Digestive and Bowel Disorders Forum - Irregular bowel movements

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Q: Irregular bowel movements

asked by: losthernargles on August 15th, 2008

New User

Normally I am extremely regular with my bowel movements and going to the bathroom. Sometimes I get an upset stomach and don't have completely solid feces, but I'm still going three or more times a day. Well this past weekend (August 9-10) I had to use the restroom a lot. There are some days where I am unable to go and I don't want to strain and force myself due to past problems there. But, I was getting worried because I wasn't going to the bathroom, well yesterday I was able to go twice but it wasn't a lot. I also had some help from coffee which always makes me go.

Well, I went today and it wasn't much, but when I went to wipe myself there wasn't anything on the toilet paper, therefore I wiped again and there was some feces on the paper, but there was also something that I had never seen before. It looked like cold fat, opaque white in color and just looked strange to me. I don't know how to describe it other than looking like fat on a piece of beef. I don't have insurance, so going to the doctor for every problem isn't an option, so I was wondering if this was something that I needed to go to the doctor for or if there is something that I can do at home.

I'm not really having any pain in my stomach or bowels, but it's uncomfortable for me. Maybe because I know that I have to or that I should be defecating, but nothing is coming out. I also head to the bathroom feeling like I have to go, but all it's been is peeing and having a little gas.

I was on birth control (trivora), but it's been two months or so since I stopped taking it and I am also on phentermine, but it hasn't caused me any problems. I've been on it since April.

Replies(5)

illustriously fickle

replied on August 18th, 2008

Experienced User

I'd suggest that you photograph any unusual bowel movements. It's better than a description for your doctor ... and you can catalogue what you eat in a food diary. The photos and a food diary are considered as data and can help determine a diagnosis.

Also, I'd suggest that you increase your intake of fibre. It seems that you're straining and are a little constipated.

mysteryillness

replied on August 19th, 2008

New User

I have a common link with you

I have severe problems that started out small like yours. The discharge you are experiencing sounds like mucous. I too take Phentermine and have now for over two years. I asked the doctor if it could be causing any of my symptoms and she said no. However, seeing your post was eerie. I can no longer go to the bathroom and fully have a bowel movement for over year now. It is getting worse all of the time. I tried going off of the phentermine but it did not help after a month. Maybe the effects cannot be reversed if that is causing my mystery illness? I black out and have severe headache pain whenever I try to use the bathroom, when any straining. I am dizzy all day and the room spins. I have severe fatigue and muscle weakness. Severe ankle and calf swelling. I took the phentermine because I have thyroid problems and no metabolism. I gained about 30 pounds it seemed over night after being sick from my thyroid. My doctor thought the phentermine would help me. I lost 45 pounds in a about 4 months and that was great. I worked out with a trainer 3 days a week, and myself the other days. Suddenly my problems started and I became too weak and in constant severe pain to lift weights or exercise. I gained about 40 pounds almost over night, while still on the meds. I eat very little and always have, once a day a chicken breast usually. Be careful with the meds, I hope you do not get sicker like me. I don't know if that's caused my illness, but it is interesting. I have had many tests, doctors cannot figure out what I have. My quality of life has been taken away.

mony43

replied on May 2nd, 2009

New User

Abdominal pain

Since Wednesday I have had right lower quadrant pain, nausea and vomiting. I have taken Milk of Magnesia with no relief, a citrus tasting laxative that made me throw up but hasn't cleaned me out any. I went to the ER Wednesday and another one Thursday and they say they can't find anything but I know something is wrong. I think I may have a bowel obstruction. I called to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist on Thursday but they didn't call me back. I am at my wit's end. I am so bloated and still hurt really bad. Any ideas?

mysteryillness

replied on May 3rd, 2009

New User

Abdominal pain

It is unbelievable that doctors sent you home in such severe pain without knowing what is wrong. Did you get a CT, or MRI of your abdomen. If not doctors cannot say they cannot find anything. If you have bloating with the pain there are many causes and some can be life threatening if not treated. I do not know if you are female or male, but each also make a difference for possible ailments. No offense but I think 1 in 20 Doctors really care and even try to really help people. In my experience the rest are what I call 15 minute medies( they get you in and out in 15 minutes-numbers and money game). If the pain is a 6 or more on a scale of 1-10, I would go to the ER and not leave till they call the Supervising Doctor to find out what it is and do something. I also would definitely get with a Gatsroentologist asap. If the one you called is not returning calls,find another one. I do not trust random selections anymore and I try to get a name from my friends and people I know. You may want to ask those you know for a recommendation. I am not a Doctor but I have learned from experience you cannot just leave your health and life to Doctors saying they cannot find anything wrong,you have to be very procative. Good Luck, I hope you figure it out, and please post the answer when you do.

jade628

replied on May 12th, 2009

New User

i need help

ive had a pain in my lower left abdomine and sometimes my entire stomach for 2 weeks and now there's 3 new symtoms.... i have trouble having bowel movements,severe head aches and joint pain almost every day and often stay up late and sleep for long periods of time! can anyone help?

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