neuro gets back. I think I'm closer than ever now to getting a shunt. Then meds just aren't helping anymore. (Never thought I'd say that!)

MM3