Need Advice Please! (hope This Isn't Tmi)

[somewhat-damaged]

I posted here before, and since have discussed Celiac as a concern with my doctor, and am awaiting tests this week! I have a question though, as this is a fairly new development and is concerning for me. I really hope this isn't too much information, but I am really concerned and don't have anyone I can talk to about it.

The past week it seems that anytime I eat, even a small meal, I have been rushing to the bathroom afterward. This is not that uncommon, but is definitely more noticeable to me. Anyway, the last few times have just been awful. Very very crampy, very immediate need and very loose stools. I have also noticed now my stools have either a yellow tinge to them or on occasions green. Like a brownish yellow, and it looks like there's FOAM that lines the top the water? It's almost every time I use the restroom! At first it looked greasy, but I can see it's actually like tiny bubbles. I am beginning to worry there's something very wrong.

Has anyone experienced this, or have any idea what I am talking about or what could cause it to look like this?

If it matters, the first time I noticed it was 30 minutes after eating half a sandwich, and a couple of Sunchips. Nothing greasy or unhealthy.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[CarolM]

The past week it seems that anytime I eat, even a small meal, I have been rushing to the bathroom afterward. This is not that uncommon, but is definitely more noticeable to me.

Actually, that would seem to me to be quite UNUSUAL. I don't think it's normal to need an urgent trip to the bathroom after eating. Cramps, discoloration, foam, etc., are all signs of a problem. I think it's definitely a sign that something is wrong. This is definitely something to discuss with your doctor. If you don't receive a satisfying answer, then it's time to change doctors. (And tell your current doctor why you're dismissing him/her.)

And no, it isn't TMI at all. We Celiacs are used to discussing all the details.

CarolM

ByTheWay, regarding your user name, there's no such thing as 'somewhat damaged.' Regardless of what you're told, Celiac Disease causes very real damage to the intestinal tract and there's no known mitigator for this damage. If you feel you're in distress, please continue to seek a proper diagnosis. And please let us know how you're doing.

[mftnchn]

I don't think what you describe is too unusual for undiagnosed celiac. Sounds like the GI tract is very reactive right now. I assume you are still eating gluten to finish your testing??

One of the primary things from the intestinal damage is fat malabsorption, and fatty stools are very common. There are a lot of ways this shows up but it seems to me that the foam or greasy look would likely be from passing fat.

Since you have tests this week, it is probably okay but I wouldn't suggest you let this situation go too long. If you have your blood tests and biopsy this week then you can immediately after try going gluten free to see if it helps the symptoms.

[MollyBeth]

Has anyone experienced this, or have any idea what I am talking about or what could cause it to look like this?

Hey, So I'm also new to all this...and after the initial shock and confusion...I've now been a little researching machine. There's still a lot of confusion but I'm slowly working it out.

Anywho...The other day I was researching my symptoms and I too have some problems like you described. I found an article on webMD I think you should check out... It kind of explains why we have those symptoms and also suggests a possibility of a problem with dairy.

this is the link to the article:

Open Original Shared Link

and this is an exerpt from the article...

Signs and symptoms of malabsorption of lactose are particularly prominent in individuals with celiac disease who have underlying lactose intolerance, a genetically determined reduction in the activity of lactase. Symptoms of lactose malabsorption (diarrhea, excessive flatulence (passing gas), abdominal pain and abdominal bloating or distension) occur because unabsorbed lactose passes through the small intestine and into the colon. In the colon, there is a normal bacterium that contains lactase and is able to split the lactose, using the resulting glucose and galactose for its own purposes. Unfortunately, when they split the lactose into glucose and galactose, the bacteria also release gas (hydrogen and /or methane). A proportion of the gas is expelled and is responsible for the increased flatus (passing gas) that may occur in celiac disease. Increased gas mixed in the stool is responsible for stool floating in the toilet bowl.

Not all of the lactose that reaches the colon is split and used by colonic bacteria. The unsplit lactose that reaches the colon causes water to be drawn into the colon (by osmosis). This promotes diarrhea.

I hope you find this helpful and you find some relief!

[mftnchn]

Yes, the lack of lactase is a problem. There are also a couple more carbohydrate digesting enzymes formed in the intestinal villi that may be missing because of the damage of celiac. This has been a real problem for me because after going gluten-free for over a year, I still was not making these enzymes. I am now doing much better after eliminating the carbs I can't digest from my diet, and hopefully now I can heal and maybe eventually will be able to reintroduce these foods again.

[somewhat-damaged]

Wow, thank you so much for all the replies! Stool problems is not one of those topics that many people want to talk about, so mentioning this to people I know, is not really something I can do. I really appreciate being able to come here.

I really appreciate ALL the information! I will look into the Lactose issue as well. I am still learning so much about Celiac and like issues, that I don't know what's normal or not.

And I never thought to describe stools as "fatty" but it really makes a lot of sense!

My doctor is very hard to talk to unless you are there in his office, so I will mention this as soon as I am there next (later this week)

And no, I have not gone Gluten Free yet, as I am waiting for the tests. That, and starting the diet is very overwhelming! I am not sure I even know where to start! Trying to learn about gluten free foods, is wow...

Thank you so much, again. I will research things people mentioned here right away!!

[somewhat-damaged]

OH! And I forgot to mention! In regards to my screen name, it's actually been one I have used for a very long time. It started after I heard one of my favorite songs, "somewhat Damaged" and the lyrics fit my life quite well for that time period in my life. The name just stuck. I use it now as a reminder, that we are all in our own ways, "somewhat damaged." My life, aside from the physical problems, is as good as I could have ever hoped. I have a wonderful family and fiance, a beautiful daughter.

It may sound oxymoronic but I view my name now, in a positive kind of way!

I forget how it sounds to other!