Dark & sticky stools

[IanGuth]

Since recovering from a knee replacement operation in March my bowel activity has been affected. The stools are dark brown and sticky, bowel movements are irregular, and I have to strain to pass them. After eating I get stomach pain which only eases after passing copious amounts of gas, the release of which is explosive.

[IanGuth]

I have seen the doctor since starting this enquiry and he gave me medication, namely 100 mg Pinaverium (Sandoz) twice a day. Today is the 4th day and things seem to be improving. The stools are now lighter in colour and have a more "normal" consistency, also regularity seems to be returning, there is still some occasional discomfort but all being well things seem to be improving. Many thanks for your kind advice.

[CalGal]

The use of the antibiotics could have changed the flora (bacteria) composition (type or species) of your GI tract. You may want to consider taking some probiotics to see if that can be of help. There are a number of decent brands on the market that include Culturelle, PB8, Align etc.

The fact that you're saying 'sticky' worries me a little bit, although you're saying the color is dark brown. If you said black and sticky, it could indicate a problem with bleeding in the upper GI tract, so I'm wondering if the 'dark brown' borders on black??? If so, please see your doc.

[IanGuth]

Yes, I was given antibiotics a couple of days after the operation as there was slight inflamation at the site of the incision. The course of treatment lasted 10 days.

[CalGal]

Ian, were you on antibiotics at the time of the surgery? Or NSAIDS, etc?

[IanGuth]

I am not taking anything

[margypops]

are you taking any meds or supplements as some can affect color of stool?