Slight oil film after stool

[Pum2Help]

I have been having gastro issues - and am waiting to see a Gastroenterologist.
I noticed a thin film of oil (I think) on the water after going to the bathroom. I have posted a pic (don't click if you don't feel up to it).

Does this look like oily stool / steatorrhea? If anyone has had steatorrhea, is this consistent?

http://i.imgur.com/NQiedAq.jpg

[tyabun]

I know this post is old but for God's sake people, this is NOT steatorrhea/oily stool. I am a medical student learning about gastric, biliary and intestinal diseases and disorders and my aunt herself is a gastroenterologist. She has worked with many people with endocrine pancreatic insufficiency and other malabsorption disorders and steatorrhea looks nothing like this. Steatorrhea looks like oil rings or oil droplets, if you had it you would know trust me. You would just see it without having to flash light into the water. Aside from that you would probably also have unbearable pain, nausea, yellow diarrhea and you would definitely be losing a lot of weight.
If you are wondering what this film looking thing is- feces are mostly made up of bacteria. So when it comes in contact with water it's only natural that the foreign substance gets released in some way.
If you have any concerns please make an appointment with your doctor but don't ask for help on the internet because a lot of people spread misinformation and scare others for nothing that way. Thank you.

[specialmom]

Forums are a place where people can get ideas to ask their doctor about.  When you join this site, that's what they basically state.  Appreciate your information though.

[wnielse2]

I hope you've worked on your bedside manner. What a condescending answer.

[pattysue12]

I thought this information was extremely helpful! I appreciate knowing the exact findings to look for so I don't panic over every single thing I see.

[Jmarine225]

Hi I have the same issue. Can’t really see it unless I use a light.  I have been diagnosed with Lyme disease also.  Did you ever get any answers?  

[easavage]

Hi there - I just googled this and came upon this thread. Shame some posts are so old and people don’t respond. I’m having the same issue too. Did you get to the bottom of it in the past few months?

[TheLightSeeker]

Fat malabsorption possibly caused by gallbladder, pancreas or liver dysfunction.

Look for possible deficiencies in th fat soluble vitamins A,D,E and K.

If stool is also smelling strong, then it is likely due to a G/I track infection.

[RCN83]

I have stool just like this.  I don't have an answer for you but if you have found anything out please update.