Post Covid Constipation?

[Xtreme]

For the past month after a bout with Covid/Flu, my bowel movements consist of passing stools that come out in pieces. For years intermittently I might experience this on occasion, but this would go away in a matter of days on its own, or with some additional fiber into the diet. I noticed that immediately after Covid subsided I was constipated and didn't go for a few days -- then I started getting regular again, except this persistent breakage. At times it feels like it breaks as it passes (looks rather normal other than coming out in pieces); other times it just comes out in pieces with the pebble look. Haven't gone the laxative route yet but have tried some apple pectin with mixed results so far; one night I drank smooth move tea but that didn't do anything.

Any thoughts on having these types of symptoms post covid?

Figure this sounds like a bout of persistent constipation but the duration (a month now) is longer than I have experienced before. Any thoughts or similar experiences?

[AnnieBrooke]

Because Covid is so new, there is no complete list of what kinds of body systems it affects. You might check descriptions of people's symptoms who have long Covid.  Here's a link: https://www.nhsinform.scot/long-term-effects-of-covid-19-long-covid/about-long-covid/signs-and-symptoms-of-long-covid   People who have written in to MedHelp about long-Covid problems don't usually mention their digestive system, though. It's usually more about exhaustion and brain fog.

If you're over 45, a change in your poops can also be a signal to talk to your doctor and do one of those fecal-occult tests to make sure you don't have colorectal cancer. The test is not a big deal, you do it at home and mail it in. Here's a link from the CDC's website: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/index.htm

[AnnieBrooke]

Also, the classic reason for pellet poop is dehydration. It's been unusually hot in a lot of places. If that is true where you are, how has your fluid intake been?

[Xtreme]

Thank you! It has got warmer and did need to increase water intake. Smooth Move actually worked but will increase fiber and hydrate and monitor. Only thing I could really equate it to was Covid because it was a change I noticed immediately as I recouped, but will monitor and see. Thanks again.