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What Causes Light Brownish To Green Stool?
Question: Dear Mr. Rynne
My name is XXXX and I am 45 years old female (88 kg weight and 1.66 m height) and I have been living in London, UK for the past 14 years.
My chronic illnesses are mild asthma (I take ventolin and clenil modulile 200 mg) and allergic rhinitis (is more or less rhinitis medicamentosa as I am dependent of the xilometazoline spray). I also suffer with esophagitis of reflux (at least that is how I have been diagnosed 18 years ago). I did not use to take medication lansoprazole 15 mg, as prescribed, as I did not see any improvement. I went this week to my GP and he prescribed me Omeprazole 20 mg which I am scared to take in case is something wrong with my heart- see explanation here below.
My blood pressure seems to be high at times : 160 / 110 otherwise average is 154/98. I also suffer with haemorrhoids (internal and external) and at times I bleed when I have a stool. I will have them removed eventually sometimes soon. My smear test has been abnormal for the past 8 years- I have HPV virus, the high risk one. Doctors here have done a conisation 5 years ago but my smear test is till abnormal- I have mild changes in the cervix cells. Recently I had a internal scan to see why do I have pain during intercourse and they found that my uterus wall is 13 mm thick and that I have polyps. The gynaecologist wants to do a hysteroscopy soon and see the nature of the polyps. I also suffer with fatty liver, but during the latest gynaecological investigation, the doctor took blood sample and told me my liver seem to be doing fine.
My latest problems for which I am writing are as follows:
1. My stool is light in colour - light brown toward greenish, and it has been like that for few months but I did not think it was something wrong until I checked on google about it. Please let me know what investigations should I have to see if is something wrong with the liver, pancreas, etc.
2. My stool is very thin- in the morning is twice the diameter of a pencil but during the day is the size of a pencil. I poo about 3-4 times a day. I had a sygmoidoscopy for my haemorrhoids and they could not find anything wrong with the colon, except for haemorrhoids. I was told the internal haemorrhoids are stage 1 . Should I have a colonoscopy to have a look at the full colon and see if there are no tumours inside? In the morning when I poo I don't struggle but during the day I feel there is not enough opening of my anus for the poo to come out and I have to push harder.
3. The main problem for which I am writing is the general state of unwell that I have for a week and a half. Basically, as soon as a wake up I feel I have no power, as I am lifeless, even breathing takes to much effort for me. I can hardly walk and I feel that even talking takes too much of my air. I have a pain in the upper side of my stomach and last Saturday I had pain in the chest going up to my left side of the neck. I feel dizzy, I have nausea and just feel as I will be fainting at any time. Sometimes is really really bad. Last Saturday I went to A&E as I thought is something wrong with my heart due to high blood pressure- at home is was 168 with 110. At A&E my blood pressure was 162 / 90 and after few hours, when they took it again it showed 150/88. They did a blood test to check something about the heart muscle and everything came out fine. They did urine test as well and this came out normal. I just felt, same as today, that I was breathless, I had cold sweats, that I have every day for the past week, I had bad headache and felt like I had nausea. I know I am not pregnant as I have not had sex for many months now. They told me that probably it was the virus as my asthma was very bad during the previous week. I do not believe it was a virus as I do not feel the same as when a have a flue or a cold. I think part of the problem is that for the past week or so, when I eat my stomach becomes much bigger and I cant breath properly- I don't think it was due to asthma my difficulty in breathing, it was more to do with acid reflux problem. I am scared to eat as soon as I take few spoons of food I start feeling breathless. What I don't understand is why do I feel so lifeless. I can hardly go to work, sometimes I can hardly talk on the phone, as it takes too much of my energy to do that and I feel like I will pass out anytime soon. I also have my fee cold and I have a feeling from time to time as they come out of numbness, although they did not fee numb.
I am scared to have the anaesthesia for the hysteroscopy procedure as I am not sure if I suffer with heart problem or not. On 17 November I have an appointment to see a cardiologist. Please let me know what investigations should I ask for to my GP and to the cardiologist.
Many thanks and best regards
I forgot to mention that I take simvastatin 40 mg and also olanzapine 2.5 mg (I had a psychotic episode 4 years ago). I alo take vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex and Coenzyme Q10.
Also, my father had installed a pacemaker this year- he is 79 years old.
Many thanks and best regards
My name is XXXX and I am 45 years old female (88 kg weight and 1.66 m height) and I have been living in London, UK for the past 14 years.
My chronic illnesses are mild asthma (I take ventolin and clenil modulile 200 mg) and allergic rhinitis (is more or less rhinitis medicamentosa as I am dependent of the xilometazoline spray). I also suffer with esophagitis of reflux (at least that is how I have been diagnosed 18 years ago). I did not use to take medication lansoprazole 15 mg, as prescribed, as I did not see any improvement. I went this week to my GP and he prescribed me Omeprazole 20 mg which I am scared to take in case is something wrong with my heart- see explanation here below.
