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My new GI performed a Pouchoscopy and Gastroscopy last month.  It went down without any issues.  I chose to get sedated because of the Gastroscopy.  I don't remember anything!  I was completely out of it during the procedure and woke up afterwards.

The doctor sent me on my way to get some bloodwork and stool samples.  She seems very thorough and wanted to test for everything.  I had my bloodwork done, and from what I could see from the results, everything looked to be in the normal range.

Stool samples...  She wanted me to get a couple small ones done.  Like the standard kind, you get a small sample and spoon it into a couple of small plastic bottles.  BUT, she also wanted me to do a different stool test which I have never heard of before.  The lab at my local hospital gave me a large can (just like a paint can) which was marked "CHEMISTRY" on it.  They told me that I had to empty ALL of my bowel movements into the can for 72 STRAIGHT HOURS!  I was shocked to get these instructions.  I was dumbfounded!  Anyway, following the doctor's orders, I thought it would be best to get the task done ASAP.  Since I didn't have much planned this past weekend, I decided to start Friday morning.  72 hours later, and well over half the bucket full, I was done first thing this morning!  It was definitely one of the most disgusting assignments I have ever had!

Can anyone tell me what the purpose of this 72-hour project would be?   I haven't had a chance to speak with the doctor's office yet.  Have any of you had to do your business in a can for 3 days?  All I can say is that I am sure glad it's over!  I had to make sure I didn't venture too far from home over the weekend.  The last thing I wanted to do was have to carry the can somewhere with me!  Talk about nasty!  I am a little confused as to why this was requested...

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72-hour fecal fat is a (somewhat unreliable) test for malabsorption. The other chemistries that she ordered are less commonly collected, but may be intended to rule out things like pancreatic issues. Your symptoms and issues will have hopefully guided the doctor in this.

The collection is indeed disgusting, but now imagine the poor tech who has to open and measure that stuff.

Scott F

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