Multi colored Stool

Hi,
After a battle with H Pylori I have recently been diagnosed with IBS.  I had a endoscopy that came back clear with minor gastritis.  Biopsy was ok also.

My abdominal pain is mostly under control by taking triptoline (sp?) at night and Hyoscyamine if i get a bad attack ( which really has happnened only once)

I don't really get diarhea (diarrhea) or constipation for more than a day or two.  I notice that occasionaly my stool is multicolored.  It normally is a light brown color, but after not having a movement for a day or so it tends to be the regular light brown with areas that are a very dark brown.  The dark brwon areas are mixed in with light brown.  They are not loose stools.  They seem regularly formed.  Is this normal?  Is the dark area's soemthing I ate or perhaps casued by the lack of a movement for a day?

I don't have an appointment with my Gastro. until the end of June.  Should i bring this to his attention sooner?  IS there something specific i should ask him?
Thanks in advance for the help
Matt

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Stool color can vary from patient to patient.  It can also depend on what was previously eaten.  

A couple of colors are more concerning.  One would be black or tarry stools - which can be indicative of an upper GI bleed.  

The other would be light or clay colored stools.  This is indicative of biliary obstruction resulting from liver or gallbladder disease.  If this is the case, then an ultrasound as well as liver function tests can be considered for further evaluation.  If this is a concern, you can bring this up with your personal physician.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[kpetty]

A few days ago, I noticed my stools as having a green color to them.  Does anyone know what this is, or how I got it???  I have a cold, does it have anything to do with that???
Thanks for all info!

[kpetty]

A few days ago, I noticed my stools as having a green color to them.  Does anyone know what this is, or how I got it???  I have a cold, does it have anything to do with that???
Thanks for all info!

[ray634]

A related discussion, green stool was started.