Large Round Stool has me concerned...

[MsBunky]

Hello,

I suffer from IBS, predominantly constipation. I often go four or five days without a bowel movement. Sometimes, I'll have mucous to wipe instead of an actual bowel movement.

When I finally do have a bowel movement, the stool is large and round - the size of a large meatball is the best way to describe it. The stool is firm but not super hard. Occasionally, the shape will be more "normal", but smells extremely bad and seems "gassy". I have not experienced stools that float.

I have Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pelvic Pain, Osteroarthritis and Type 2 Diabetes. I am on OxyNeo and Tramadol for pain plus Cymbalta, Cyclobenzaprine and Temazepam. I know that these meds can cause constipation, but my major concern is the large size and round shape of most of my bowel movements.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this. I have recently moved and just found a new GP, so there hasn't been an opportunity to get a referral to a specialist yet.

Thank you for your time.
Pamela

[MsBunky]

Thank you for your ideas Dave. I see my new family doctor on Wednesday and will ask him about your suggestions. Much appreciated!

Pamela

[Dave2436]

Also, have you been tested for SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)? I recently read that IBS is quite often diagnosed when the true cause is SIBO. A simple hydrogen breath test can diagnose this.

[Dawna123]

Ask for biopsy done with gastroscopy for h phylori bacterial stomach infection they can do a breathalyzer to test for it also , it's less invasive than gastroscopy. Lots of people have this , it causes stomach ulsers & untreated can turned into stomach cancer , good luck & god bless

[Dave2436]

I'd recommend taking a stool softener once a day as well.

[MsBunky]

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will discuss them with my new doctor next week at my appointment and get things implemented asap.

I appreciate that you took the time to respond, with healthy suggestions.

Pamela
:-)

[Johnson_28]

If you aren't going for that long, there is a problem. As time goes on, moisture is sucked out of the colon and forms large/hard stools. That is the reason why waiting anymore than 2-3 days to have a bowel movement is not healthy. This can also cause all sorts of problems - hemorrhoids, fissures, pelvic floor dysfunction, etc.

I would stop this IMMMEDIATELY if I were you. Start eating high fiber fruits like pears, apples, grapes inbetween meals (not with) and drink at least 64 oz of water a day. After eating fiber, ALWAYS drink water. Look into soluble and insoluble fiber. Take lots of oils - fish oil, flax seed oil, coconut oil, etc. Be sure to do 2 tbs of each staggered throughout the day. Remove gluten, pasta, rice and absolutely anything constipating from your diet. No one ever seems to want to do this but it's crucial in not developing further problems down the road!!!

Set a certain 'time' to use the bathroom. Morning is best. Drink warm tea and sit on the toilet after a meal for 20 minute or so. if you do not produce a bowel movement, use a suppository to help things along.

Miralax works for some folks but use it sparingly and DO NOT give yourself diarrhea. Avoid diarrhea at all costs as it will worsen constipation problems. Also look into Magnesium Citrate. This is natural, will relax you and will give you healthy BM's. IF needed, get the liquid Magnesium Citrate. If you need a 'laxative' of some kinda be sure to use MOM as it is the safest choice available.

There are LOTS of things you can try - just be sure you do not use stimulant or herbal laxatives as these can cause dependency.