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What Do Persistent Soft Stool And Normal Abdominal CT Report Suggest?
Question: Hello DR, I have been having soft/mushy unpoorly formed stool since April of 2014. I have had blood work done all fine, Colonoscopy good, CT Abdomen and pelvic with contrast, and a stomach scope. All that was found was Narrowing of the segment of the mid to proximal sigmoid colon (which could be related to non distention, Mild colonic diverticulosis, and a small fat containing umbilical hernia. Liver, spleen, pancreas, Adrenal glands and kidneys show no gross adnormalities.Clips are seen in the gallbladder fossa. Abdominal aorta appears normal in caliber, no gross retroperitoneal or mesenteric adenopathy is seen. Bowel loops are nondilated, theres a few diverticula in the sigmoid and distal descending colon. There is narrowing of the segment of the mid to proximal sigmoid colon on image 78 of 97. Images of the pelvis shows bladder pattern to be unremarkable.The prostate gland measures approx. 46 mm in transverse diameter.NO pelvic or inguinal lymphadenopathy is seen. Minimal hypertrophic degenerative changes seen in lumbar spine. I have been taking an antibiotic and Metamucil since earlier in the year. I have had some semi firm stools but mostly soft and poorly formed. What are your thoughs?
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Intestinal parasites/candida/malabsorption/celiac disease to rule out
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I have gone through your medical history carefully and first of all, I am glad to know that overall the testing’s you have done so far resulted normal.
1. Now, you are reporting to have soft/mushy poorly formed stool since April 2014.
During the endoscopic examinations, it was noted a narrowing of the segment of the mid to proximal sigmoid colon. These findings do not justify your clinical presentation.
2. Other reasons should be determined including:
- Intestinal parasitic infections: through examination of stool for ova/parasites
- Candida infection: through culture of feces
- Malabsorption: through related testing in feces
- Celiac disease: through duodenal biopsy and serological testing
3. If you already have done such tests so far, and they have resulted normal, then, we can definitely say that your symptoms are due to IBS.
However, once again, we must rule out the other organic causes first.
Hope it was of help!
Dr.Klerida
Intestinal parasites/candida/malabsorption/celiac disease to rule out
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I have gone through your medical history carefully and first of all, I am glad to know that overall the testing’s you have done so far resulted normal.
1. Now, you are reporting to have soft/mushy poorly formed stool since April 2014.
During the endoscopic examinations, it was noted a narrowing of the segment of the mid to proximal sigmoid colon. These findings do not justify your clinical presentation.
2. Other reasons should be determined including:
- Intestinal parasitic infections: through examination of stool for ova/parasites
- Candida infection: through culture of feces
- Malabsorption: through related testing in feces
- Celiac disease: through duodenal biopsy and serological testing
3. If you already have done such tests so far, and they have resulted normal, then, we can definitely say that your symptoms are due to IBS.
However, once again, we must rule out the other organic causes first.
Hope it was of help!
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello Dr. Klerida
Thanks for responding back! I have read your response and looked up what you wanted me to rule out. I have a blood test done for Celiac and that was fine. Now what about Colitis? Or do they find out in the tests that I had done? Well As I was looking through the causes for Candida top one was Diet We do eat out quite a bit fast food etc. So our Diets are not great! Its just my wife, my son who is 8 and myself. # 2 Excessive Stress We did loose my father in law on I believe Feb 24 2014 and this started like about a month after that happened. The thing is that my wife and son have been having the same stool problems. But lately my son his stool has been fine for a while. Also My wife is a Speech Pathologist and its a stressful job with all the reports etc that she does! #3 I see another one is Immune deficiency like std's and cancer. It cant be and std's I am a XXXXXXX Red Cross donor have been since I was 18 and nothing has been found. I have been with my wife since 99 and married since 2002.In 2006 we had our son and we decided to take out life insurance. The Insurance company sent a nurse out to test for stds, took BP, urine sample etc.
