Is this diarrhea

[jerrychua]

Hello need clarification regarding what I have been going thru. I am 41yrs old male and have been as far as I can remember always constipated before dec. '10
I have to take psyllium husk and benefiber daily (maybe for 2 years already) to defacate on a daily basis and it felt good, I would get soft to slightly firm dark stools daily, before this I will only go maybe 3x a week and very few and hard stools would be expelled.
Starting dec of last year I stopped taking psyllium and benefiber to try going natural and it did go naturally but it is always very loose, dark but not watery once a day only in the morning (much like that when I was still taking the psyllium and benefiber) I am concerned now because I have been reading that loose stools is also a sign of diarrhea.
Do you suggest having my stools examined.
I also noticed that when I drank a few beers the night before my stools would be softer but still not watery that regular days.

[jerrychua]

thanks

[patient915]

If you google "bristol stool scale wikipedia" you will find a chart showing different types of stool.  I think you are having type 6 which indicates diarrhea.

[jerrychua]

Ok thanks. Good to get clarification because before it has been standard belief among my family and even friends that Diarrhea should be watery loose stools, stomach pain/cramps and more than 2x a day. Mine do not have the above stated problems/symptoms.
Will have my stools checked then.

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  Diarrhea is loose stools, so yes I think you do have diarrhea.  It might be a good idea to have your stools examined, but also remember that stress can cause diarrhea.  Good luck.