Soft, smelly stools

[nervousone65]

Experiencing soft smelly stools for 2 months, post antibiotic treatment. Any thoughts?

[PediAPRN]

It sounds very likely that you could have an infection.  The time line and history of antibiotics makes it sound like it could be a c diff infection.  That is a bacteria that over grows in your intestines sometimes when you take certain antibiotics.  It often causes diarrhea, cramping and very foul smelling bowel movements.  Since you said you have a proclivity towards harder stool, soft May seem weird, but if they are formed that would be a normal texture.  Unfortunately, the only way you can know for sure is to see your MD and get a stool culture, test for O&P and test for c diff specifically.  If your cultures come back normal then I would look at your diet.  Rule out more serious issues first.  Hope that helps.
Regards,
Pedi APRN

[nervousone65]

I didnt get one that strong. I had one for like 4 billion, made by the NOW brand. Not sure about lactose intolerant, never struggled with dairy in my life. I was hearing that I may need 50-100 billion live cultures a day. My digestive system has never been strong, ive struggled with constipation, and hard, dry stools my whole life. So u see, after the antibiotics 2 months ago, giving me soft easily passed stools are weird for me. Its not normal, it smells horrible. I know stool shouldnt be hard and dry(as I had before) but they shouldnt be smelly and soft as well.

[cnoevl21]

What kind of probiotic did you take? Cuz those ones you see commercials for like Align are crap. I'd go to a Whole Foods or Vitamin shop and pick up a more powerful probiotic. One with at least 10 probiotic strains and like 10 Billion or more live cultures. Something like Ultimate Flora. take that for a month and see if it helps. Also, any chance you're lactose intollerant? Go see a GI about it.

[nervousone65]

Ive done all that except for yogurt. I think my problem is that I keep eating sugars like ice cream and cakes. I havent cut out sugars, and some days I eat large quantities of it.

[cnoevl21]

Antibiotics fight off bacteria in your body. Unfortunately, it kills off the good bacteria as well as the bad. Whenever you take antibiotics, you should also take a good probiotic as well. You may be able to just eat some yogurt or drink some kifur, but if that isnt enough, go get your self a probiotic to take. I'd definitely take one now and see if that helps the current situation.