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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
White/Tan Stool w/mucous/blood after normal bowel movement
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.
White/Tan Stool w/mucous/blood after normal bowel movement
by kiddocsgirl, Jun 04, 2004 12:00AM
OK, this is just gross to talk about--but here goes! After 8 months of severe diarrhea, colonoscopy and labs I was told I had C-Diff, probably from the different antibiotics I was given when I had Pneumonia. I was given Flagyl and as long as I continued to take it I'd be ok. But it would always return,off and on for almost 4 years, usually within days of completing my prescription. I finished my last course of Flagyl about 4 months ago and so far so good!
But now, about a month ago, something new started! I'll have a normal bowel movement and then a couple of hours later I pass stool that is a light tan color, blood tinged or with very small clots of blood and appears "fatty" or "mucousy". I don't have any pain or nausea, and it is almost always after a "normal" bowel movement. I'm a 50 yr. old female. I take Vicoprofen (6-8 per day) for chronic back pain due to ruptured and herniated disks. In 1980 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The MS symptoms are very mild--fatigue and decreased sensations being the most problematic -- especially in the Texas heat!
I guess I'd like to know if this "bowel thing" is just post C-Diff or something brand new, like IBD,IBS, malabsorption, etc. Wouldn't I have pain and other symptoms if it was something like Diverticulitis or Pancreatitis?
Any assistance you can offer is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
But now, about a month ago, something new started! I'll have a normal bowel movement and then a couple of hours later I pass stool that is a light tan color, blood tinged or with very small clots of blood and appears "fatty" or "mucousy". I don't have any pain or nausea, and it is almost always after a "normal" bowel movement. I'm a 50 yr. old female. I take Vicoprofen (6-8 per day) for chronic back pain due to ruptured and herniated disks. In 1980 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The MS symptoms are very mild--fatigue and decreased sensations being the most problematic -- especially in the Texas heat!
I guess I'd like to know if this "bowel thing" is just post C-Diff or something brand new, like IBD,IBS, malabsorption, etc. Wouldn't I have pain and other symptoms if it was something like Diverticulitis or Pancreatitis?
Any assistance you can offer is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 06, 2004 12:00AM
, Jun 06, 2004 12:00AM
Tan stools may be indicative of biliary obstruction. This may be due to gallstones, a liver/gallbladder mass or other liver/gallbladder disease. An abdominal ultrasound would be the next diagnostic step to evaluate this. I would also suggest liver function tests to evaluate the bilirubin level (which would be elevated if an obstruction is present).
If the tests continue to be negative, and there is still tan stools - you can consider an MRCP to evaluate the biliary tree.
The mucous in the stool can be caused by malabsorption - which can be tested with fecal fat tests or blood tests for celiac disease.
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:
kevinmd_b
If the tests continue to be negative, and there is still tan stools - you can consider an MRCP to evaluate the biliary tree.
The mucous in the stool can be caused by malabsorption - which can be tested with fecal fat tests or blood tests for celiac disease.
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:
kevinmd_b
Member Comments
by Susan55, Jun 08, 2004 12:00AM
I am a 49 y/o wf with chronic ulcerative procitis of a 19 yr duration. I also have a hx of migraine headache of 30+ years. I have been treated with Rowasa enemas and suppositories, Azulfadine, Procticort, etc. I have taken low level narotics for years for the migaines and joint pain. I had multiple, lengthy episodes of ulceration (up to 11 mm, bloody, mucous stool)lasting 4-5 months which coincided with taking Vicoprofen when it first appeared in the marketplace. Ibuprofen makes you bleed! Your gastroentrologist should know that. Coincidentally I switched pain medication to Lorcet...I read somewhere that hydrocodone was being prescribed for "GI mucous control". I take it 2x per day and have been free from any problems for 2+ years. I do not recommend this course without careful consideration of the addictive nature of this drug. I have never exceeded the dosage and remain symptom free for an extended period of time which I consider the benefit vs risk. Rowasa Enemas are expensive and lifestyle limiting. I do believe that most GI drs will not be willing to experiment with this course of treatment.
