Stool concerns

[msapprehensive]

Dear Doctor,

I'm 37 years old. Female. No vices. I was diagnosed with Gastritis, IBS-C & Hemorrhoid after my colonoscopy last February 2013.  Prior to the procedure I had symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloated, severe belching, stool changes (with occasional blood in the stool).  Those symptoms are still present as of this writing.  My bowel is regular but I'm always constipated.  I felt the hemorrhoid is sticking in my anus due to the straining every time i defecate.  I'm slowly changing my eating habits & drink 8 glasses of water everyday but it seems there is no change. I stopped all the prescribed medications 11 months ago.

Lately, I'm a bit concern due to the occasional pain in my right stomach and the changes in my stool.  Some days are small, (goat like stools), sometimes its long (slim), the colors are brown to black.  There are days that I defecate two - three times a day. (hard & soft in consistency). I did not loose appetite and Ive lost 2 kilos since Ive started feeling these symptoms.  

I haven't gone back to the doctor for a check up.

Appreciate to receive any feedback.

Thank You!

[msapprehensive]

Thank you so much Doctor for the response.  I will undergo check up again next week. I'll keep you posted.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From your symptoms it looks like these are due to irritable bowel syndrome only. Stress and diet are the strong causes of aggravation of your symptoms of IBS. Alterations in diet, for eg: gradual addition of more fibre in your diet like whole grain breads, green leafy vegetables & fruits can ease your symptoms. Although avoid cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beans and lentils as they tend to increase the gassiness. Caffeinated drinks (tea, coffee) aerated drinks, fried and spicy foods should be avoided. Decrease your dairy (milk and milk products) intake since you may be having symptoms of lactose intolerance but make sure you take adequate calcium supplements. Try having 5-6 small meals rather than 3 large meals. Make sure you have an adequate amount of water daily (1.5-2 lts).

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.