Inconsistent Bowel Movements

Dr.

I am a 41 y/o male.  About 4 weeks ago I had what my GP considered a GI infection.  It was about 1/2 day of bloody diarrhea (red) followed by a week of normal size and shape stools that were laced with what looked like "worms" of fat. I also had an ache across my lower gut.

After 7 days, the ache went away and my bowel movements became more normal (no "fat worms"), although they were large and slightly painful to pass.  This lasted for 10 days.

On the tenth day I started with diarrhea (non bloody) which lasted about 3 days, although formed bowel movements occurred in between episodes of diarrhea.  Since then I have had loose stools with no visible blood and a slight ache and slight urgency and the bms seem to occur about twice a day.  For these bms usually the first half of the bm will be formed and in the bottom of the bowl. The second will be very loose and float in the toilet (sort of diarrhea).  I also had a few days of green stool.  I have not eaten much from stress and fear that this is something horrible, although i did take a little probiotic which seemed to help.

Lastly, I had cramping in the mid right quadrant and a little in the mid back.  Both those came and went when they were happening and seem to have stopped entirely.

I know you cannot diagnose over the internet, but:

1. Does the initial symptom sound like a GI infection?
2. Is 7 days about the time those last?
3. Could the GI infection have caused the 10 days of hard bowel and then the soft stool?
4. Could it simply have irritated my bowel and/or cleared out the good bacteria?
5. Does colon cancer cause susceptibility to infection?
6. Does any of this sound like colon cancer

Thank you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) A GI infection is certainly possible.

2) Most GI infections last anywhere from 5 to 10 days, sometimes sooner.

3) Alternating hard and soft stool can be indicative of irritable bowel syndrome.  Infections typically present as diarrhea.

4) As mentioned earlier, irritable bowel syndrome is possible.  

5) Not typically.

6) Blood in the stool should always be considered for colon cancer.  If this is suspected, a colonoscopy should be performed.

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.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com