Is my medication causing this?

[FurballsMom]

I recently had to start using a PPI because it was discovered that I have gastritis flares in my stomach.  I've had problems with Prilosec and Nexium in the past, so my PCP prescribed Protonix.  I mentioned that I wanted to only use it temporarily, since I know long-term PPI use isn't a good idea, as it can cause problems such as malabsorption.  It has been some time since I've used a PPI, so I don't remember if this was an issue when I first started using the medication or not...The last few days I've been having green stool.  I need to know if it's possible that this is a temporary side effect of starting to use the PPI or if it might be a possible issue with my gall bladder or something.

I have been experiencing pain in the upper right quadrant off and on for two or three years.  About three years ago I did have an ultrasound done on the gall bladder and no issues were found with that test.  I'm still having this pain, and it's hurting right now, in fact.  I have noticed that my IBS medication often works to calm down this pain, so I've been assuming that since the ultrasound didn't find anything wrong through the ultrasound that this pain is related to the IBS.  Now I'm not so sure.  Should I ask my GI about doing the ultrasound over or doing other tests?  What other tests should I ask about?  My next appointment with the GI isn't 'til the middle of November.  That's why I asked my PCP about getting on a PPI right away, as it's been established that right now I'm dealing with gastritis, in addition to the usual GERD.  This must be why I've had so much extra trouble with my GERD lately and have had such a hard time with foods that don't normally irritate my GERD.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.

U may have an infection....so do go to ur Dr and get some testing....did the color change happen b4 or after the start of the med?

Make sure ur Dr is aware of this.

[cherekee]

I've started taking Protonix. I've been on it for about 3 weeks. I don't a gall bladder. I noticed my stool is lime green. Is there anything to worry about. Thank you.

[selmaS]

Well that is a relief...hope that is all it is.

Keep well and post an update if u have ne changes : )

"selma"

[FurballsMom]

The GI called me back.  At this point he seems to think it's because of the change in medication and told me to keep an eye on things and if the problem continues before I see him at my next appointment to call him back again.

[selmaS]

Good luck with the appointment.....

I wish I could have offered more help...sorry.


"selma"

[FurballsMom]

Thanks.  I know what isn't causing it, as in I know which foods and supplements I've been using lately, so I know that isn't the cause.  If I was sure that was the cause I wouldn't be so concerned.  I have an appointment coming up, but I think I will still call his office and see what they have to say before I go in.

[selmaS]

The liver constantly secretes a bright green fluid called bile into the small intestine or it is stored in the gallbladder.

Bile is needed to absorb fats and fat soluble vitamins. It also helps to soften stools and is responsible for giving stools their characteristic brown color.

As bile makes its way through the intestines, it progressively changes color from green to yellow to brown, due to the action of bacteria in the large intestine on the bile salts.

Green stool often indicates that food has passed through the intestines faster than normal (called decreased bowel transit time), before it could be changed from green to brown.

Diarrhea decreases bowel transit time, so any condition that causes diarrhea can result in green stool.

Other causes of green stool include:

Laxative use

Antibiotic use

Medication side effects

Food poisoning

Celiac disease

Ulcerative colitis

Crohn's disease

Malabsorption

Irritable bowel syndrome

Bacterial overgrowth

Infectious diarrhea - especially salmonella and giardia

Traveler's diarrhea

Cancer

Foods and supplements that can cause green stool include:

Chlorophyll

Iron supplements

Algae


I found this info and I really think u should call ur GI dr.

Godspeed
"selma"