29-Year-Old Man Experiencing Frequent Yellow, Mushy Stools
Greetings! I’m a 29-year-old male, standing approximately 6 feet tall and weighing around 180 pounds. I maintain an active lifestyle, primarily traveling on foot or via bicycle. My diet is diverse and generally healthy, although I’ve noticed that avocado tends to upset my stomach, and I've had past issues with eggs. I regularly use medical marijuana and indulge in occasional drinking and smoking. For heartburn, I take Pantoprazole, which is effective; however, if I skip a dose, the symptoms tend to return. Over the last year, I've been experiencing frequent bouts of urgent, yellow, mushy stools. Sometimes they float, but this isn’t consistent, and I often notice undigested bits of leafy greens and herbs. Fortunately, there’s no blood in my stools. I’ve observed that food and beverages generally don't significantly affect my condition, although I have identified that vodka sauce—which is rich in cream and tomato—and Thai curries with coconut milk seem to trigger issues. Other than the diarrhea, I feel mostly fine with no significant discomfort, bloating, or gas. I am currently consulting with a gastroenterologist, and all my initial blood tests have returned normal results. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for August 11. As I await more information from my doctor, I would appreciate any insights or perspectives from those with medical knowledge. If you need any additional information, feel free to ask. Thank you!
Answers (1)
7/16/2025, 5:40:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about changes in bowel habits, especially when they involve frequent, unusual stools. Your symptoms of urgent, yellow, mushy stools, sometimes floating and containing undigested food, could suggest a few potential underlying issues, but it's good that you're already in consultation with a gastroenterologist.
Explanation:
The yellow color and mushiness of stools can be linked to several factors, including dietary choices, digestive efficiency, and potential malabsorption disorders. Given your history of stomach upset with certain foods (like avocado and eggs), and that certain rich foods trigger symptoms, it's possible that your digestive system might need some adjustment. The fact that your stools occasionally float might suggest fat malabsorption, which can occur in various conditions affecting the pancreas or bile production.
Next Steps:
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Dietary Adjustments: Since you've noted certain foods that trigger symptoms, try to avoid vodka sauce and coconut milk-based dishes for now, even more so as you approach your colonoscopy. This may help minimize discomfort and provide clearer insights into any ongoing issues.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a food diary tracking what you eat and drink along with bowel habits each day. Note any patterns with specific foods and any changes in stool consistency or urgency. This record can be incredibly helpful for your gastroenterologist.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure that you're drinking plenty of fluids, especially since you’re experiencing diarrhea. Electrolyte solutions can also help maintain hydration and balance levels in your body.
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Consider Stress and Lifestyle: Since your lifestyle includes stressors such as travel and occasional alcohol and cannabis use, consider how these may affect your digestion. Stress and certain substances can impact gastrointestinal function.
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Preparation for Your Colonoscopy: Follow the preparation instructions closely ahead of your upcoming colonoscopy on August 11th to ensure clear results. This procedure is essential, as it can help identify or rule out conditions.
Continue to engage with your healthcare provider as they have the full context of your medical history and symptoms. If significant changes occur or if you experience any new symptoms like fever or severe abdominal pain, consider revisiting them sooner.
Take care, and I wish you the best for your upcoming appointment!
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