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Orange mucus in stool persisting?
My gut has been flaring and I’ve never experienced this before. Probably about 8 months ago, I started seeing orange/yellow mucus when I was to wipe my stool. I originally thought nothing of it. It’s continued very consistently every time I have gone to the restroom, and sometimes it is just when I wipe, others my actual stool is orange. Honestly, I don’t eat a lot of carrots or any orange foods, which was my first thought. I’ve had some pain (only at night) around my middle to lower right abdomen. The stool has sometimes had stringy portions in it that almost look like flayed rope? I’ve been to a gastroenterologist before, maybe two years ago, gotten a colonoscopy and endoscopy done and I had ulcers. I went for stomach pain which the ulcers caused and the doctor linked to ibuprofen. I haven’t had that same type of pain again, thank goodness. The type of stool hasn’t been very consistent. Sometimes its diarrhea, sometimes its constipation. The only consistent has been the orange/yellow mucus. I have no pain in my rectum unless I’m constipated. I’ve noticed lately my stool has also smelled very, very foul. I have not started any new medication. I would just like some help… should I be concerned? Is this a normal thing?
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If you haven’t had your stool tested for bacteria or parasites it’s time to do so.
I recently had a test done for similar issues called H-Pylori, it’s a bacteria and the test is very simple, I haven’t had my results yet but if it’s positive they just put you on antibiotics for a while.
What you are describing does not sound normal unless you are consuming a lot of foods high in betacarotene -carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, mangoes or apricots or foods with artificial dyes.
I highly suggest you get tested to see if you have a gut bacterial infection, yeast infection, fungal infection or parasites.
Most doctors do not test for any of these. I finally went to a Functional Medicine doctor who diagnosed me. I had acid reflux for quite some time and doctors kept putting me on a PPI - a proton pump inhibitor. I did fine while I was on it but as soon as I went off, all my symptoms returned. I was on a merry go round!
If you would like to check out a functional medicine doctor, you can find one by city and state on the website:
ifm.org.
Best to you!
Very smelly poo and your other specifics can be signs of EPI, Aka: lack of pancreatic enzymes. These enzymes are what truly digest your food. Get an Elastase test!
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2 Reactions@venture My non medical opinion is take pictures. I have a poop diary.
I think you have an issue and need to be seen.
It is hard to find a good GI Dr. because severe EPI is not common. My Dr never figured out I had severe EPI. It was the nurse practitioner who suggested I get the test. I have switched GI Drs. since. Unfortunately , Typically tests for bad bacterias is what is ordered and not the elastase test. It’s poop, do all the tests…LOL.
Hi @marc01andre. I am tagging @darklighterr who has mentioned orange stool and may have more to share.
What you are going through sounds really frustrating, especially since it’s been going on for about 8 months and doesn’t seem to be improving.
While occasional mucus with stool can happen for a variety of reasons, mucus that’s persistent, changes in stool color, alternating diarrhea and constipation, worsening odor, and abdominal pain are all good reasons to check back in with your gastroenterologist rather than assuming it’s nothing. Even though you had a colonoscopy and endoscopy a couple of years ago, new or ongoing symptoms deserve a fresh evaluation.
It may be helpful to keep a simple log of your symptoms, including when you notice the mucus, the color and consistency of your stools, the abdominal pain, and any foods or other symptoms that seem to go along with it. That information can be very useful for your healthcare team.
If you notice severe abdominal pain, fever, significant bleeding, black or tarry stools, unexplained weight loss, or you’re unable to keep fluids down, those would be reasons to seek prompt medical care.
A couple resources you may find helpful:
- Mayo Clinic’s Stool color: When to worry
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/expert-answers/stool-color/faq-20058080
- What Are The Reasons For Orange Stool?
https://www.doctorshealthpress.com/orange-stool-causes-prevention-tips/
Have you already reached out to your gastroenterologist about these new symptoms, or is this something you’re just starting to look into?
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