Green diarrhea and 'normal' test results?

[lt10]

For about 3 weeks, have had abdominal pain, diarrhea that was orange and now green.  Food is not getting completely digested either.  Pain is mostly on upper right side just under ribcage and in back but do have tenderness in stomach area as well.  Some cramping and increased gas.  Some nausea, heartburn and decreased appetite.  Am lightheaded and very fatigued.  Had blood work last week including metabolic panel to make sure enzymes were ok. Tested for H. Pylori bacteria.   All normal.  Had ultrasound on abdomen and ct scan.  Both considered normal.  Found a polyp in gall bladder but dr. says that wouldn't cause these symptoms.  Haven't had any changes to diet or traveled any where different.  Does this sound familiar to anyone?  Any suggestions???

[lt10]

Thanks for the additional info.  I have considered IBS but do not have any constipation.  I have had consistent loose and watery stools, they just seem to skip a day. I attributed this to the fact that I have been eating significantly less recently.  Stools continue to be green to orange, have bits of stuff in them and are now ribbon like; flat.

I will definitely keep my gastro appointment at the end of this month and will see if I can get in earlier if it worsens.  Hopefully they'll find out what's up or at least rule out everything else and treat IBS.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The new symptoms that you have developed of alternating diarrhea are giving an edge to IBS type picture. (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by mild to severe abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating and alteration of bowel habits. In some cases, the symptoms are relieved by bowel movements.Diarrhea or constipation may predominate, or they may alternate (classified as IBS-D, IBS-C or IBS-A, respectively). IBS may begin after an infection (post-infectious, IBS-PI) or a stressful life event.

Majority of IBS patients have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Another 20% have depression, and the rest have other disorders. Irritable bowel syndrome can be a very difficult diagnosis to make. IBS is called a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that a doctor considers many other alternatives first, perhaps performing tests to rule out other problems.

Treatment includes addition of more fiber in your diet,cessation of smoking and taking stress,antispasmodic medicines,antidiarrheal medicines,antidepressants and new medicines like Alosetron (Lotronex) and Tegaserod (Zelnorm).

You can read more about this from the following website and discuss it with your doctor:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/irritable_bowel_syndrome/article_em.htm

I feel that you should take a consultation from a gastroenterologist and get IBS,gall bladder pathology and intestinal infections ruled out.Till that time,take plenty of fluids to maintain the hydration levels.ORS is very helpful to mainatain fluid –electrolyte and mineral balance in the body.Also take the BRAT diet (ie, bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) or soft easily digestible semisolid diet.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[lt10]

Thanks for the infomation.  The dr is now doing a stool culture looking for infection.  He is a family dr and has decided he has done all he can do. He referred me to a gastroenterologist.  I am glad he did but can't get in until Oct 30.  Stool has developed a pattern...seems like every other day I have loose to watery stool 2 to 3 times that day and then I don't go at all the next day. Has still been orange to green in color.  Have noticed lots of material in the stool, (undigested food?) and even little fibers like a thick small hair maybe 1/4 inch in length (what are these?) Soooo fatigued, feel feverish a lot especially from afternoon into evening. Have run 99 to 100 fever. Again I appreciate the information, I am praying for a resolution to this soon!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Two possibilities are there for your symptoms.Firstly it can be gall bladder disease and secondly,it can be giardia or salmonella infection of the intestines.

As food moves through the digestive tract, it turns from green to yellow-orange to brown. Bile and bacteria is what gives stool its final brown color. If stool is still orange when it is eliminated, it could mean that it is not being exposed to, or absorbing enough, bile salt. Bile is yellowish green, and when it reacts with enzymes in the bowel, it turns stool brown.Moreover, If stool is still green by the time it is excreted, it could mean that it went through the large intestine too fast to be changed in color. This is often called "rapid transit" or "decreased colonic transit time" and diarrhea that is green in color could be the result.Ref: http://ibdcrohns.about.com/cs/otherdiseases/a/greenstool.htm

So the possibility of gall bladder disease and infections of the intestines thus causing irritable bowel syndrome is there.

I feel that the polyps in your gall bladder should be thoroughly evaluated and antibiotics should be prescribed after getting stool examination done.Pls consult a gastroenterologist for that.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing and if you have any additional queries.