My blood pressure seems to be high at times : 160 / 110 otherwise average is 154/98. I also suffer with haemorrhoids (internal and external) and at times I bleed when I have a stool. I will have them removed eventually sometimes soon. My smear test has been abnormal for the past 8 years- I have HPV virus, the high risk one. Doctors here have done a conisation 5 years ago but my smear test is till abnormal- I have mild changes in the cervix cells. Recently I had a internal scan to see why do I have pain during intercourse and they found that my uterus wall is 13 mm thick and that I have polyps. The gynaecologist wants to do a hysteroscopy soon and see the nature of the polyps. I also suffer with fatty liver, but during the latest gynaecological investigation, the doctor took blood sample and told me my liver seem to be doing fine.
My latest problems for which I am writing are as follows:
1. My stool is light in colour - light brown toward greenish, and it has been like that for few months but I did not think it was something wrong until I checked on google about it. Please let me know what investigations should I have to see if is something wrong with the liver, pancreas, etc.
2. My stool is very thin- in the morning is twice the diameter of a pencil but during the day is the size of a pencil. I poo about 3-4 times a day. I had a sygmoidoscopy for my haemorrhoids and they could not find anything wrong with the colon, except for haemorrhoids. I was told the internal haemorrhoids are stage 1 . Should I have a colonoscopy to have a look at the full colon and see if there are no tumours inside? In the morning when I poo I don't struggle but during the day I feel there is not enough opening of my anus for the poo to come out and I have to push harder.
3. The main problem for which I am writing is the general state of unwell that I have for a week and a half. Basically, as soon as a wake up I feel I have no power, as I am lifeless, even breathing takes to much effort for me. I can hardly walk and I feel that even talking takes too much of my air. I have a pain in the upper side of my stomach and last Saturday I had pain in the chest going up to my left side of the neck. I feel dizzy, I have nausea and just feel as I will be fainting at any time. Sometimes is really really bad. Last Saturday I went to A&E as I thought is something wrong with my heart due to high blood pressure- at home is was 168 with 110. At A&E my blood pressure was 162 / 90 and after few hours, when they took it again it showed 150/88. They did a blood test to check something about the heart muscle and everything came out fine. They did urine test as well and this came out normal. I just felt, same as today, that I was breathless, I had cold sweats, that I have every day for the past week, I had bad headache and felt like I had nausea. I know I am not pregnant as I have not had sex for many months now. They told me that probably it was the virus as my asthma was very bad during the previous week. I do not believe it was a virus as I do not feel the same as when a have a flue or a cold. I think part of the problem is that for the past week or so, when I eat my stomach becomes much bigger and I cant breath properly- I don't think it was due to asthma my difficulty in breathing, it was more to do with acid reflux problem. I am scared to eat as soon as I take few spoons of food I start feeling breathless. What I don't understand is why do I feel so lifeless. I can hardly go to work, sometimes I can hardly talk on the phone, as it takes too much of my energy to do that and I feel like I will pass out anytime soon. I also have my fee cold and I have a feeling from time to time as they come out of numbness, although they did not fee numb.
I am scared to have the anaesthesia for the hysteroscopy procedure as I am not sure if I suffer with heart problem or not. On 17 November I have an appointment to see a cardiologist. Please let me know what investigations should I ask for to my GP and to the cardiologist.
Many thanks and best regards
I forgot to mention that I take simvastatin 40 mg and also olanzapine 2.5 mg (I had a psychotic episode 4 years ago). I alo take vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex and Coenzyme Q10.
Also, my father had installed a pacemaker this year- he is 79 years old.
Many thanks and best regards
Brief Answer:
Consultation with cardiologist is needed...
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
1. Having light brownish to green stool is indicative for possible:
- frequent bowel movements
- biliary issues.
If your doctor has checked your liver, it means, that biliary problems have been ruled out.
Passing the stool up to 4 times/day is one factor causing light brownish color of stool.
2. The size of stool you are referring is normal for patients suffering of hemorrhoids. If you had sigmoidoscopy more than 5 years ago, then, you should repeat the colonoscopy now.
3. Feeling bloating after eating and tighness in your chest might be due to:
- cardio-vascular problems
- acid reflux.
You are reporting to have high blood pressure but you are not reporting any medication for hypertension in your medical history.
You are taking simvastatin for high cholesterol I assume. Having high cholesterol problems, having a family history of heart problems and such elevated blood pressure increases your chances for cardio-vascular accident.
So, I highly recommend to:
- monitor your blood pressure (bp) and record the results to pass them to your doctor
- get an immediate appointment with cardiologist and run cardiac tests: ECG, cardiac echo, stress test
- run respiratory function tests and chest X-ray to evaluate your lungs.
Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida
Let me know if I can be of further help!
Consultation with cardiologist is needed...
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
1. Having light brownish to green stool is indicative for possible:
- frequent bowel movements
- biliary issues.
If your doctor has checked your liver, it means, that biliary problems have been ruled out.
Passing the stool up to 4 times/day is one factor causing light brownish color of stool.
2. The size of stool you are referring is normal for patients suffering of hemorrhoids. If you had sigmoidoscopy more than 5 years ago, then, you should repeat the colonoscopy now.
