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What Could Causes Symptoms Of Constipation, Gas, Bloating, Left-sided Abdominal Pain And Foul Smelling Stool?

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Posted on Thu, 26 Oct 2023
Question: Hx of 4 colon polyps 2 years ago. Symptoms at that time were severe constipation, mucousy stool.
After polyp removal, my symptoms subsided and I was able to pass stool w/no additional issues. For the past year, same symptoms, but gas and bloating, foul smelling stool (like animal death). Constipation, pain on my left side (pain isn't severe). I have had weight loss, but I am dieting so it's hard to gauge.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Repeat a colonoscopy.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Have gone through your details and i appreciate your concerns.

Malabsorption is also a common cause of foul-smelling stool. Malabsorption occurs when your body is unable to absorb the proper amount of nutrients from the food you eat. This generally occurs when there's an infection or disease that prevents your intestines from absorbing nutrients from your food smelling stools can also be caused by a change in your regular diet. Constioation causes bad bacterial colonoies to develop in intestines which acts in the food and liberates large amount of toxic gases. like hydrogen sulphide etc this give rotten smell to stools.As tou have a history of polyps in colon you should go for a repeat colonoscopy again.

Suggestions-
Take fybrogel 2 table spoon full while sleeping at night.Its a bulk forming agent and would help in formation of bulky stool.
Take one tablet of omeprazole 20 mg with activated charcoal to absorb gas(its over. tbe counter)
Take a probiotic like VSL#3 twice daily to improve the gut flora.
Ensure that raw foods are cooked properly before you eat them. This includes beef, pork and eggs. Also, a good practice would be to steam meat before actually cooking it.

stay hydrated by drinking up to eight glasses of water a day, as it will help the absorption process and prevent constipation

Consume probiotic foods. This may include specific types of yogurt or supplements that help combat invasive bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Eat fruits and vegetables. The added fiber will help cleanse the colon.
Tests suggested-
Stool test to rule out infection.
Colonoscopy.
follow up with reports.

Thanks!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (32 minutes later)
I have an appt w/ a Gastroenterologist tomorrow. When I went to him a year ago he didn't seem to think I would need another colonoscopy. If he refuses to do another colonoscopy, should I consult with a different physician? I don't want to question his abilities as a physician,but really am worried about this. I didn't mention that I have bloody stools which I know can be cause by hemorrhoids. There are times when clumpy/fatty mucous consistency is all that comes out with blood in it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Best way is take take a printout of my answer and discuss it with your gastroenterologist and lets see the reason why he would refuse colonoscopy.
See altered nature of bowel habits in a patient with history of polyp should not be neglected(As per standard protocol).
Lets wait for a day more.I would like to hear the explaination given to you by your primary gastro for deferring colonoscopy.
waiting to listen from you soon.
Thanks.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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What Could Causes Symptoms Of Constipation, Gas, Bloating, Left-sided Abdominal Pain And Foul Smelling Stool?

Brief Answer: Repeat a colonoscopy. Detailed Answer: Hello, Have gone through your details and i appreciate your concerns. Malabsorption is also a common cause of foul-smelling stool. Malabsorption occurs when your body is unable to absorb the proper amount of nutrients from the food you eat. This generally occurs when there's an infection or disease that prevents your intestines from absorbing nutrients from your food smelling stools can also be caused by a change in your regular diet. Constioation causes bad bacterial colonoies to develop in intestines which acts in the food and liberates large amount of toxic gases. like hydrogen sulphide etc this give rotten smell to stools.As tou have a history of polyps in colon you should go for a repeat colonoscopy again. Suggestions- Take fybrogel 2 table spoon full while sleeping at night.Its a bulk forming agent and would help in formation of bulky stool. Take one tablet of omeprazole 20 mg with activated charcoal to absorb gas(its over. tbe counter) Take a probiotic like VSL#3 twice daily to improve the gut flora. Ensure that raw foods are cooked properly before you eat them. This includes beef, pork and eggs. Also, a good practice would be to steam meat before actually cooking it. stay hydrated by drinking up to eight glasses of water a day, as it will help the absorption process and prevent constipation Consume probiotic foods. This may include specific types of yogurt or supplements that help combat invasive bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Eat fruits and vegetables. The added fiber will help cleanse the colon. Tests suggested- Stool test to rule out infection. Colonoscopy. follow up with reports. Thanks!