Not an over action

[Linzenilss38]

So I know I have posted here before. Clear labs and ultrasound 6 months ago. I didn’t stop drinking and now for 2 days have liver pain nausea and very light almost white stools and the only thing that points to that is liver disease. Any one else expierce almost white stool. I feel it’s a clear indicator and I’m so mad at myself

[Hidden]

Lady reported similar few months ago, her child developed it later. It was just a bug. GP will confirm it for you. Would kick the booze, you’re like me worrying yourself sick. Xxxxxxxx

[Linzenilss38]

I drank a half of a bottle of fireball everyday for a year and a half and they say white stool is pretty much liver disease. Even tonight labs and ultrasound good 6 months ago I’m sure it could turn bad in that amount of time

[Hidden in reply to Linzenilss38]

What is Fireball? Maybe you drank this and little food, that could cause pale stools I bet. Your doc will let you know what’s what. More likely to be a one off.

[Linzenilss38 in reply to Hidden]

It’s whiskey. Half a bottle for a year and a half I’m sure can cause liver disease

[Hidden in reply to Linzenilss38]

You need to give it up that’s for sure, talk to your doc. Xxxxxxx good luck

[AyrshireK]

You need to see a doctor if you are passing white or very pale stools. Liver disease is just one of several potential causes so you need to get checked out.

Pale stool: Causes and treatments

When to see a doctor

Summary

Many things can change the color of stool, including vitamins, infections, and certain foods. Some underlying medical problems, such as gallbladder and liver disease, can also change stool color. Pale stool, especially if it is white or clay colored, can indicate a serious health problem.

When adults have a pale stool with no other symptoms, it is usually safe to wait and see if the stool returns to normal.

Causes of pale stool

Consuming fatty foods may make a person’s stools pale in color.

Bile from the liver creates the typical brown hue of a healthy bowel movement. When the stool is very pale, it often means that not enough bile is reaching the stool.

Problems with the gallbladder, pancreas, or liver are reasons why stool may not contain enough bile. People who have consistently pale stools may want to talk to a doctor about conditions that affect these organs.

The most common reasons for a pale stool color include:

1. Foods

Some foods may lighten the color of stool, especially fatty foods, or those containing food coloring. Vitamins that include iron can turn the color of stool dark brown.

It is fine for bowel movements to be lighter than usual occasionally. If they are white or clay colored, however, it could mean a person has an underlying medical condition.

2. Giardiasis

Giardiasis is an infection that may turn the stool light or bright yellow. Giardia lamblia, the most common intestinal parasite in the world, causes the infection. A person can contract this parasite by drinking contaminated water or being in close contact with someone who has the infection.

Giardiasis is more common in regions with inconsistent access to clean water.

The most common symptoms of giardiasis include stomach pain, headache, swollen stomach, vomiting, and fever. A doctor can write a prescription for a drug that kills the parasite. With treatment, most people feel better in a few days.

3. Medications

Certain drugs and medications can damage the liver, especially when a person takes more than the dosage their doctor or the manufacturers recommend.

Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, for example, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can harm the liver. A person who notices a pale stool after taking a new medication or after taking OTC pain relievers for a long time or in excess of the correct dose may have medication-related liver damage.

It is best to stop taking the drug, if it is not a prescription medication, and see a doctor as soon as possible.

4. Gallbladder disease

The gallbladder holds bile and is located on the upper right side of the stomach, next to the liver. During digestion, the gallbladder releases bile into the intestines through the bile duct. Gallbladder diseases can change the color of stool.

Gallstones, one of the most common gallbladder diseases, can block the bile duct, causing intense pain, nausea, vomiting, and pale stool. Without treatment, gallstones can cause problems with other organs, such as the pancreas and liver.

Treatments for gallbladder problems depend on the cause. A doctor may have to remove gallstones, either surgically or with medication to dissolve them.

A person can live a normal life without their gallbladder, and so a doctor may remove the gallbladder in the case of recurrent gallstones. Doctors may advise changes to a person’s diet after surgery.

