irregular bowel movements

[pianokeys]

10 months ago I had a 7 hour  surgery to remove a benign tumour - a meningioma - that was wrapped around my spinal cord.  It went from T3-T5.  I was unable to walk for 2 months and during that time having a bowel movement proved extremely difficult.  

I have improved greatly since then.  I walk completely unassisted now although I continue to have impaired sensation in my feet, legs and my bum.  Although my bowel movements have improved dramatically since the surgery, I'm still concerned about their shape and colour and infrequency.  

I started taking Align one week ago.  I use Senekot only when I start to feel unbearably uncomfortable - maybe 3x a month.  I take 2 stool softeners every other night.  I drink copious amounts of water.  I eat plenty of fibre and am careful to wash it all down with plenty of liquids but I feel incredibly bloated much of the time, sometimes as if I'm 3 or 4 months pregnant - I am relatively slim weighing 114 lbs and I'm 5"2.  

Even when I have a good bowel movement, I see blood in it.  Sometimes the stools are extremely long and thin or flattened out.  Occasionally, when I have a good BM, I notice that towards the end of it the stool colour changes to a very dark brown, almost black and tar-like.  

I had a colonoscopy in February - it was completely clear. My stools are never hard in consistency because of the water I drink so I don't think I have hemorrhoids or an anal fissure but I don't know why else I might have blood.  Should I be concerned about colon cancer or could my irregular BM's be a result of the surgery? Any advice with regard to any of this would be much appreciated.

[JuanitaFrapp]

Yeah Protein and nutrition diet helps you prevent form Colon cancer and its fight against to colon cancer it’s an important nutritional guidelines. Consume more protein and nutrient foods. And avoid fatty food its takes longer time to digestive.

[daisayrose]

Hello Pianokeys…. It very difficult to suggest without knowing correct symptoms because it can be caused to another problems. As you said that you are consuming fiber and taking water, these can control irregular bowel moments. Along these you can consume vegetables, salads, juices and avoid processed foods and dairy foods. Regular exercises also help to avoid IBS, by doing exercises your body need more energy so that your digestive system can be improved. If all these are not working well, you should consult your doctor so that he can give treatment accordingly.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

A lesion at T3/ T5 is unlikely to be related to the bowel movements or lower limb symptoms. Well, without knowing the relevant clinical details or a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. Possible causes of the GI symptoms that may need to be considered include dietary causes, GI motility issues, hormonal/ endocrine causes, GI inflammations, medication side effect, neuro-muscular causes, growths/ masses etc. Without a definite diagnosis at hand it is difficult to suggest a management plan. I would suggest getting this evaluated in detail by a gastroenterologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!