Questions on bowel color and causes - Bowel Disorders Message Board

MrShannon · 03-13-2006, 01:36 PM

Hi all. I'm 30, I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Lately, for about up to 6 months, I've been noticing changes in my bowels. Sometimes loose, sometimes hard, but more importantly, the color seems to be changing, away from my "normal" I went through about a month of "grassy green" colored bowel, then, it started to change to a pale yellowish color. I still have the yellowish color. Does anyone know what this could be caused from? Can it be IBS or Gerd? Or can anxiety cause this? Could it be anything serious? Like cancer or HIV or something? I know I've been tested for both but I"m still a little nervous about my health cuz I'm a hypochondriac too LOL
Any repsonse would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

indyana · 03-14-2006, 01:09 PM

I would not worry about anything like cancer or HIV or IBS. I was diagnosed with IBS about 2 years ago. If you have days that you feel that you have no control over your bowels and can't stop going to the bathroom, and you have abdominal crampping also, than this is probably IBS. Do you get constipated alot, because IBS w/constipation is possible, but it is seen more in women. You might want to consider your diet,any suplements and vitamins you take. These could possibly explain the color change. If you had loose bowels caused by IBS, than you would see a black color, which is an indication of bowel straight from the stomach, which is consistent with IBS. You can rule out IBS if none of the above apply. Also IBS is a diagnoses after everything else has been ruled out. You should watch your diet and if it does not change than consider seeing a gastroenterologists.

Hope this helps or reassures you.

MrShannon · 03-14-2006, 03:58 PM

Thanks for the response Indyana, It definately eases my mind. I appreciate it.