IBS & Flat stool

[Amystika]

Hello,

I'm 24 female, and have been having problems with flat stools lately. In 2006 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and I currently take 50mg of Amitriptyline to treat the chronic pain caused by this condition. I also suffer from IBS with a combination of constipation and diarrhea.

Recently, my pharmacist suggested I try taking a daily probiotic acidophilus tablet for my IBS and it has worked wonders! However, since starting the probiotics my stools have been harder in shape and harder to pass. Recently they have been large and flat and also small and flat. Can constipation cause stools to be flat? With everything you hear about cancer these days it's hard not to worry.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Grandma_Bo]

Hi..I also have suffered from flat stools. I have been living with IBS for over 25 years and for the first 20 of those, the doctors had no diagnosis for my bowel problems.  I was tested for everything under the sun.  I also found out that I'm lactose intolerant.  This greatly increases my symptoms including the flat stools.  I have also tried every treatment and finally have some control by watching certain foods, avoiding dairy, and recently I've been eating a fiber cereal every morning.  I am finally having a normal stool for the first time in 25 years!  I used to go for over a week without a bowel movement. Then would have horrible diarrhea.  I now have it under control and can sympathize with you.  I also found probiotics helpful.  I also eat the new yogurt on the market to help with digestion.  Your flat stools are caused from the intestine cramping down on the stool.  I hope this info helps.
Sandra

[Amystika]

Hi Sandra,

Thanks very much for your post, I appreciate you taking the time to write to me. I too eat the probiotic yogurt but I think the probiotic capsules have been making my constipation worse. Normally my IBS is mainly loose/diarrhea related. It's a shame because the capsules have worked great for all my other IBS problems...the abdominal pain, cramps, etc.

I started taking some Metamucil last night which has started to help relieve the constipation already.

Like you, I have problems with lactose as well. I can only handle a little bit here and there.

I hate taking medications so hopefully I can get this under control with a better diet. I have been trying my best to watch what I eat but every now and then I get tempted by those "no no" foods.

Thanks again Sandra. I hope everything goes well for you.

Bekah