No Bowel Urge a Serious Symptom?

[ckofpm]

About 3 weeks ago I realized that I had not had a bowel movement in several days.  This was odd for me, as I have always had 2-3 movements a day.  Then I realized that I had not even had the urge to go.   I took a laxative and finally went; the stool was of normal shape but large.

Since then, I have had zero urge to go and only go because I force myself.  My stools are usually wide and flat, though sometimes "pencil shaped".  However, on occasion, my stool will be of normal shape and size.

My questions are: 1) Is not having the urge to go the same as being constipated? 2) Are my symptoms suggestive of colon cancer (though I am only 36, I was a heavy drinker in the past, a risk factor for colon cancer)? 3) Since my stools are occasionally of normal shape and size, would this mean that when they are pencil shaped that it's caused by something other than an obstruction, such as straining?  4) What tests - if any - should I have performed?

[patient915]

Yes, I hope you get relief soon.

[ckofpm]

Thanks for the encouraging words.  I was worried about the combination of not having the urge to go and the shape of my stools.  However, I recently came across an article on WebMD (as well as other sites) that states that "pencil-thin" stools actually have nothing to do with colon cancer:

http://women.webmd.com/pharmacist-11/digestive-problems

I guess this was an old myth of sorts that got passed along until recent research proved it to be untrue.  That gives me some relief.  I also find some relief in the fact that I do have a bowel movement when I go to the restroom; it's just that I don't feel the urge to go at all when I used to like clockwork.  I assume that if I had an obstruction that I would truly be constipated -- as in not able to go at all -- and that I would still feel the urge to go.

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  I would recommend that you see a doctor about this.  In the mean time you can try increasing your intake of fiber, your intake of fruits and vegetables, your intake of water, and get more exercise.  A sudden change in bowel habits should always be checked out by a doctor.  Not having the urge to go is not the same as being constipated.  I would say that it is unlikely that you have colon cancer, mainly because of your age.