Hi,
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
I went through your post about issues related to your bowel movements.
Most of the symptoms except the duration point towards irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Few tests need to be done before calling it as IBS.
A complete blood count, stool analysis, blood glucose, thyroid function test, tests for celiac disease, small bowel biopsy and a colonoscopy are to be done.
Meanwhile you can take a course of Rifaximin,T.Librax and probiotic supplements for relief.
Discuss with your doctor before taking any medications.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Patient replied :
Hello,
What do you mean "except" the duration?
I've had glucose, thyroid and blood count and they're normal.
I'm trying to understand your reply. Doctor advised nothing is wrong otherwise I wouldn't pay for professional specialist.
Hi,
We usually diagnose IBS if the symptom duration is for at least 6 months.
You have mentioned your symptoms are for the past 4 months. That is why I said 'except for the duration'.
It is not a strict criterion.
As your doctor said, there is nothing serious and you have features of IBS.
And as advised in my earlier post , you can take rifaximin, librax and probiotics.
Patient replied :
Thank you for the reply.
My stomach pain is not as bad its more discomfort sometimes.
I started taking metamucil to firm up the stool. What i noticed that the stool is jagged and looks a little normal, but on two occasions there is a small part of the stool which is dark in colour and is a lot harder than the rest. Im not sure why it is only this small part which is usually a very dark brown closer to black and everything else isnt. It is like clay that can be pushed and not break apart. This is only a very small part of the stool usually at the end. Is this anything to beconcered about?
When i firt sit on the toilet it comes out really thin for a second but then it becomes normal size.
My bowel habits are a little weird, i go in the morning, then an hour later i go which is not normal for me.
I sometimes see that one side is flat, but this is rare.
What i find weird is that when i first go to bathroom it is more mushy and doesnt have much shape, but when i go the second time it does have shape and on two occasions when it has shape it was flat on one side.
I have attached 3 photos, the photo which says "Most of time" is what it is usually like without Metamucil.
Hi,
Thanks for the additional information.
Your symptoms are all suggestive of irritable bowel syndrome as mentioned earlier.
There is no need to worry about the shape or consistency of the stool.
I would advise you to get a colonoscopy done once if it was not done already.
This would help us know that nothing is obstructing in the colon and rectum that is changing the shape of the stool.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K