Stool changes

[lal640]

Hi all,

For the past few weeks I have been having issues. I usually have a bowel movement once a day but my stools are hard, pellet-y, and take a lot of straining to push them out. Recently, I have seen red streaks in my stool, and it seems as though there is some tissue/food particles that i can see in my stool. I am absolutely freaking out. I saw a dr about it and she told me I had an anal fissure, but i think that is just a result of the hard stools and not the underlying problem. I am a 24 year old otherwise healthy female and am terrified i have colon cancer or something similar. Can someone help me out with this

[LPNGirl07]

Also I meant to add above, did you ever find out what was causing this?

[LPNGirl07]

OMG, I'm going through the exact same thing! I'm 34 year old female, and had just posted about it here a few days ago. I'm having blood streaked/mucousy stool, bloody looking chunks of food in stool, & occasional constipation. I've had a vaginal childbirth delivery in the past, have a history of hemorrhoids so I'm hoping that's all it is. I have an appt. to see a GI doctor in a few days for peace of mind. Keep us posted!

[NormaEleanor]

Take Metimucil 2xdaily and drink lots of water

[odin23342]

To add to what the previous poster stated which is true. Its imperative that you don't push or strain to hard, as it could cause internal bleeding as well as other horrible health problems. Also any change in diet should be done gradually. Try to have water with a splash of natural juice or gatorade.  Sometimes just plain water wont help dehydration, specially if there is an underlying issue. Also you should start consuming probiotics in the form a supplement. Fermented foods will also help if you cant afford probiotics. Make sure the fruit you eat is ripe. Look for probiotics or foods with the following bacteria -  Alumina, Lac delforatum, and Plumbum metallicum.

[cnoevl21]

Have you changed your diet at all recently? Been stressed out more than usual?
I know how you feel, its so easy to jump the cancer conclusion, but try not to think like that. It's most likely not cancer. Hard, Pellety stool is usually caused by not enough water being drank daily and not enough fiber in the diet.
I suggest getting yourself a 20oz water bottle (if you dont already have one) and making sure you fill it up at least 3 times a day. Also try adding some fiber to your diet. Have a bran cereal, muffin. Add more fruits and veggies, as these contain a good amount of fiber. And pay attention to the amount of processed foods you eat. Highly processed foods, fried foods, meats, these can all bind you up and cause those hard to pass stools.
And honestly, if you just went to see your General Practioner, thats pretty much a waste. Anything digestive related, just go see a GI specialist.