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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Change in bowel habits
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Change in bowel habits
by karlad, Aug 27, 2005 12:00AM
For one month, starting on July 28th I started with diarrhea twice a day, it reduced to once a day. A couple of days I have been constipated with no bowel movement on that dat. Since that time I have not had a normal bowel movement. I only go once a day, but it is almost always loose or very soft and sometiems followed with diarrhea. I have had no formed stools in a month. I have noticed no blood. There is no pain. Ocassional bubble feeling in stomach. There is mucus in the stool also once in a while. A couple of times the stools have been very thin, almost pencil like. There is no urgency. It only happens when I have my daily BM. I am a 40 year old female. I am concerned about colon cancer, but do not know if any of these symptoms could be colon cancer or some other diseae. I did a ova and parasite test, but have not gotten the results back yet. When I did the sample I noticed some mucus, possibly a little blood, but mostly just very soft, thin stools. I have been nervous about this and not able to eat very much, so that could also maybe cause the change in the patern. Thank You.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Aug 27, 2005 12:00AM
, Aug 27, 2005 12:00AM
Any change in bowel habits needs further evaluation. The alternating diarrhea with constipation is suggestive of irritable bowel syndrome - which can be treated by increasing the amount of fiber in the diet as well as possible anti-spasmodic agents.
However, before settling on that diagnosis, more serious diseases should be ruled out - including cancer.
At this time, a colonoscopy would be a reasonable test to pursue. Not only are polyps and cancer ruled out, things like colitis, or inflammatory bowel disease can also be evaluated for.
This option should 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.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
However, before settling on that diagnosis, more serious diseases should be ruled out - including cancer.
At this time, a colonoscopy would be a reasonable test to pursue. Not only are polyps and cancer ruled out, things like colitis, or inflammatory bowel disease can also be evaluated for.
This option should 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.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
Member Comments
by cattywampus, Sep 01, 2005 12:00AM
Listen to the doctor. I had your exact symptoms with the added factor of bright red blood. I thought I had a hemmie. Instead I have a large, aggressive, squamous cell carcinoma in my rectum. Now I have a colostomy, am facing chemo and radiation and perhaps surgery, perhaps an early death (I am 66). If you haven't already, get thee to a doctor at once.
