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The doctor will examine you and ask questions such as:
- Time pattern
- When did this first occur?
- Is every stool this way?
- Medications
- What medications are being taken?
- Have you changed medication in any way?
- Associated symptoms
- Is there any abdominal pain?
- Is there any jaundice?
- Has there been darkening of the urine?
- Is there diarrhea?
- Is there any fever, chills, or night sweats?
The physical examination will include emphasis on the abdominal region. The findings may indicate a need for surgery.
Your doctor may perform:
- A full history, noting any medications or habits, such as heavy drinking or intravenous drug use
- Blood work, including liver function tests and tests for viruses
- Imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound
- Endoscopy studies with a long, flexible scope passed through the mouth to the small intestine (ERCP, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to pale or clay-colored stools, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
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