I've read about a few similar issues but I didn't see one that was the exact same. When I start my computer my screen slowly fades out and then becomes a bright color although I can still see a shadow of what was up previously. If I close the top and reopen it it reloads for a second and then starts to fade out again. It works fine when hooked up to an external monitor. If I shake it then the screen will change for a second to whatever I have been doing most recently and then start to fade out again.

Im guessing it's some sort of harware problem, possibly something loose? Anyway, thank you for any help.

Loose connector between monitor and laptop OR issue with the backlight/inverter on the laptop itself.
You shouldn't have to shake it.