Stool

[andyn81]

Hi

Apologies if this is a daft question but what is the definition of this? Also, do any of the usual bloods correlate with this?

Thanks in advance and apologies for the topic!

[AyrshireK]

Stool = poo = bowel movement.

[andyn81 in reply to AyrshireK]

Yes indeed….

[AyrshireK in reply to andyn81]

Have I answered your question?

[andyn81 in reply to AyrshireK]

Ah no - sorry I thought you were after clarity. I edited the title and removed 'pale'....my bad. Any thoughts now?

[AyrshireK in reply to andyn81]

Ah that makes more sense - pale stools.

Normal stools can vary in shades of brown, mostly due to your diet. Pale or light-colored stools, however, are not typical and may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

If your stools are pale or clay-colored, you may have a problem with the drainage of your biliary system, which includes your gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.

Your liver releases bile salts into your stools, giving the stools a brown color. If your liver is not producing enough bile, or if the flow of the bile is blocked and can’t drain from your liver, your stools may become pale or clay-colored.

Having occasional pale stools may not be a cause for concern. But if you persistently see pale stools, you may have a serious illness.

You should see a doctor whenever you have consistent pale or clay-colored stools to rule out illness and disease.

If pale stools are due to liver disease you'd expect to see changes in bilirubin levels in blood.

Problems with the liver or bile ducts can turn the stool pale.

There are two forms of bilirubin in the body. One type is passed in the urine or feces and the other type is bound to protein (albumin), which helps it stay in the blood vessels.

When a person has liver or biliary problems, bilirubin is unable to pass in the stool. This causes the stool to lose its color, giving it a more pale or clay-colored appearance.

Conversely, the body excretes excess bilirubin in the urine, giving it a darker or amber-colored appearance.

[andyn81 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you Katie - as always

I cannot claim they are that pale e.g.white or grey. Unfortunately I have also now been placed back on an SSRI which are well known for a degree of bowel upset.

Bilirubin was at the same level as always in tests a few weeks back - 9.

I even paid for a private GGT. Also an AST so I could calculate a FIB4 myself.

[TheTimer in reply to AyrshireK]

This kind of info is one of the reasons I follow BLT. Thanks!!

[Pete728]

Hows it going mate? What's the reason you've been put back in SSRI's? I've currently down to 20mg from 60mg. I thought you had come off then altogether?

[andyn81 in reply to Pete728]

I did Pete - but I went back about some joint stiffness and feeling hot - they are convinced its anxiety still.

[Readlots in reply to andyn81]

Aren’t stiffness and feeling hot symptoms of liver disease? Why do doctors put so much down to anxiety? Does the medication help with the stiffness and feeling hot? If not, I’d suggest talking to your liver nurse about whether it’s the right medication for you.

[andyn81 in reply to Readlots]

I don't know....I am not actually under a liver nurse as I don't know if I have a problem with it. That is my concern really.

[Readlots in reply to andyn81]

Well I’d say don’t invite trouble where there isn’t any. I assumed that you had a liver condition as you’re on a liver forum. If aches and being hot are your only symptoms then liver issues aren’t the obvious first choice for a diagnosis. I hope they resolve soon.

[andyn81 in reply to Readlots]

That's understandable - I guess it is just concern that has brought me here. I do appreciate that there are people going through far more. Despite this, I have found people to be very tolerant and helpful.

Being honest, I have had these symptoms for 18 months or more now.

[Pete728]

Stiffness and feeling hot= anxiety? That's a first! What they put you back on 20mg? I'm going to gradually try and reduce this last 20mg over the next month or 2

[MrGriswald]

hi there. I’m not in any an expert on the subject so can’t really help you with specifics. I was diagnosed while being screened for a bunch of stuff so my journey is probably not normal. If you are seeking specific advice I’d always stick to asking your dr in the first instance. Failing that, I’m sure the group chats are more likely to yield helpful information than little old me!

[andyn81 in reply to MrGriswald]

Thank you for considering all the same.