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What Causes Persistent Diarrhea And Mucus Discharge From Anus?

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Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015
Question: Hi,
I've gad a good week of multiple diahhrea spells. foods come out as pieces, due to having gastric by pass 9 years ago. I had an ingunial hernia also on 11/17/2014. The diahrea has been mostly brown to black, and lately a tinge of red due to irritation I think, but it also has what looks like snot or whitish mucous in it. MY MOM just passed away on August 28th, so i'VE TAKen too much time off work to get to the doctor yet. My appt is XXXXXXX 8th. my mom had C dificile as well , when ill, and I was a major parof her care giving. I do take vitamins and have RDS, so I take htdrocodone for break thru pain and I wear a fentanyl patch. 75mcgs. Ive had diahrea at least 5 times today, maybe 6. Cramps too. What are your thoughts?This occurred for a few days in october as well, but not this intense. I' ve dropped around 10 pounds this week. Down to 116 now. With gastric bypass, that's easy to do. I'm exhausted, admittedly stressed about funds, Christmas without my mom, but I'm a pretty tough person who handles stress well. Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
concern about infection/bleeding

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question.

The mucus and diarrhea are concerning for infection and it could be C. difficile. I think you should get tested for that as soon as possible. The other thing that is concerning is the black colored stool. You are right that the red bleeding could be from local irritation around the rectum, but black stool indicates bleeding higher up in the digestive system. With that I would be concerned about bleeding in the area of the stomach or upper intestines. You have reasons to be stressed, but with the black stools, mucus and weight loss I would suggest a trip to Emergency or Urgent care if you can not get in to see your doctor before January 8th.

I hope you get a diagnosis and treatment soon. I am very sorry about the loss of your mother.

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (5 hours later)
Hi Dr Robinsin,
Thank you for getting back to me. I just had another bowel movement. Diahrea. If I were to catch a stooll sample this next time and refrigerate it overnight, I know I can get a drs order for it to be tested tomorrow. Would that stool sample be okay after refridgeration to take to the lab? Thank you so much
Regards
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Should be okay.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Yes, this should be okay for stool culture and parasite examination. If you have another stool this morning take that one. The fresher the better for these tests.

I hope you get an answer and treatment soon.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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Answered by
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Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Diarrhea And Mucus Discharge From Anus?

Brief Answer: concern about infection/bleeding Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for your question. The mucus and diarrhea are concerning for infection and it could be C. difficile. I think you should get tested for that as soon as possible. The other thing that is concerning is the black colored stool. You are right that the red bleeding could be from local irritation around the rectum, but black stool indicates bleeding higher up in the digestive system. With that I would be concerned about bleeding in the area of the stomach or upper intestines. You have reasons to be stressed, but with the black stools, mucus and weight loss I would suggest a trip to Emergency or Urgent care if you can not get in to see your doctor before January 8th. I hope you get a diagnosis and treatment soon. I am very sorry about the loss of your mother. Regards,