5. Liver problems

Problems with the liver or bile ducts can turn the stool pale. There are many types of liver disease, including:

infectious diseases, such as hepatitis A, B, and C

liver damage from alcohol consumption

fatty liver disease, most common in those with obesity or who eat a high-fat diet

autoimmune diseases, which happen when the body attacks the cells of the liver

failure of other organs

liver cancer

liver cysts

Wilson disease, a genetic condition where the body retains too much copper

Treatment for liver disease depends on the specific condition and how far it has progressed. For mild liver disease, a person may only need medication and to make lifestyle changes. Those with severe liver disease may need a liver transplant.

When problems with another organ, such as the gallbladder, cause problems with the liver, a doctor must treat that condition as well.

In addition to pale stool, other symptoms of liver disease include:

nausea and vomiting

fatigue

very dark urine

fatty stool

itching

swelling in the ankles or legs

Anyone under a doctor’s care for liver disease should report any changes to stool color.

6. Pancreas problems

Diseases of the pancreas can make it hard for this organ to secrete pancreatic juices into the digestive system. This can lead to the food moving too quickly through the gut, causing a pale and fatty-looking stool.

Some conditions can cause pancreatitis, which is swelling and inflammation of the pancreas. These include:

infections

gallstones

excessive alcohol consumption

a high-fat diet

pancreatic cancer

Treatment for pancreatitis depends on the cause. Some people need hospitalization, fluids, or antibiotics. Surgery may treat some forms of pancreatitis. When another condition causes pancreatitis, such as gallstones, a doctor must also address that issue.

[Hidden]

As Katie has said on this thread, it is very important to report your symptoms to a doctor.

[Hidden]

Hi.Please take notice of Katie's excellent reply to you.

You are drinking to dangerous levels and urge you to seek help in giving up as it appears you are struggling to manage it alone. Speak honestly to your doctor, don't feel ashamed, they will not judge you, just please get professional help.

Good luck to you.

Laura

[Linzenilss38 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you it’s terrifying to think only a year and a half and now I maybe have cirrhosis at 39

[Hidden in reply to Linzenilss38]

I know, but if you kick the booze, eat healthily and exercise you may be able to reverse a certain amount of liver damage. Worse case scenario, you have cirrhosis, even then with a new healthy lifestyle and medication for symptoms, it doesn't have to be a death sentence. So it's very important you get a diagnosis one way or the other, improve your lifestyle and take it from there. There are a good many knowledgeable people here who will help and support you. Laura x

[Linzenilss38 in reply to Hidden]

I’m definitely going to stop drinking!! My stool is normal color today. I wonder if I had an ongoing problem or would have stayed that almost white color

[Hidden in reply to Linzenilss38]

Don't worry yourself with symptoms, it will just make them worse. Just concentrate on getting off the booze that is you first priority, the rest will gradually take care of themselves over time.

[cammeag]

Hi. You sound like me fifteen years ago. Every twinge, every ache, every little pain in my big toe and I would scream within myself, `I HAVE FINALLY DONE IT TO MYSELF!!!’ Truth is, it takes a lot more, for some, than what your doing to develop life threatening cirrhosis. All of us have liver damage to a degree. My consultant used to say many years ago,`You haven’t got cirrhosis David. (It was always my fear too). But, as sure as eggs are eggs’. Do you know what? Fifteen years later, in my 54th year, those eggs hatched and my liver was decompensated and I nearly died. DO NOT WORRY YOURSELF INTO THAT PLACE. Please! The mind will worry. You will drink to stop worrying. It is a vicious road, not circle, because the destination is liver failure. Your stools will be normal in a week if you stop now. Your pains and nausea too if you get yourself into a healthy programme for your whole life not just a bad habit that will kill you. I am here if you need help, so are the others. Sit back, take stock, take a deep breath and jump. You may be pleasantly surprised. I was 😁🙏