Hi, I am 55 and have a robust health history including Hodgkin's in remission and congestive heart failure.
A few years ago, I had an alarming episode where my normal bowel routine suddenly stopped. Instead of passing stools, I passed large amounts of gas accompanied by a small amount of yellowish mucus. This lasted for over a week, at which time I became highly concerned. I thought I might have some sort of intestinal obstruction caused by parasites, as some of the stool fragments that passed with it looked almost worm-like. I took over-the-counter pinworm medicine, no effect. Went to the doctor, got a referral to a gastroenterologist. They ran an entire panel of tests, including a full colonoscopy, CT scan of my GI tract, and a panel of stool tests for parasites, occult blood, etc. Everything came back negative. I was able to get a bowel movement after taking laxatives but the problem persisted for a couple of weeks at least. At times I had severe abdominal pain, probably from bloating/trapped gas. I couldn't get any further help out of them.
Ever since then, I've had an almost identical episode every 5-6 weeks or so, though thankfully without the abdominal pain. Normal bowel habits stop, I end up passing mucus/gas, and any urge to fart must be weighed carefully as I could release a bolus of mucus with it. And sometimes there are some small stools mixed in with it. So I end up going to the bathroom several times a day just to release mucus, which is a real pain as I work in the field where usually only port-a-potties are available!
I've found a few explanations from "Dr. Google," including IBS, intestinal bacterial bloom and a few other things. But no one can seem to give me a diagnosis of anything.
I've tried a number of OTC/herbal things like probiotics, an herbal creation called candibactin, peppermint oil, etc. - nothing seems to have an effect. I get some relief from milk of magnesia and/or bisacodyl-based laxative, but the episode pretty much has to run its course after which normal bowel habits resume.
So, it's just become something I live with, though it would sure be nice to not have these episodes.
Have you tried taking digestive enzymes… they might help you with fat digestion.
My husband has IBS and his doctor recommended I-B Gard…