Possible Reasons Behind Persistent Diarrhea
Greetings! I’m a 29-year-old male, standing at approximately 6 feet and weighing around 180 pounds. I maintain an active lifestyle, primarily getting around by walking or biking. I occasionally smoke and drink, and I use medical cannabis regularly. At present, I’m taking Pantoprazole, which I have been prescribed for managing heartburn. For the past year, I’ve been experiencing abnormal bowel movements, which are mostly yellowish and mushy. The urgency is quite overwhelming at times, leading to multiple bathroom trips throughout the day, sometimes exceeding ten. While some stools have a tendency to float, most do not, and I’ve also noticed undigested food particles, particularly leafy herbs. Fortunately, there has been no presence of blood, and I haven’t experienced additional symptoms or discomfort. I’ve had blood tests conducted, and they indicate no issues. Moreover, I’ve tested negative for Celiac disease. I’m scheduled for a colonoscopy on August 11, but in the meantime, I’m curious about any insights or advice from those with medical knowledge or similar experiences. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions!
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 9:30:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with a frustrating situation regarding your bowel movements, and it's great that you're being proactive by seeking advice and planning for a colonoscopy. Persistent diarrhea can result from various factors, and while you've done some initial investigations, it's essential to keep the focus on managing your symptoms and preparing for your scheduled procedure.
Explanation
The symptoms you're describing—yellowish, mushy stools with urgency, and undigested food—can indicate malabsorption. Potential causes may include dietary factors, gastrointestinal infections, or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Since you haven’t experienced blood in your stool or significant discomfort, this could suggest a non-urgent underlying issue, but your upcoming colonoscopy will help clarify what’s happening.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Diet: Try to identify if certain foods are triggering your symptoms. Consider keeping a food diary to see if certain items worsen the urgency or consistency of your stools.
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Stay Hydrated: Increasing your fluid intake is crucial, especially if you're experiencing diarrhea frequently. Dehydration can become a concern with overly frequent bowel movements.
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Consider Probiotics: Introducing probiotics may help restore the balance of gut bacteria. Look for products that contain strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
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Adjust Your Medications: As you’re on Pantoprazole for heartburn, consider whether it's potentially contributing to gastrointestinal side effects. Discuss this with a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Note any patterns related to your stools (color, consistency, associated foods, timing) and overall symptoms to share with your doctor at your appointment—this could provide valuable insights.
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Prepare for Your Colonoscopy: Follow the pre-procedure instructions carefully, and discuss any ongoing symptoms and your concerns during your upcoming visit.
It's important to understand that you’re not alone in this situation; many people face similar issues, and taking steps now can help you feel more in control. If new symptoms arise, such as weight loss or persistent pain, communicate those with your healthcare provider promptly.
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