Need some suggestions!

[liloleme76]

About a year ago, my bowel movements changed.  I have always had softer stools during my period, then after my period ended, they went back to normal.  Well, this time I started having softer bowel movements as usual but they never went back to "normal" like they always had. I was having stomach cramps (Ive actually had those for years, and it wasnt everytime I had BM, just once in a while) but they were relieved when I had a BM and once in a while I have to "go" right then.  I was also planning my wedding and was having a family issue so I was under a bit of stress. I was advised that I probably had a mild case of IBS and was told to take fiber supp to help.  I started taking the fiber supp and things got much better.  Lately (within the last couple of months) my bowel movements have become more flaky than anything and I pass alot of gas when I am trying to have a bowel movement.  Probably 75% of the time, there is mucus in my stool now.  My husband made some diet changes just before this started getting worse.  We started using ground turkey instead of beef, eating more fruit, etc, just a bit healthier diet trying to lose some weight and get in shape.  We also started working out 3-4 times a week.  Sometimes my BMs are of good quantity and other times very little at all comes out and the occasional cramps and urgency to go are still there, and cramps are always relieved with a bowel movement.  There is never any blood in my stool and I feel perfectly fine otherwise.  I do seem to be a bit more gassy than usual at times, but that seems to happen when I drink more than one soda in a days time.  Does anyone know if this should be a major concern or if this could still just be a case of IBS?  I have an appt with a Gastro Doc soon, so hopefully I can get this sorted out but I'm kind of a hypochondriac and dont want to spend the weekend in a total panic that there is something seriously wrong with me...  Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

[liloleme76]

I forgot to add also that I havent had a "normal" BM since we started the new diet I dont believe.  Is borderline diarrhea some of the time, but most of the time is just very mushy and kind of sticky looking, if you will...  Usually comes out in several small pieces, bout as big round as a pinky finger and a couple of inches long.  Also had CT and lots of blood work done a year ago and all was normal with the exception of some diverticula (but doc said no sign of diverticulitis at that time) and a "tiny renal cyst" (doc said was not concerned about any of these things), blood work was also A-OK.

[Subhro]

Hi

This may b a case of IBS. Start taking Pro-biotics. Hope the same will help.

Regards,
Subhro