unusal bowel movements

[jllambell]

I am a 69 year-old female, with a few health problems, but probably not important to my question.  Beginning a few years ago, I began to have occasional bowel movements which would not flush down the toilet without using a plunger. This problem has been occuring more and more often, until it seems that 9 times out of 10, I need the plunger.  I am now so afraid that one of these days I will have the embarrisment of this occuring while a guest in somebody's home!!   Also happening in conjunction with this, I can't hold back when I need to have a BM, I need to find a bathroom fast.  Is there a specific cause for my problem, and can this be corrected.  I am also reluctant to take stool softeners as they tend to give me diahhrea.
Is there a specific cause of all of these symtoms, and if so, is there a remedy?

[patient915]

I would recommend increasing your fiber intake, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, increasing your water intake, and get more exercise.  These should help.

[jllambell]

Not large in quantity, but large in width.  Sometimes the length is only 3 to 4 inches, but I'm guessing the width is 2 1/2 to 3 inches.  Of coursse the length is sometime longer, but it is the width that prevents flushing.  Occasionally there is pain, but when that occurs it is due to constipation.  Lately I have had movements at least every other day.  (If not, lately I have been taking an herbal stimulant laxative tea.  This has not helped the flushing problem.)  I have also been on a weight loss diet fot the past 3 months, but I had the flushing problem prior then.  

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  Are they difficult to flush because the bowel movements are large in quantity or large in size?  Do you have any pain with your bowel movements?  How often do you have a bowel movement?