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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Chunky- Stool?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Chunky- Stool?
by scottr, May 30, 2007 12:00AM
Hi 46 yo M I have had IBS for over 20 years varying between normal stools to diarrea (diarrhea).
Last year I had constant diarrhea for over 3 months...which stopped by last summer.
The tests done last year were lower CT scan with pelvis...tons of blood work....all stools samples were normal.
The only abnormal test was one of my white counts, my neutrophil count it ranged between 10,000-13,000 for the past year. The physisian did a Blood culture- which came back normal with a normal sed. rate too.
the ONLY test I did not have was a colonoscopy, because I live alone, with no local family or friends & had/ have no way of getting to from the hospital for the procedure & the doctor refused to have me admitted-nor would the insurance company pay for it on an in patient basis.
Other than the "chunky" - "not solid" stools since last year, I feel pretty well now.- My weight is stable & I have no diarrehea.
Is there any medical explanation for non solid stools?
The only drug I take is Klonopin 3 mg per day for "general anxiety disorder". Other than that I am in very good health with normal height & weight. & eat a normal diet.
I can not get any opinion from a gastroenterologist, it seems they just want to do more & more tests without ever opening their mouth's.
I would greatly appreciate any input.
ScottR
Last year I had constant diarrhea for over 3 months...which stopped by last summer.
The tests done last year were lower CT scan with pelvis...tons of blood work....all stools samples were normal.
The only abnormal test was one of my white counts, my neutrophil count it ranged between 10,000-13,000 for the past year. The physisian did a Blood culture- which came back normal with a normal sed. rate too.
the ONLY test I did not have was a colonoscopy, because I live alone, with no local family or friends & had/ have no way of getting to from the hospital for the procedure & the doctor refused to have me admitted-nor would the insurance company pay for it on an in patient basis.
Other than the "chunky" - "not solid" stools since last year, I feel pretty well now.- My weight is stable & I have no diarrehea.
Is there any medical explanation for non solid stools?
The only drug I take is Klonopin 3 mg per day for "general anxiety disorder". Other than that I am in very good health with normal height & weight. & eat a normal diet.
I can not get any opinion from a gastroenterologist, it seems they just want to do more & more tests without ever opening their mouth's.
I would greatly appreciate any input.
ScottR
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 31, 2007 12:00AM
, May 31, 2007 12:00AM
You have had a comprehensive workup for your symptoms.
I agree that a colonoscopy would be the next step. A flexible sigmoidoscopy can be considered - this test does not require conscious sedation if transportation is an issue.
I would also test the stools for various malaborption syndromes, and blood tests for celiac disease.
These options can be discussed 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.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
I agree that a colonoscopy would be the next step. A flexible sigmoidoscopy can be considered - this test does not require conscious sedation if transportation is an issue.
I would also test the stools for various malaborption syndromes, and blood tests for celiac disease.
These options can be discussed 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.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
