Can tests on a stool or blood specimen reveal an allergy or some other problem?

[wanderer]

Severe abdominal pain radiating down one or both thighs, bouts of Diarrhoea and wind? What could be the cause. Could it be the newly discovered Osteo-Arthritis?

[KiTSnCABbie]

I'd say osteo-arthritis isn't the most likely diagnosis. It's more likely IBS, or some other gastro-intestinal disorder. You should see a physician. You'll most likely be given some basic tests like a stool evaluation (to check for blood in your feces, and for certain parasites), as well as blood tests (to evaluate for Celiac disease), and perhaps a Small Bowel Follow-Through to check for particular problems in the intestines. If those are all negative, you might receive a colonoscopy. If it is also negative, then most likely you will be treated with an antispasmodic medication for Irritable Bowel syndrome.

Good luck. It's not easy. Been there, done that... I'd check with an allergist as well. Sometimes you can present symptoms of a disorder such as Celiac, but it might be related to allergies which present intestinally instead....

Hope this helped!

[Dr Frank]

Examination of stool gives only limited information. It can show infection, either with bacteria, virus or parasites. It can show that blood loss is occurring. It can also suggest colitis or malabsorption, but is not diagnostic for either. It cannot point directly to allergy, and I don't really understand your osteoarthritis reference. Your other symptoms alone are not diagnostic, however if they are persistent they would require investigation.