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Changes in stool shape
I am a male in my early forties, healthy, non-smoker, non-drinker, eats well. Family has no history of colon cancer or polyps. I have been treated for H-Pylori six years ago.
Two months ago, I began to experience loose stool. My bowel movements were regular (once a day, sometimes two). I also experienced increase in gas. About three weeks ago, my stools began to go back to normal consistency but I noticed there was a change in the shape of the stool. When I pass the stool, the first six inches would be a normal shape but then it would start to taper its shape to a rectangular shape of 1" x 3/8". There is no blood in the stool. I did have an occult blood test and a blood anemia test last week and they both came back negative. I do not have any abdominal discomfort or pain. My doctor also did a digital rectal exam and said everything looks good down there. At this time, my doctor says to hold off with any other diagnostic exams (ie: Barium Enema or colonoscopy) to see if the symtoms change. Would any kind of bacterial infection or Irritable Bowel Syndrome cause this kind of narrowing of the stool? What else could cause narrowing of the stool?
Two months ago, I began to experience loose stool. My bowel movements were regular (once a day, sometimes two). I also experienced increase in gas. About three weeks ago, my stools began to go back to normal consistency but I noticed there was a change in the shape of the stool. When I pass the stool, the first six inches would be a normal shape but then it would start to taper its shape to a rectangular shape of 1" x 3/8". There is no blood in the stool. I did have an occult blood test and a blood anemia test last week and they both came back negative. I do not have any abdominal discomfort or pain. My doctor also did a digital rectal exam and said everything looks good down there. At this time, my doctor says to hold off with any other diagnostic exams (ie: Barium Enema or colonoscopy) to see if the symtoms change. Would any kind of bacterial infection or Irritable Bowel Syndrome cause this kind of narrowing of the stool? What else could cause narrowing of the stool?
I am glad you scheduled it. Good Luck!
I am scheduled for a colonscopy for next week. I'll let you know how it goes.
PS: I re-read your symptoms, and I do have abdominal and back pain.
I also am a non-smoker, non-drinker with no history of colon cancer in my family.
I also am a non-smoker, non-drinker with no history of colon cancer in my family.
No anemia--no blood in fecal matter. My doctor called this morning and cancelled my colonoscopy because he just read my chart over (I was a referral to him and didn't actually meet with him)and saw where I had had a few previous surgeries and he wants to discuss these with me first. So I have an appt with him next Wednesday. I'll keep you posted and you do the same. I am interested in how you are doing.
Thanks Thuney. Did you get occult blood and anemia test? All the best on your colonoscopy. Let me know how it goes.
I am having a colonoscopy for the EXACT same thing on Wed. I will try to get back to you after that. But I would definitely recommend you have one. It can be a sign of colon cancer. If they catch it in Stage I and II, it is very curable; but it it's caught later, it gets more serious. So, better safe than sorry.
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