Floating Stools

[A09]

Let me preface this by giving some facts:  I am a 35 year old male.  I have no history of GI problems.  Two years ago, I passed a minor kidney stone.  I am a hypochondriac, and tend to obsess over cancer.  

Nonetheless, back in December, I had a weeklong GI-type of infection.  It actually started with a four day person of constipation.  Then, I had diarrhea for a week, as well as two days of the "stomach bug," or gastroenteritis.  During the infection, I also had some mucus in my stool.  But after a week, all of these symptoms, including the mucus, cleared up and went away.  

Because of my anxiety and stress, I researched a read a ton about GI issues and bowel movements.  I had always had occasional floating stools, at least since my teenage years.  Otherwise, I paid little attention to my stools.  I noticed during the infection in December that my stools were consistently floating.  

The floating stools have never completely gone away.  I would say that since I started paying attention, 60% of the time, my stools float.  They seem to more consistently float in certain toilets as well.  

I otherwise have few other symptoms. I have not had blood in my stools.  My stool color is normal, if not a tad lighter than normal.  I have no abdominal pain and my weight is consistent (I have always had a thin body type).  My frequency of bowel movement is somewhat higher, and while my stools have been consistently more loose and watery, diarrhea has not been a big problem.  Mentally, floating stools have absolutely consumed me.  Not a minute passes by in which I don't worry, obsess, or look up information.  On the other hand, I feel physically very good.  If anything, the increased frequency of bowel movements (I have had issues with constipation in the past) has made me feel even better.

In terms of diet, I try to maintain a healthy one.  Last June, I started drinking a daily glass of V8 Juice (vegetable) in order to compensate for my perceived lack of vegetable intake.  I have not seen any research linking V8 to floating stools.  I also drink orange juice daily, as well as at least 4-6 glasses of water per day.  On the other hand, my guilty pleasure is two cans of Coke per day.  I eat cereal for breakfast.  I usually have a bagel and a half for lunch, with peanut butter.  I get only a small lunch break.  I usually have meat for dinner - steak, pork, chicken, and even pasta and pizza.  I often dine out.  I eat Subway, Chinese food, and Boston Market.  I "allow" myself one visit to McDonald's per month.  I do not like "sweets," and eat no chocolate or candy.  Admittedly, my diet is loaded with salt.

Recently, I have been eating more fiber rich fruit.  Yesterday, I are two apples and a kiwi in one sitting.  My stools this morning smelled like apples.  

I am also an exercise fanatic.  I have missed exactly one day of cardio since 2010.  Otherwise, I average about 45 minutes of vigorous cardio workout per day.  

It is possible that my stools have floated for many, many years - as consistently as they have been since December.  Should I be freaking out as much as I am?  I fear a colonoscopy and I am highly afraid of doctors, although I do go.  I can really use some advice or words of wisdom about this situation. Thank you.  

[A09]

Thanks for your insight.  I just went through a two week plus-period without any floating stools. But then the last three days, my stools have floated for a few minutes and then sinking.  I still have no other problems, save the mental anguish that has returned.  

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, the stool consistency may vary with the diet taken the previous day. The altered stools could be due to gastroenteritis, malabsorption syndromes, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and parasitic infections. It could also be due to fungal infections or indigestion. Due to improper digestion, the products may appear in stools. Some people have severe lactose intolerance. They are not able to digest any dairy product that includes milk, cheese, butter etc. These products may appear in the stool. If your symptoms persist consult your doctor for an evaluation. Regards.