The vitamin C I was prescribed after an operation gives me diarrhea. Should I stop taking it?

80-year-old woman6 years ago
I was prescribed 500mg of vitamin c to take daily following my carpal tunnel surgery. Should I stop taking them because I think they give me diarrhea. I never have a bowel disorder usually and I eat well.
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80-year-old woman · 6 years ago
I am 74 years old and in good health. The orthopedist told me that vitamin c will help the healing process. I was operated on 10 days ago and the diarrhea started 4 days later but about 2 to 3 times a day. I have no pain.
Gabrielle Rizzi · 6 years ago
Hello,
It is true that vitamin C can, in some cases, cause diarrhea. This vitamin is sometimes prescribed following orthopedic surgery to prevent complex regional pain syndrome. Patients with this condition experience chronic pain in some part of their body, most often in an arm or leg. This condition usually occurs after a minor sprain or after undergoing simple surgery. However, the results of clinical studies on the effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing this syndrome are contradictory.
Given the presence of diarrhea and the uncertain efficacy of vitamin C, as mentioned above, you may want to consider stopping vitamin C until your next medical appointment. If the diarrhea persists despite stopping the vitamin C, then another cause should be sought to explain your symptoms. At this point, it would be best to consult your doctor or call your pharmacist so that he or she can ask you more questions about the possible causes of the symptom (e.g., other medications, food poisoning, bacterial or viral infection, etc.).
Furthermore, in the presence of diarrhea, the body eliminates a large quantity of water, salts and minerals. Therefore, proper hydration is essential to prevent dehydration. Commercial electrolyte solutions are available in pharmacies (Pedialyte or Gastrolyte, for example).
Don't hesitate to write me again if you need anything!
Have a good recovery!

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