OK...One more

See my previous questions the last few days.  I am a 30 yr old male.

Since my last question, here's what concerns me.  My diarrhea comes and goes for a few days at a time.  I am never constipated.  I have noticed what appears to be a small amount of mucus in the toilet after Im done.  ALso, my abdomen makes alot of noise alot of the time.  It is not localized and it almost goes away completely when I lay on my side.

I have had an upper GI (no upper bowel) and I am seeing a GI Dr. on Thurs. but I am freaking out a bit still.  Also I have noticed that there is some pain right about where my naval is IF I press on it firmly (it pulses, is that my aorta?)

So, is that pain concerning?  And the abdominal sounds make me nervous because I have read where that may signify a blockage of some sort.  Colon cancer is still my biggest scare.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

As mentioned before, the colonoscopy would be the best test to evaluate for colon cancer.  It can also help determine most of the major diseases leading to diarrhea - including inflammatory bowel disease and colitis.  

If negative, you may also want to consider various causes of malabsorption - which can also lead to mucous in the stool and diarrhea.  Testing the stool for fecal fat content can be considered, as well as blood tests for celiac disease.

If everything is negative, then irritable bowel disease can be considered - treatment options would include increasing fiber in the diet as well as antispasmodic agents.

You may want to discuss these options with your GI doc.

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.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
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