Strange stool shape & constipation...

[Siraelir]

Hello,

I recently went on a higher-protein diet (I do weight lifting) and have been noticing some strange changes in my digestion. Whenever I make a bowel movement, which is relatively frequent (with small volume however, and it is difficult to make movement), the shape of the stool has changed. It is difficult to describe, but has been consistent the past week. The stool is dry-er, with a chained/linked shape. There are larger round balls/lobes which are linked by small, thin strands. The shape reminds me of the bubbly shape of the large intestine in medical diagrams.

I'm not very old, 18 years, so I don't know if this is something to worry about. I have been taking a lot of fiber in my diet (psyllium) to try and get things moving, but nothing's really happening. I feel like things are getting backed up in there, and want things to get moving again. Is the change in the shape of my stool indicative of polyps (it's not thin and stringy however), or perhaps a faulty sphincter somewhere?

Thanks!

[patient915]

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[rita9999]

Wow this is my second day of taking a high fiber laxative and i had the same experience tonight when i got home.I had a lot of gas and cramping and when i went to the bathroom my stool came out chain like.It did trouble me.I thought my intestines were coming out.Please someone tell me why this is happening.

[islekris]

i started taking metamucil wich is high in plsyllium and i have been expirencing the chain link stool at well, it may just be that. did you ever find out if it was more?

[mammo]

Try cutting back on the psyllium, too much fiber can constipate you.  Drink plenty of water and eat the yogurt enriched with probiotics, one small cup a day is enough.  It may take 1-2 weeks for you to see a difference, but I think you will. Since you are so young, it's usually diet related.  Take care.

[skhaliq]

hi,
i have a question, did you ever get any tests done or did your symptoms just go away, because i've been experiencing similar symptoms.  please let me know, i'm really worried