Flat, curly stools with lower G.I. cramping

I am 37 year old male and am currently having flat stools, with lower G.I. cramping. No visible blood in stools and color appears normal. Funny thing is if I take some metamucil I can get rounded stools again, but if stop right back to flat. I also seem not much after my stools turned flat, to constantly have achy glands in shoulders, chest neck,etc. This has been going on for 3-4 months. Medications currently are 50 mg of Toprol and 25 mg of Thiazide. Had BP readings of 130-140 over 90-100. After meds now consistently 100-115 over 70-80. Any coincidence? Is the achy glands related to the digestive probs? Seeing my Doc this week but just looking for some possibilities.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Bowel habits and stool shapes vary from person to person.  Certainly the variation on food intake can determine stool shape.  

To ensure there is nothing going on (i.e. inflammatory bowel disease or a colorectal mass), a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy can be performed.  These are relatively comprehensive tests to evaluate the anatomy of the colon.

Gladular tenderness is associated with a variety of diseases - not just gastrointestinal.  For instance, any type if infection (GI or otherwise) can lead to those symptoms.  

If the GI tests are negative, and the stool shape continues, then consideration of irritable bowel syndrome can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.