3. Feeling bloating after eating and tighness in your chest might be due to:
- cardio-vascular problems
- acid reflux.
You are reporting to have high blood pressure but you are not reporting any medication for hypertension in your medical history.
You are taking simvastatin for high cholesterol I assume. Having high cholesterol problems, having a family history of heart problems and such elevated blood pressure increases your chances for cardio-vascular accident.
So, I highly recommend to:
- monitor your blood pressure (bp) and record the results to pass them to your doctor
- get an immediate appointment with cardiologist and run cardiac tests: ECG, cardiac echo, stress test
- run respiratory function tests and chest X-ray to evaluate your lungs.
Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida
Let me know if I can be of further help!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dear Ms. Klerida,
I am so glad you write back to me. I wrote to you previously about my haemorrhoids problems and I was very pleased with your answer but did not know how to find you again and address the new questions to you.
I will see the cardiologist on 17 Nov 2014. What is Cardiac echo- is this echography of the heart? How about stress test- is the test where they put you on a treadmill and check your heart bits?
About my lungs- I had a x-ray in March this year and came out ok. Is it ok if I have another one now or is not so good to have too many x-rays in one year? Please explain what are respiratory function tests?
About the thickness of the stool- I had the sigmoidoscopy 1 month ago and came out ok. Should I ask for a full colonoscopy?4
Last but not least, what is the diet recommended for acid reflux/ Is drinking Aloe Vera safe as I read controversial information about this topic.
Many thanks and wish you a nice weekend
Best regards
XXXX
I am so glad you write back to me. I wrote to you previously about my haemorrhoids problems and I was very pleased with your answer but did not know how to find you again and address the new questions to you.
I will see the cardiologist on 17 Nov 2014. What is Cardiac echo- is this echography of the heart? How about stress test- is the test where they put you on a treadmill and check your heart bits?
About my lungs- I had a x-ray in March this year and came out ok. Is it ok if I have another one now or is not so good to have too many x-rays in one year? Please explain what are respiratory function tests?
About the thickness of the stool- I had the sigmoidoscopy 1 month ago and came out ok. Should I ask for a full colonoscopy?4
Last but not least, what is the diet recommended for acid reflux/ Is drinking Aloe Vera safe as I read controversial information about this topic.
Many thanks and wish you a nice weekend
Best regards
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Following tests for feeling fatigued...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXX
Nice to hear from you again.
1. Cardiac echo= echocardiograme (ultrasound of heart and blood vessels).
Yes, you are right, stress test is performed in a treadmill monitoring your heart waves (ECG).
2. If you have already performed X-ray of chest on March, and nothing was found, there is no need to repeat it at this moment.
Respiratory function test will evaluate the inspiration/expiration rates of your lungs, determining whether there is any problems with lung's function (asthma, etc.).
3. If sigmoidoscopy performed last month was ok, then, no need to run colonoscopy at this moment. Wait for another couple of years and if the symptoms will aggravate.
4. Commonly, I advise my patients with acid reflux to:
- avoid chilly,fried, spicy, oily foods
- eat often and small portions,
- do not lay down immediately after eating
- increase water intake
- take extra pillow to sleep (head to be raised higher than legs).
5. With regards to feeling tired, if I was your caring doctor would advise to run the following tests:
- complete blood count to exclude anemia
- blood electrolytes level to exclude imbalances
- urine analysis to exclude urinary tract infections
- fasting blood glucose/HbA1C level to exclude problems with high/low blood sugar levels.
Simvastatin you take is of statin drug's group. Many of my patients have reported muscle pain and fatigue while using statins. Report this to your caring doctor and discuss to stop using simvastatin for a month and see if anything changes.
Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida
Following tests for feeling fatigued...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXX
Nice to hear from you again.
1. Cardiac echo= echocardiograme (ultrasound of heart and blood vessels).
Yes, you are right, stress test is performed in a treadmill monitoring your heart waves (ECG).
2. If you have already performed X-ray of chest on March, and nothing was found, there is no need to repeat it at this moment.
Respiratory function test will evaluate the inspiration/expiration rates of your lungs, determining whether there is any problems with lung's function (asthma, etc.).
3. If sigmoidoscopy performed last month was ok, then, no need to run colonoscopy at this moment. Wait for another couple of years and if the symptoms will aggravate.
4. Commonly, I advise my patients with acid reflux to:
- avoid chilly,fried, spicy, oily foods
- eat often and small portions,
- do not lay down immediately after eating
- increase water intake
- take extra pillow to sleep (head to be raised higher than legs).
5. With regards to feeling tired, if I was your caring doctor would advise to run the following tests:
- complete blood count to exclude anemia
- blood electrolytes level to exclude imbalances
- urine analysis to exclude urinary tract infections
- fasting blood glucose/HbA1C level to exclude problems with high/low blood sugar levels.
Simvastatin you take is of statin drug's group. Many of my patients have reported muscle pain and fatigue while using statins. Report this to your caring doctor and discuss to stop using simvastatin for a month and see if anything changes.
Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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