fullness, skinny stools

Every 2-3 months or so (though it now seems to be occurring with greater frequency) I will wake up with a feeling of extreme fullness. It causes a very poor appetite (which results in slight weight loss) and long skinny stools. The sense of fullness is getting more intense with each episode.

This will last two weeks or so, then resolve *completely* with no symptoms.

I also have periodic throbbing/aching in my lower left side that is worsening, but does not always correlate with the symptoms above. (I also sometimes have milder aching on the right side now.)

My ob/gyn said my reproductive organs are healthy at my recent annual exam.

I am not constipated, as enemas do not relieve my symptoms.

Other than extreme fatigue (which may be related to poor eating habits when it occurs), I have no other symptoms.

What can cause this?

If I had to guess or describe it, it feels like something swells up that makes my stools skinny and my stomach feel full. I know that is probably nonsensical, but it is what it *feels* like.

I am 38, female, fit, healthy, 5"7", 130lbs.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

With the extreme fatigue, I would do some basic blood tests, including a blood count looking for iron deficiency.

Changes in stool shape or caliber warrants a colonoscopy, especially if this is in the setting of anemia.  This test can exclude cancer, masses, or other anatomical causes.

A feeling of fullness can be due to upper GI disorders.  If your doctor suspects this, an upper endoscopy can be done.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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 Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/KevinMD
Facebook.com/KevinMDblog

[LITTLEBUCK]

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