Questions Regarding Recent Bloodwork and Symptoms
Greetings, everyone! I’m a 34-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing in at 298 pounds. I’m certainly aware that I fall into the category of being overweight (or obese, to be more precise) and understand the necessity for a weight loss plan, but I’d like to pose a quick question here. It has been a couple of years since my last medical check-up, which was prompted by a kidney stone incident (thanks to a former addiction to Mt. Dew). During that visit, an ultrasound was performed, and everything appeared normal except for the kidney stone and a minor case of hydronephrosis in the affected kidney. On that occasion, I also had my A1C levels checked, and while they were on the higher side of what’s considered normal, I didn’t cross into pre-diabetic territory. For the past five to six months, I’ve been noticing that my stools are consistently dark yellow several times a week. They maintain a typical consistency and frequency unless I indulge in fast food. There are no occurrences of black or red stools, nor any mucus present. Today, I visited my doctor due to the persistent unusual coloration, which made me concerned enough to seek a check-up. I occasionally experience a slight twinge under my right ribcage (around the gallbladder area), but these sensations don’t escalate to full-blown attacks. After conducting a physical exam, my doctor palpated the usual areas and inquired about my bowel habits, family history of colon cancer, and related concerns. He mentioned there were no alarming signs from his examination, yet he wanted to delve deeper into the cause of my dark yellow stools. According to him, there are various potential explanations, most of which are relatively benign, and it likely ties back to bilirubin levels, suggesting that potential gallbladder issues might be at play. Tomorrow, I’m scheduled for blood work following a twelve-hour fast. My primary concern is whether it’s possible to have gallbladder issues that could lead to a change in stool color, despite never experiencing a previous gallbladder attack. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with sulfur-smelling gas and belching since completing a course of Clindamycin a couple of months ago, and I’m unsure if these symptoms are interconnected. A family member who is a nurse practitioner speculated that it might be related to H2S SIBO? Furthermore, I'm currently seeking a new healthcare provider as my current one seemed irritated by my anxious inquiries and appeared eager to expedite the visit. I have a history of health-related anxiety, but I’m genuinely seeking some feedback on this matter. Thanks for your help!
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 2:20:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns. It sounds like you’re managing multiple health issues, and it’s totally understandable to feel anxious about them. To summarize your situation: You are experiencing persistent changes in stool color, mild discomfort under your ribcage, and gastrointestinal symptoms (sulfur-smelling gas and belching) following antibiotic treatment. You are also undergoing blood work to investigate these issues further.
Explanation:
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Dark Yellow Stools: This can be influenced by several factors, including gallbladder function, diet, or even changes in digestion or absorption. Bilirubin, which is produced from the breakdown of red blood cells, plays a key role in the color of your stools. If the gallbladder or bile ducts are not functioning properly, this can affect stool coloring.
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Gallbladder Connection: It is possible to have gallbladder issues (like bile duct problems or gallstones) without having a full-blown attack. The slight discomfort in your right rib area could indicate mild gallbladder inflammation or another issue related to your biliary system.
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Gastrointestinal Symptoms Post-Antibiotics: Clindamycin can disrupt gut flora and potentially lead to conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), which may relate to your sulfur-smelling gas and increased belching.
Next Steps:
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Follow Up on Blood Work: Ensure you complete the blood work and discuss results with your doctor. Pay attention to bilirubin levels, liver function tests, and any other relevant markers that can give clues about your liver and gallbladder health.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, including stool color, consistency, frequency, and any associated discomfort. Noting changes or patterns can be valuable for your healthcare providers.
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Dietary Adjustments: Consider making dietary changes that may help with digestion. Focus on reducing processed foods and increasing fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. This can support your gastrointestinal health and potentially reduce gas.
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Manage Anxiety: Since you mentioned health-related anxiety, seeking stress-reduction techniques or speaking with a mental health professional could be beneficial. This support can help you manage worries about your health more effectively.
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Seek a New Healthcare Provider ASAP: It’s essential to find a healthcare provider who listens to your concerns empathetically and takes the time to address your symptoms thoroughly. Look for a provider who specializes in gastrointestinal health if possible.
Please ensure these steps align with your healthcare provider’s advice after your tests and discussions. If any symptom worsens or new symptoms develop, prioritize getting immediate advice from your healthcare provider. Remember, you’re taking an important step by seeking help, and that’s commendable.
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