Just an idea, for what it’s worth. I always read your column and enjoy it.

DEAR READER: Your idea definitely has merit. Medication sensitivity can cause a host of difficulties, including stomach upset, itching, nausea, allergic reaction and more. Pain medication, especially narcotics, is especially known for causing gastric issues in some users and addiction (typically in chronic users).

I have printed your letter as a reminder to patients that it is important to write down all medications, the reason for taking them, dosages, frequency of use, date started/discontinued and any symptoms that may present. Even a medication that had been previously used or has been taken for years can suddenly cause problems. By keeping an accurate log of this information, you and your doctor can more easily determine whether one or more of your pills is causing the issue.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Consumer Tips on Medicine”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order payable to Newsletter and forwarded to PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-9167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from my website, www.AskDrGottMD.com.

DEAR READER: General anesthesia takes a person from a conscious to an unconscious state so an invasive surgical procedure can be performed. Anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists and other trained professionals determine the amount of anesthesia to be administered, depending on the procedure to be performed. Some people remain anesthetized for a short time during a relatively simple process and are released the same day. Others, such as yours, take substantially longer and require hospitalization for several days following. While you didn’t mention what surgery was performed, four hours is extensive and could certainly be responsible for the unwanted results.

Some people are fortunate enough not to have any side effects at all. Others can be rather debilitated by them. Side effects commonly appear within a few hours and disappear while a person is still in the recovery room. They can include dehydration, nausea, headache, joint or muscle pain, or a person may feel as if he or she had too much to drink the night before. Unusual but entirely possible side effects can include nightmares, uncontrollable shaking and chills.

Be sure to check with your surgeon if you experience jaundice, weight loss, blood in your stool or have symptoms lasting two weeks or longer. He or she will want to be assured your postoperative recovery is progressing well. Otherwise, the symptoms should resolve on their own.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Digestive Gas.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Newsletter and mailed to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

DEAR READER: Gas pains can occur for a number of reasons. Perhaps you have acid reflux, indigestion, hiatal hernia, gallbladder disease, peptic ulcer, are lactose intolerant or have an undiagnosed abnormality of the digestive tract. You also don’t appear to be digesting your food properly, as evidenced by the diarrhea. Naproxen and other OTC NSAIDs can also lead to nausea, gas and diarrhea.

If you are unemployed and without insurance, apply for state aid. This will remove an enormous burden from your shoulders. Then make an appointment with a physician for an examination and possible lab work and X-rays so you can determine the exact cause of your pain. If necessary, request a referral to a gastroenterologist. I know this sounds extremely daunting, but you shouldn’t have to continue with the symptoms you are having and the distressing diarrhea that follows. Once appropriate testing is accomplished and a diagnosis can be made, proper treatment can begin. Until then, it’s anyone’s guess.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Constipation & Diarrhea.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

Can you give me any insight into this phenomenon?

DEAR READER: Your experience appears to be common among individuals who have had gallbladder removal surgery. In fact is it so common it has been titled postcholecystectomy syndrome. It occurs in 5-40% of all patients following gallbladder removal.

Symptoms may include persistent upper right abdomen pain, gas, bloating, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Diarrhea from this disorder can be eased by taking the medication cholestyramine.

Pain that persists should be followed up with your gastroenterologist to ensure that another condition, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, pancreatitis, peptic ulcers, or sludge in the bile duct are not to blame.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Gallbladder Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed 4 ¼” X 9 ½” letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.