mucus in stools

I have had "heart burn" diagnosed as GERD for about 4 years.  Some tests revealed that I have a hiatal hernia.  In the past few months doctors have found my gall bladder lining to be inflamed with an injection fraction of 29%.  My prevacid is no longer effective and my acid reflux is getting worse.  This morning I woke up at 4 am with severe diarrhea which lasted for several hours.  I thought that it was a stomach virus - but then had a new symptom.  Tonight along with diarrhea cramps there was mucus.

Do you think that these things could all be related?  If I have my gall bladder taken out, could that help my heartburn?  Should I be worried with all these thing together?  Thank you for any advice you could give me.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Mucous in the stool can be due to infection, colitis, malabsorption or chronic pancreatitis, among other diseases.

I would send a sample off for culture and analysis, including tests for malabsorption.

Blood tests can be done to exclude celiac disease, and if the symptoms continue, a colonoscopy can be performed for a more definitive diagnosis.  

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.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd