Powdery stool

Hi,

I have a deep perianal fistula but I haven't been diagnosed with Crohn's or colitis. I've had gastrointestinal issues for a long time, the last couple of years with daily nausea and now the last few months with powdery orange stool.

I'm concerned as I recently had a sudden attack of sharp abdominal cramps and an immediate need to have a bowel movement. I noticed the stool to be orange colored and like powder. I reported it to my Gastroenterologist who scheduled a sigmodoscopy for me in July.

Has anybody had a similar experience? I can't seem to get any answers from my doctor as to why this is happening and I'm leaning towards a second opinion.

Thank you so much for your feedback!

Hi!

I'm very sorry to hear about your troubles.

I had a sigmoidoscopy done almost a week ago and everything was normal. At the time I was having issues with the abdominal pains & orange powdery stool, my gastroenterologist seemed puzzled and we never revisited the subject. He seemed more concerned about the rectal bleeding I was having after bowel movements.

He concluded after the sigmoidoscopy that the bleeding was probably a result of my healing from second fistula surgery. I still cannot explain these episodes of severe abdominal pain and resulting unusual stool.

I was hospitalized in October 2014 for what was term infectious colitis and had a colonoscopy which revealed some unusual crypt formations
But nothing conclusive for Crohn's or UC.

I would be very interested to hear what your doctor has to say about your symptoms. In the meantime, if I have any more episodes or get any information from my doctori'll be happy to let you know.

Best wishes to you for improved health!

I know what you mean. It's really awkward to talk about it.

Well, the first time I experienced powdery stool was in March. I hadn't been feeling well for several days. My bowel movements were precipitated by intense abdominal pain and an urgent need to go to the bathroom. I remembered this happened multiple times, and each time getting some relief from the pain. What alarned me was that I noticed the bowel movement each time were an orange color (never had that before) and it was almost like diarrhea and it was like dust when I flushed. I told my gastroenterologist and he and didn't seem too concerned by it. If it happens again, I'll need to be more aggressive in addressing it