HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Yellow Stool, Diarrhea, Back Pain And Painful Cramps In Upper Abdomen?

default
Posted on Tue, 7 Jun 2016
Question: Hi, after symptoms of, yellow stool, yellow diahorrea,mid back pain , upper right quadrant crampy pain, some left upper quadrant pain occasionally, and a wide spread dull ache across mid abdomen. I also have lost 7lbs in weight in 2 weeks. I also notice some drops of oil on water in toilet after a bowel movement. I returned to my dr today who is insistent on it all being down to my long standing health anxiety. I would like to know if this seems like a fair assumption. She told me the yellow oily stools are probably a result of a rapid digestion through anxiety and the body not having time to properly absorb the fats and nutrients. That the abdominal pain can be caused by contracting intestinal muscles, trapped wind, even psychological, and that the weight loss and lack of appetite are clearly down to the anxiety diahorrea? Does this seem a plausible explanation to you? I have had a transabdominal ultra sound, liver function tests, cbc, amylase levels tested, inflammation blood tests and all have returned normal, would it be likely that that something would show a slight indication if it were pancreatic cancer? They seem to think some abnormality would surface somewhere?? Also anxiety doesn't explain the mid / upper back pain that is a symptom of pancreatic cancer? Could anxiety cause localised back pain? Overall I guess I'm trying to say, do you, and should I trust the doctors when they insist that it isn't pancreatic cancer at age 33 with the symptoms I've described. Really I'm just looking for a second professional opinion. Thanks in advance.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Hanif (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Suggestive of IBS-Diarrhoea Predominant and yes--Anxiety too!!!

Detailed Answer:
I welcome you here to HCM with Dr. Hanif. I feel obliged that I may be able to help you today in resolution of some doubts you raised. After thorough review of your symptoms I want to add that these type of pains, IBS and anxiety have very strong relationship. That's why we also add treatment of anxiety in IBS management.

Your symptoms of ( yellow stool, yellow diarrhea,mid back pain , upper right quadrant crampy pain, some left upper quadrant pain occasionally, and a wide spread dull ache across mid abdomen. I also have lost 7lbs in weight in 2 weeks. I also notice some drops of oil on water in toilet after a bowel movement) all suggest IBS-Diarrhoea predominant type and there is least chance of pancreatic cancer.

Color of stool being yellow is normal as this is due to breakdown of a pigment in liver. Oil is due to undigested fat particles that is devoid of processing in small intestines by the action of pancreatic enzymes and bile from liver and gallbladder. This happens when there is fast movement of food and it remains undigested.

With reference to your amylase and other tests it is less likely to be a pancreatic cancer as if there is damage to the pancreas amylase goes high beyond 450U/L. And also with other tests they done it is least likely that pancreatic cancer was missed.

Yes--localized pain in the back can be due to nutritional deficiency and it is very much prevalent. That's why here in US it is practiced to add multivitamins too in the management of back pain. Muscles work on the basis of fluid and electrolyte balance and if there is imbalance of them due to diarrhea, indigestion and other nutrient deficiency there is obvious reason for pain in the main muscles transmitting the weight of body to lower limbs (the back or the spinal muscles).

You need to consult a Gastroenterologist for proper evaluation and management of your GI issues and also he may add anxiolytic medications if needed to control your anxiety. If needed he may refer you to a Psychiatrist too...

Hope it helps. Please feel free to ask me for more if you need further assistance. You have the option to click on close discussion if satisfied here. For future direct and fast medical help please click: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd

Regards!
DR. HANIF
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Hanif (21 minutes later)
Thanks so much for your informative reply. Much of this was the information I was missing. You have been most helpful.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Hanif (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are always welcomed !!!

Detailed Answer:
It is my pleasure that it was of some help for you today. Your words of appreciation mean a lot to me as a Physician.

Click on close the discussion to conclude this session and please also add your precious feedback. For future direct and fast medical help please click: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd

Regards!
DR. HANIF
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammad Hanif

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 2369 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Yellow Stool, Diarrhea, Back Pain And Painful Cramps In Upper Abdomen?

Brief Answer: Suggestive of IBS-Diarrhoea Predominant and yes--Anxiety too!!! Detailed Answer: I welcome you here to HCM with Dr. Hanif. I feel obliged that I may be able to help you today in resolution of some doubts you raised. After thorough review of your symptoms I want to add that these type of pains, IBS and anxiety have very strong relationship. That's why we also add treatment of anxiety in IBS management. Your symptoms of ( yellow stool, yellow diarrhea,mid back pain , upper right quadrant crampy pain, some left upper quadrant pain occasionally, and a wide spread dull ache across mid abdomen. I also have lost 7lbs in weight in 2 weeks. I also notice some drops of oil on water in toilet after a bowel movement) all suggest IBS-Diarrhoea predominant type and there is least chance of pancreatic cancer. Color of stool being yellow is normal as this is due to breakdown of a pigment in liver. Oil is due to undigested fat particles that is devoid of processing in small intestines by the action of pancreatic enzymes and bile from liver and gallbladder. This happens when there is fast movement of food and it remains undigested. With reference to your amylase and other tests it is less likely to be a pancreatic cancer as if there is damage to the pancreas amylase goes high beyond 450U/L. And also with other tests they done it is least likely that pancreatic cancer was missed. Yes--localized pain in the back can be due to nutritional deficiency and it is very much prevalent. That's why here in US it is practiced to add multivitamins too in the management of back pain. Muscles work on the basis of fluid and electrolyte balance and if there is imbalance of them due to diarrhea, indigestion and other nutrient deficiency there is obvious reason for pain in the main muscles transmitting the weight of body to lower limbs (the back or the spinal muscles). You need to consult a Gastroenterologist for proper evaluation and management of your GI issues and also he may add anxiolytic medications if needed to control your anxiety. If needed he may refer you to a Psychiatrist too... Hope it helps. Please feel free to ask me for more if you need further assistance. You have the option to click on close discussion if satisfied here. For future direct and fast medical help please click: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd Regards! DR. HANIF