Question 1

I've been having this pain on the right side of my abdomen for about a week. At first, I thought it might just be gas pains and noticed I've been a bit constipated, so I took some stool softeners. But now, my stool has turned a light clay color. I read somewhere that this could be linked to gallstones. I tried to find out if the stool color change might be due to the stool softeners, but I couldn't find much information. Should I be worried and see a doctor right away, or should I wait to see if it continues?

Accepted Answer

Light clay-colored stool can indicate several possibilities:

Common Causes

1. Stool softeners (as you suspected)
2. Malabsorption (e.g., lactose intolerance, celiac disease)
3. Bile duct obstruction (unlikely with stool softeners)
4. Gastrointestinal infections (e.g., giardiasis)
5. Medication side effects (e.g., antibiotics, antacids)

When to Seek Medical Attention

1. Persistent or worsening abdominal pain
2. Diarrhea or vomiting
3. Blood in stool or vomit
4. Fever above 101.5F (38.6C)
5. Significant weight loss
   6. Persistent clay-colored stool beyond 2 weeks  SELF CARE                                            
1. Continue stool softeners only if prescribed.
2. Monitor stool color, consistency, and frequency.
3. Maintain a balanced diet.
4. Stay hydrated.

Question 2

I've just started with an airline, and part of the onboarding process involved a full body checkup. Everything came back normal except for my GGT level, which was at 56. Could you tell me what this might mean? Is there something specific I should be worried about, and would I need any kind of treatment? My company doctor mentioned it, so I'm just trying to understand it better.

Accepted Answer

A GGT level of 56 is slightly elevated, which can be caused by various factors such as alcohol consumption, liver disease, or certain medications. To address this, it is important to identify and address the underlying cause. In this case, since everything else in your liver function test is normal, it is likely not a serious issue. To help lower your GGT levels, you can consider making lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet.

Question 3

I've been dealing with GERD and gas issues for 10 years now and my doctor suggested nissen fundoplication surgery would this surgery actually help me or are there other options I should consider first

Accepted Answer

Nissen fundoplication can be effective for GERD resistant to meds. Discuss surgical risks, especially gas-bloat syndrome. If meds work well, surgery isn‚Äôt urgent.

Found a polyp with a stalk in my descending colon and feeling a bit nervous. How complicated is the surgery usually and how many days will I need to stay in the hospital? Also, how long does recovery typically take?

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I've been dealing with GERD and gas issues for 10 years now and my doctor suggested nissen fundoplication surgery would this surgery actually help me or are there other options I should consider first

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