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What Does Presence Of Mucus In Stool Suggest?

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Posted on Fri, 1 Jul 2016
Question: I was dx with diverticulitis 3 years ago, had colonoscopy 2 years ago, found and removed a small well differentiated neuroendocrine tumour in rectum. had sygmoiscopy 6 months later and another one last spring. All good. Was dx with div again 4 weeks ago, cipro and flagyl, pain gone quickly but have had diarreha (not all liquid, more soft stools) since. some days I can go up to 10X, some days I think it's getting better. I have no other symptoms, no fever, bp normal, not loosing weight, good appetite, drinking lots of water. I cannot get into my doctor until thursday coming. My stools have some heavy mucous and a little bit of red blood (not much). Yesterday I developed a slight discomfort on the right side of my pelvic, it;s a sharp little pain and still there this morning. No pain anywhere on abdomen on palpation. My stools where semiformed this morning, but second time I went, they looked a different colour, paler, I thought clay like but this is the first time and wonder if it's diet related. had steak and a chick pea salad last night, stools look very fatty. I have no nausea, no fever, no other issues. I have pictures of some stools with mucous.
Could it be C-difficile? or candida? Can I wait until Thursday for appt or should I go to hospital?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible Antibiotic associated diarrhea.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

I can certainly understand your concern.

As per your description and attached images, the possibility of C difficle diarrhea is very high.

I advise you to stop receiving antibiotics like Cipro and Metro as they can aggravate this form of diarrhoea.

It's advisable to get a stool culture and sensitivity testing for further accurate management.

Candida is quite unlikely.

You can wait until Thursday appointment.

Since major studies of Gut like Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy are normal, you need not worry much.

Mild overlapping Diverticulitis can be coexisting.

Consultation with an expert Gastroenterologist is preferable.

Post your further queries if any.

Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (1 hour later)
Did you have a look at the pale green stool? the last one I had seemed a bit better. Is this pale green a result of C-diff??

I had less bowel movement today ( only 3)

If I had C-Diff, is it possible that the symptoms could go away on their own or should I get antibiotics?

I will bring stool sample with me to the doctor.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Stool changes are possibly due to C.diff.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

I can certainly understand your concern.

Yes, I have gone through the stools image.

This greenish stool could possibly be due to C.diff infection.

This requires treatment with antibiotics like Vancomycin.

For confirmation of diagnosis it's advisable to go for stool toxin/antigen analysis for C.diff.

The symptoms would resolve with appropriate Antibiotic therapy against C.Diff.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (18 hours later)
My doctor recommended I wait some more to see if I continue to improved. She doesn't think antibiotics are necessary just yet.
I am having less stool movement now, 3 to 4 a day and are getting more formed but still lots of mucous and some blood attached to mucous. Just a little bit of discomfort in pelvic area. No fever, no cramping. No pain when palpating abdomen.
Is it possible it will go away on it's own?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Can wait and watch for 48 hours.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

There is a possibility for Spontaneous resolution.

But in your case as significant symptoms continue to prevail , it's important to stop all the precipitating antibiotics

Yes definitely you can wsit and observe for another 48 hours before initiating treatment with Vancomycin.

Post your further queries if any.

Thank you.



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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Suresh Heijebu

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 3646 Questions

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What Does Presence Of Mucus In Stool Suggest?

Brief Answer: Possible Antibiotic associated diarrhea. Detailed Answer: Hello, Madam. I can certainly understand your concern. As per your description and attached images, the possibility of C difficle diarrhea is very high. I advise you to stop receiving antibiotics like Cipro and Metro as they can aggravate this form of diarrhoea. It's advisable to get a stool culture and sensitivity testing for further accurate management. Candida is quite unlikely. You can wait until Thursday appointment. Since major studies of Gut like Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy are normal, you need not worry much. Mild overlapping Diverticulitis can be coexisting. Consultation with an expert Gastroenterologist is preferable. Post your further queries if any. Thank you.