I am a 46 yr. old female.  I have birthed 11 children.  This is the first time last month that I did not get a period.  I figured it was the beginning of menopause.  I did 3 pregnancy tests and I am not pregnant.  Last year (Aug. 2012) I experienced loose stools and blood in my stools with an  urgency to go to the bathroom for months.  This all began after my husband and I visited a seafood restaurant and he also had the same problems.  His symptoms went away and mine did not (I was pregnant at the time and had a miscarriage).    I went to a gastroenterologist and had a colonoscopy  and he diagnosed me with colitis/crohns disease.  I was put on Colazal (3 pills 3x a day)  I took for several months and the problem went away and I also went and got a second opinion at UNC Chapel Hill hospital.  She told me I had a bacterial infection and did not have crohns disease and I discontinued all my medication.  Three full months after discontinuing any medication,  .my husband lost his job in July and  in August my symptoms of diarrhea, loose; urgency to go to the bathroom have all returned.  However, this time I have stomach/abdominal pain.  My stomach hurts after I start eating.  I did start at the onset of all of these symptoms to go back on the Colazal but since taking it I now experience stomach pain and nausea.  I am also recently very hungry.  I have NOT lost my appetite and not lost any weight.  I have no family history of colitis or crohns disease.  My color is fine.  I have energy to do what I need to do but it has become part of my routine going to the bathroom 4-9 times a day especially after I have had a meal.  I stopped the colazal  because I read that stomach pains and nausea are part of the side effects.  I am hungry and have a big appetite.  I am tired but I have a lot of responsibility.  What do you think?  I am going to go to the dr.  after my insurance goes through.  I am waiting for insurance cards.
Thanks for query on Chat Doctor. Recurrent symptoms suggest some chronic disease involving intestine. It might be due to Crohn's disease. Go for CBC, fbs, ppbs, urine,stool and USG abdomen. You have to take proper antibiotic during episodes, Otherwise Take care for HY Chat Doctor.