Could This Indicate Gallbladder Hypomotility? (30 Years Old, 65 kg, 5’5", No Medications)
Experiencing stools that are not only sticky and greasy but also emit a strong, unpleasant odor. The stools tend to float and exhibit a light brown to yellow hue, with occasional appearances of a tar-like or mucous texture. There are instances of undigested food particles, a burning sensation around the anal area, and stools adhering to skin or toilet surfaces. Mild bloating and a feeling of pressure in the lower left area of the abdomen are also present. Stool consistency is variable, with better days alternating with worse ones. Diagnostic Tests Conducted: - Pancreatic elastase: results within normal range - Calprotectin: results within normal range - Two ultrasounds: results normal - A HIDA scan has yet to be performed. Personal Trials: Tried Cholestyramine, but my condition deteriorated, leading to increased diarrhea, darker, oily stools, and yellowish mucus, alongside frequent bowel movements. Currently experimenting with ox bile to assess its impact on my symptoms. The deterioration after taking Cholestyramine may exclude Bile Acid Malabsorption (BAM) and suggests potential issues with bile secretion or flow. Has anyone else faced similar symptoms and found relief using ox bile? Appreciate any input!
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 3:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with some troubling gastrointestinal symptoms that could be linked to issues with bile production or flow, potentially indicating gallbladder hypomotility. Sticky, greasy, and foul-smelling stools—along with floating stools and undigested food—can suggest malabsorption, often related to bile salts.
Explanation
Your symptoms point to possible bile salt deficiency or poor bile flow. Bile acids help digest fats, and when they are inadequate, you may experience the symptoms you've described. The stool tests indicating normal pancreatic elastase and calprotectin are reassuring, suggesting that significant pancreatic or inflammatory issues are less likely. However, the continued discomfort, stool variability, and changes after using cholesterol-binding medications like Cholestyramine warrant attention.
Next Steps
-
Continue Assessing Diet: Focus on a diet that is low in fat, as high-fat meals can worsen symptoms. Keeping a food diary can help you identify specific foods that might be triggering or worsening your symptoms.
-
Monitor Ox Bile Effects: Since you're experimenting with ox bile, keep notes on any changes in your symptoms. Assess whether you notice better digestion, changes in stool consistency, or any relief from discomfort.
-
Hydration and Symptom Relief: Ensure you are well-hydrated and consider over-the-counter medications (like simethicone) to help with bloating. Applying a warm compress to the abdomen can help relieve discomfort.
-
Evaluate for HIDA Scan: Given the symptoms and your trials with treatments, having a HIDA scan could be instrumental in assessing gallbladder function. If there's a delay in scheduling or results, discuss your ongoing symptoms and dietary impacts with a healthcare provider.
-
Consider Probiotics: Some individuals experience relief from digestive issues with probiotics, which may help in balancing gut bacteria and improving general bowel function.
Please give these adjustments time, as gastrointestinal changes can be gradual. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, reevaluating your approach will be crucial. Do not hesitate to reach out for further support or to share what you discover about the effectiveness of ox bile.
Related Questions
Joint Discomfort During Sinus Infection
Age: 33, Height: 5′10″, Weight: 335 lbs, Ethnicity: Caucasian, Medical History: Crohn's disease This week has been challenging as I suspect I’m dealing with a sinus infection. For the past few days, I've experienced discomfort in the last joints of my left hand and the big toe on the same foot. The sensation can best be described as a dull throbbing, akin to a minor injury, although I can't recall any incident that might have caused it. There's no noticeable heat at the site, yet it feels slightly warmer compared to my other fingers. I also developed a circular rash, about two inches wide, which seems to be starting to fade. My doctor examined it earlier today and suggested it might be a bug bite; however, I forgot to mention the joint pain during my visit. Should I be concerned that this could indicate a more serious issue, or is it plausible that I simply injured those areas without realizing it?
Seeking Insights on MRI Results for Potential MS Evaluation
Greetings everyone! I’ve recently received my MRI results and, unfortunately, I won’t get to discuss them with my doctor until Monday. In the meantime, I’m reaching out to see if anyone has insights or interpretations regarding these findings. Could they suggest the presence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), or do they lean towards being inconclusive or negative? The report indicates: - Two areas in the brain that show nonspecific hyperintensities on the T2/FLAIR sequences in white matter. One is noted in the left deep white matter near the trigone, while the other is located in the deep right frontal white matter. - A mild descent of the right cerebellar tonsil, approximately 3 mm below the foramen magnum. - No signs of acute hemorrhage, brain swelling, recent strokes, masses, or midline displacement were observed. Furthermore, everything appeared normal in terms of enhancement, and the ventricles and sulci are consistent with what is expected for my age. - There was no fluid collection in the extra-axial spaces. - Basal cisterns appeared normal. - The flow-voids intracranially were also normal. - Bilaterally, there were mucus retention cysts noted in the maxillary sinuses. - The mastoid air cells were reported as unremarkable. - Mild dilation of the optic nerve sheath was observed in the orbits. - The cranium appeared unremarkable as well. **SUMMARY OF FINDINGS:** 1. A mildly descended right cerebellar tonsil, located about 3 mm below the foramen magnum. 2. Mild dilation of the optic nerve sheath, which is nonspecific but may indicate intracranial hypertension. A recommendation for an ophthalmologic examination can be made if clinically warranted. 3. Two nonspecific hyperintensities in white matter on the T2/FLAIR imaging. Any thoughts or experiences related to this would be greatly appreciated!
Suspected Heat Exhaustion: What Should I Do Next?
On Monday, the temperature soared to 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit) accompanied by high humidity. I spent several hours outdoors—around 3 to 4—taking frequent breaks to cool off inside. Initially, I felt perfectly fine. However, once I went to bed, I experienced severe chills and uncontrollable shivering, along with a sudden onset of confusion. The following morning, I awoke with a debilitating headache and persistent diarrhea, both of which have continued, leaving me bedridden until today. While the headache has dissipated, the diarrhea persists. Today I am feeling somewhat improved, but I’ve noticed a troubling sense of confusion and a hazy recollection of the past few days, as if it were all a dream. I want to know what actions I should take moving forward. Should I consider undergoing any medical tests?
Concern Over Testicular Discomfort
A 48-year-old white male from Tennessee, generally in good health, is experiencing persistent discomfort in his right testicle. This sensation began earlier today, feeling akin to a light yet continual squeezing. Despite having undergone a vasectomy roughly a decade earlier, the discomfort has only escalated. Even after removing his tight-fitting underwear to alleviate potential pressure, the pain remains. He seeks advice or suggestions regarding this issue. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thank you.
Bilateral Meniscus Tears: Four Months without Improvement
Greetings, Doctor, I hope this message finds you well. My name is Xojiakbar, and I am 16 years old. Please forgive any errors in my English as it is not my first language. Currently, I am experiencing significant swelling in both knees, making it painful to apply pressure. Activities like running and jumping have become nearly impossible. My MRI results indicate a tear in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus in my right knee, while my left knee shows a meniscus tear along with a Baker's cyst. For the past four months, I have been receiving treatment, including hospital stays and various conservative measures. Unfortunately, these interventions have only provided temporary relief. I would greatly appreciate any advice you could share on what steps I should take next. Thank you for your assistance.