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I Took A Stool Softener For About 3 Weeks Due

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Posted on Fri, 23 Aug 2019
Question: i took a stool softener for about 3 weeks due to an anal fissure. when i stopped about 8 weeks ago i began having very runny stools which became into pale sticky foul smelling stools. most of my bf's came out with breaking wind and hit the commode at a splat which required cleaning the commode...flushing wouldn't handle it. for the last few days it has turned into brown colored liquid....nothing solid. i've had surgeries for pad, take coumadin, placid, petal and cholesterol meds...heavy drinker
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Bile problems may be the cause of pale loose stools

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and understand your concern.

There are many causes of diarrhea but diarrhea with pale stools may be related to a problem with the bile system. Lack of biliary fluids may cause the stools to be pale and also problems with the breakdown and absorption of fat, resulting in diarrhea.

It is good you are planned to have an abdominal ultrasound to examine your liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, which are the main organs involved in bile and other enzyme production for digestion.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (14 hours later)
Based on symptoms, more likely digestive problem or pancreatitis vs cancer? Have no abdominal pain or jaundice
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

The lack of jaundice is a good sign and favors a better diagnosis. Even the fact that your stools are again normal brown color is another positive indicator.

As for the exact cause, examinations should be done, especially because you continue with diarrhea. Probably because you are also a heavy drinker, pancreatitis is the most likely cause in your case, but as said, examinations need to be done.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4435 Questions

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I Took A Stool Softener For About 3 Weeks Due

Brief Answer: Bile problems may be the cause of pale loose stools Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service, I carefully read your query and understand your concern. There are many causes of diarrhea but diarrhea with pale stools may be related to a problem with the bile system. Lack of biliary fluids may cause the stools to be pale and also problems with the breakdown and absorption of fat, resulting in diarrhea. It is good you are planned to have an abdominal ultrasound to examine your liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, which are the main organs involved in bile and other enzyme production for digestion. I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed. Regards, Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician