What Does Sticky Stool And Abdominal Pain Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 15 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 15 Mar 2014 Answered on

Sat, 5 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello doctor, I hope you can assist me. For several years I have had bouts with a digestive problem. Initially it involved constant diarrhea for 5 months and about 20 lbs weight loss. It eventually went away and every test and procedure I had came back normal. but I periodically have instances of sticky stool and abdominal pain. My amylase levels also periodically become high, as do my lipase. I belive it to be pancreatitis. I don't know why or where it comes from, but all my imaging studies are normal. My doctor seems to think it is IBS which I don't agree with. Do you have any thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Please provide the requested data... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your query carefully and understood your concerns. Before running into final conclusions, I gently ask to have the reports of the lab tests you ran. Those reports would help me judge better on your current health status. If you have had diarrhea for 5 months associated with weight loss and high lipase and amylase, to my judgement, it has nothing to do with IBS. There is something else we should look for. However, as my intention is not to confound you, I'd like to have the reports first, and then, give further opinion. I also want to know the following data of yours: - do you smoke/drink alcohol (and the respective amount)? - are you also having nausea/vomiting? - have you ever done lipid profile testing? - what was your weight before diarrhea started? - have done any examination of stool for ova/parasites; for presence of lipids/fiber; or culture? Thank you! Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

I never drink alcohol and am a former smoker (quit in 2009). I do not recall feeling nauseous ir having vomiting Lipid profile testing....do you mean fat in the stool? No evidence of stetorrhea. Negative HIV status. Weight before illness was about 172. Dropped to about 155. Appetite poor. Tests to cryptosporidum, shigella, campobacter,ova and parasites in stool all negative. MRCP unmarkable Ct Scan of abdomen unremarkable. Evidnce of dilated bile duct consistent with prior surgical cholycystectomy Blood tests for lead, negative. Porphryia 24 hr urine negative EgD unremarkable Colonoscopy revealed some diverticula and hiatus hernia but nothing significant Liver blood work, cbc and varied blood work normal I did notice some elevated ketones on my own by using purchased urine dipsticks. Glucose and tests for diabetes normal Dr, I have never had much faith in my GI doctor. I feel issue is with bile salts or pancreas or something. Feeling good now and have been for a long time. Weight is very difficult to put back on but getting there. I do get ocassional recurrences however and would like to know what it my be. Thank you. I welcome your thoughts whatever they may be.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (23 hours later)

Brief Answer: Kindly upload your test results.... Detailed Answer: Hi back, Thank you for following up. Lipid profile testing measures the levels of cholesterol and other lipids in the blood. You have a history of cholecystectomy, therefore, further evaluations are needed. First, I need to have the reports of your blood tests and get them analyzed before running into final conclusions. Most probably is what you suspect regarding bile duct and/or pancreas problems after cholecystectomy. Please provide: - the blood tests showing high levels of amylase - Ct scan report that shows dilated bile duct - the levels of GGT and ALP - the results of thyroid hormonal testing Thank you! Dr.Klerida

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar