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Q: Odd Smelling Stools

asked by: ddlawyer on October 11th, 2004

New User

I have been having odd smelling, light colored stools off and on for the last six weeks that have a chemical odor (that I can only describe as smelling like mothballs). I've had numerous tests (abdominal cat scan, ultrasound, and hida), radiologic and blood tests all of which are normal. I've recently developed itching all over with no rash. I am not overweight. My appetite has diminished lately and I have lost maybe 3-4 pounds in the last month. I think I must be crazy since all of my medical tests have been normal, but how do I imagine this type of problem with my stools?

Anyone ever heard of or had a similar problem?

Thanks,

ddl

Replies(2)

05vette

replied on July 5th, 2008

New User

Stomach problems

I know the feeling i have been having trouble out of my stomach for over ten years and i haven't found out what is wrong with me yet. I have the fishy smelling stool, that is sometimes very loose and shapeless. I have had pretty much every test that i can think of but they turn out to be normal, but i don't feel normal. I was starting to think that maybe it was in my head, but after coming to this site i see that i am not alone. If you can find out what's wrong with you please keep in touch.

Kogen

replied on June 5th, 2009

New User

You should both get tested for something called H Pylori. It can cause the symptoms you describe and has been known to cause peptic ulcers. I was misdiagnosed with IBS because, like you, all the other tests came up negative. My doctor explained when that happens they diagnose you with IBS, which loosely translated means they have no idea what is causing your abdominal pain. It took me 10 years to get the proper diagnosis and my abdominal pain was gone 3 days into taking the meds (usually acid reducer like prilosec along with 2 different antibiotics). H Pylori can be diagnosed with simple blood test, or even a breath test. Good Luck, hope this helps.

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