skinny stools, follow up question

[abcnicknameTX]

Dear Dr. Pho,

Thank you for answering my question "fullness, skinny stools" on November 6th.

I have an appt with my gastroenterologist and will be scheduling a colonoscopy for early next year.

I am following up because any research online is overwhelmed with catastrophic causes and/or concerns, but I just would like to have a fuller picture of other possibilities that get less attention online.

My skinny stools come and go (a few weeks, then go away), so it seems like the cause must be something that is 'going away' and coming back.

I have had a complete metabolic count (if that is what it is called) and was told everything was normal.

She has me on Prevacid, dicyclomine, benefiber and miralax.

I think the Prevacid is helping with the upper sensation of fullness, but do not have improvement with my bowel issues. (lower feeling of fullness and skinny stools.)

I also have mucus in my stool, but no blood or dark stools.

Thank you!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the colonoscopy.

Of course, with changes in the stool shape or caliber, most will focus on excluding cancer first.

Other, less serious, causes would include non-cancerous polyps, or irritable bowel syndrome, both of which can cause your symptoms.

But the colonoscopy is needed to rule out dangerous possibilities first.

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.

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