I didn't mention that in the Esophgogastroduodenoscopy (stomach Scope) they did find something. Here is what is says: sedated me with 100mcg of fentanyl and 4 mg of versed IV, the video gastroscope was introducced via posterior oropharynx into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The esophageal mucosa displayed a long protrusion of pink mucosa via Z line. Biopsies were taken to rule out Barretts Esophagus. gastric and duodenal mucosa looked normal. It is Barretts Esophagus but not cancerous. I also did see an ENT and my Larynx were inflamed this was found out before the stomach scope. The Dr has me on 40 mg of Omerprazole 1 tablet a day. Not sure if this has something to do with my Barretts but I have been having a bloating feeling but now more of a discomfort sore feeling in the mid of my stomach. It comes and goes. And some days I will get a groweling, swishing sounds in my stomach. Well Hope this helps. I'm getting tired of all this! I'm sure you understand. lol
Thanks Again XXXXXXX
Thanks for responding back! I have read your response and looked up what you wanted me to rule out. I have a blood test done for Celiac and that was fine. Now what about Colitis? Or do they find out in the tests that I had done? Well As I was looking through the causes for Candida top one was Diet We do eat out quite a bit fast food etc. So our Diets are not great! Its just my wife, my son who is 8 and myself. # 2 Excessive Stress We did loose my father in law on I believe Feb 24 2014 and this started like about a month after that happened. The thing is that my wife and son have been having the same stool problems. But lately my son his stool has been fine for a while. Also My wife is a Speech Pathologist and its a stressful job with all the reports etc that she does! #3 I see another one is Immune deficiency like std's and cancer. It cant be and std's I am a XXXXXXX Red Cross donor have been since I was 18 and nothing has been found. I have been with my wife since 99 and married since 2002.In 2006 we had our son and we decided to take out life insurance. The Insurance company sent a nurse out to test for stds, took BP, urine sample etc.
I didn't mention that in the Esophgogastroduodenoscopy (stomach Scope) they did find something. Here is what is says: sedated me with 100mcg of fentanyl and 4 mg of versed IV, the video gastroscope was introducced via posterior oropharynx into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The esophageal mucosa displayed a long protrusion of pink mucosa via Z line. Biopsies were taken to rule out Barretts Esophagus. gastric and duodenal mucosa looked normal. It is Barretts Esophagus but not cancerous. I also did see an ENT and my Larynx were inflamed this was found out before the stomach scope. The Dr has me on 40 mg of Omerprazole 1 tablet a day. Not sure if this has something to do with my Barretts but I have been having a bloating feeling but now more of a discomfort sore feeling in the mid of my stomach. It comes and goes. And some days I will get a groweling, swishing sounds in my stomach. Well Hope this helps. I'm getting tired of all this! I'm sure you understand. lol
Thanks Again XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Following advice...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
You are reporting that all your family has defecation problems (unpoorly formed stool). This is a fact that suggest that your symptoms are related to parasitic infection and I would recommend stool analysis (stoll for ova parasite and stool culture).
After reviewing your endoscopy I would like to say that they have found only Barret esophagus without any sign of cancer. Since the last endoscopy was performed one year ago I would suggest to repeat it again in order to evaluate current upper gastrointestinal tract.
Your doctor has put you on Omeprasole in order to reduce stomach acidity and esophagus mucosa. You are asking about collitis. Unfortunately collitis isn't evaluated with endoscopy. The best way to diagnose collitis is colonoscopy.
Mean time I would recommend to continue with healthy lifestyle and diet in order to relief your symptoms.
Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Klerida
Following advice...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
You are reporting that all your family has defecation problems (unpoorly formed stool). This is a fact that suggest that your symptoms are related to parasitic infection and I would recommend stool analysis (stoll for ova parasite and stool culture).
After reviewing your endoscopy I would like to say that they have found only Barret esophagus without any sign of cancer. Since the last endoscopy was performed one year ago I would suggest to repeat it again in order to evaluate current upper gastrointestinal tract.
Your doctor has put you on Omeprasole in order to reduce stomach acidity and esophagus mucosa. You are asking about collitis. Unfortunately collitis isn't evaluated with endoscopy. The best way to diagnose collitis is colonoscopy.
Mean time I would recommend to continue with healthy lifestyle and diet in order to relief your symptoms.
Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello Dr Klerida
I made an appt to see my GI but couldn't talk to him. He was pulled away to do a surgery so I talked with him assistant I think she was. She wants to to re do my Colonscopy, stomach scope, stool exam, and some blood work. Not sure what she wants for blood work. I told her the last time I asked my GI Dr if he wants to to do a stool sample he said no. But with my insurance they won't accept the Colonscopy or the Stomach scope to be done before a year. One year will be in July.
I seen my primary Dr yesterday (Friday). Showed him your last response about the Paristic infection. He ordered me a stool test done. Didn't think I had it but did it anyway. I'll keep in touch with you.
Thanks again! XXXXXXX
How would you test for Candida?
I made an appt to see my GI but couldn't talk to him. He was pulled away to do a surgery so I talked with him assistant I think she was. She wants to to re do my Colonscopy, stomach scope, stool exam, and some blood work. Not sure what she wants for blood work. I told her the last time I asked my GI Dr if he wants to to do a stool sample he said no. But with my insurance they won't accept the Colonscopy or the Stomach scope to be done before a year. One year will be in July.
I seen my primary Dr yesterday (Friday). Showed him your last response about the Paristic infection. He ordered me a stool test done. Didn't think I had it but did it anyway. I'll keep in touch with you.
Thanks again! XXXXXXX
How would you test for Candida?
Brief Answer:
Follow the suggestions below
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thank you providing more of your medical data.
1. You are reporting that assistant of your GI doctor want to re do upper and lower endoscopy. If I were your treating doctor at your situation I would choice capsule endoscopy. It will better determine small intestinal mucosa.
2. With regard to candida diagnosis I would use Candida stool test, using microscopy detecting candida overgrowth.
3. Mean time I suggest to :
- Start probiotics
- Use plenty of water
- Try to avoid unnecessary stress
- Start to use PPI like Prilosec OTC
I am waiting your test reports.
Wishing you all the best.
Dr.Klerida
Follow the suggestions below
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thank you providing more of your medical data.
1. You are reporting that assistant of your GI doctor want to re do upper and lower endoscopy. If I were your treating doctor at your situation I would choice capsule endoscopy. It will better determine small intestinal mucosa.
2. With regard to candida diagnosis I would use Candida stool test, using microscopy detecting candida overgrowth.
3. Mean time I suggest to :
- Start probiotics
- Use plenty of water
- Try to avoid unnecessary stress
- Start to use PPI like Prilosec OTC
I am waiting your test reports.
Wishing you all the best.
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello, Dr.
Just to let you know I should be getting the stool results back either today or tomorrow.
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Just to let you know I should be getting the stool results back either today or tomorrow.
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
I am waiting your reports
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
Ok, I am waiting your stool reports. Hope everything will be fine.
After that we will discuss the diagnose and treatment.
Wishing you all the best
Dr.Klerida
I am waiting your reports
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
Ok, I am waiting your stool reports. Hope everything will be fine.
After that we will discuss the diagnose and treatment.
Wishing you all the best
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hey Doc, I just got out of my Dr Appt with my primary Dr. Stool test came back negative. I would send you a picture but I can't figure out how to do it. I had showed him picture from my phone that I took of my bowel movements and he was my to concerned about it. With all the test i had done and everything came back negative. Also my Gluten is fine too.
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Please follow....
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
I read your reports and stool culture was normal. I am glad to know that.
It would be better if you send me the same pic that you show your GP. So I can check by myself what is wrong and concerned.
At your report there is no results about candida and parasitic infection. Have you done these tests?
At the end if all the result came back normal than I can say that your experience is related with IBS.
Hope it was helpful for you.
Wishing you all the best
Dr.klerida
Please follow....
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
I read your reports and stool culture was normal. I am glad to know that.
It would be better if you send me the same pic that you show your GP. So I can check by myself what is wrong and concerned.
At your report there is no results about candida and parasitic infection. Have you done these tests?
At the end if all the result came back normal than I can say that your experience is related with IBS.
Hope it was helpful for you.
Wishing you all the best
Dr.klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello Doc,
I had attached a few pictures of my bowel movements from last month. Let me know if you can read them. Also what do you mean my GP?
I had attached a few pictures of my bowel movements from last month. Let me know if you can read them. Also what do you mean my GP?
Brief Answer:
Following answer to your queries...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Your primary care doctor often is called also GP (general practitioner). Ask your primary care doctors about stool analysis for candida and malabsorption tests.
After reviewing your detailed bowel movement notes, I would like to say that; If all the analysis and examinations are negative for any bowel disease than your symptoms are related to stress and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Klerida
Following answer to your queries...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Your primary care doctor often is called also GP (general practitioner). Ask your primary care doctors about stool analysis for candida and malabsorption tests.
After reviewing your detailed bowel movement notes, I would like to say that; If all the analysis and examinations are negative for any bowel disease than your symptoms are related to stress and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Klerida
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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