Sorry So Graphic

[Sandra]

Hello -

I was told I have IBS after a colonscopy about 4 years ago. I mostly suffer from constipation but when I dont, my stools are flat and ribbon like and even like mud. Yesterday I took some flax seed and fish pills to help me go because I hadn't gone in a day. Today I had to go but when I did, I had to strain a bit, thinking I was a little constipated. What felt like a hard bowel movement when I was going, actually looked like mud/very soft almost diarrhea like dark stools. Can this be possible?? I'm also on Cipro for a UTI which I know may cause diarrhea. I don't know what to think anymore. I'm sick of this. I never have a normal bladder or bowel movement......
Thanks for your help. Sandy:cussing:

[asmashly]

Isn't that the truth--bladder or bowel

I think I am flaring right now, because my IBS is kicking in or is my IBS kicking in b/c I am flaring! All I know is that I want to have bowel movement, but my bladder is screaming, and my bowels are sealed shut.

And my bowels look the same why my IBS is bad

[ihurttoo]

Dont know if this will help you or not, but I had the same trouble. I also suffer from IBS, and often had stools like you describe, and often after straining. The gastro put me on Zelnorm. It took about 2 weeks for it to work, but eventually, it did. Also, he has me take Dulcolax (4 of them) once a week to make sure I have emptied the gastro intestianal tract for the week. Then, he has me taking daily stool softners with a mild laxative in it. It is a generic brand called Sunmark that I get at our local Dollar Store for $3. The active ingrediants are Docusate Sodium 50 mg (stool softner), and Sennosides 8.6 mg (Stimulant Laxative). He also put me on a high fiber diet. If I havent eaten enough fiber and roughage in the day, I have to drink a glass of Metamucil. (Drinking that nasty stuff one time will ensure that from then on, you will eat enough fiber! LOL!) Also, I keep glycerin suppositories and Fleet enemas on had, in case I get in impacted, (which used to happen alot prior to this regimine.) I hope this is of some help to you. I know how miserable it can be. Hugs, Amy

[Chatypaty]

I had been feeling great for the past .. almost two wks.. first time in over four months.. I ate a sandwich and a little bit of macaroni salad for dinner... and within two hours I was in the bathroom and everything came out of me .. at first thought it was food poisoning or something like it .. I couldnt stop going .. and ever since I have been in a flare.. and hurting. I do have IBS .. or symptions of .. and I have GERD.. the reflux thing .. I tend to make gall stones or sludge from time to time and they go down my throat and clean things up for me .. that started after I had my gall bladder out.. but this flare is a hurtin!!!

[Sandra]

Thanks for all your help!! I'm going to talk to my doc about the Zelnorm. Have a great day! Hopefully painfree. :woohoo: