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Narrow stool (newbie)

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 5/14/2008 4:19 PM (GMT -5)
Hi, Im new on here I didnt see an area to post my question so please forgive me if Im in the wrong section. For the last little while, I have noticed that some of my stools have been thinner than normal. I check for blood and have never notice any. Last week I started having pain in my left abdomen. It seemed to resolve itself until today when I had more pain before I used the washroom. My stool was long and narrow. I went to the hospital to get checked out. They did bloodwork , urine, and x rays. Blood came back normal as did urine. My x-ray showed that I still had stool left in my bowel. The doctor told me to take some laxatives and if the narrow stools do not resolve themselves than I have to come back for a scope.

My Question: SHould I be really concerned right now? I had normal looking stools last week and thinner ones as well. Im 33 yrs old. My aunt had colon cancer in her 50's as did my great aunt. I havent lost any weight, there is no blood, they have never looked pencil thin,and my blood work came back normal.

What could be wrong with me?

Really worried

Ryan

Posted 5/14/2008 4:39 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Ryan and welcome to the forum.  You should follow up with your primary care physician (and if you don't have one, you should get one).  If there is any concern about colon cancer, the best way to screen for that is with a colonoscopy.  It would not be a bad idea to make an appointment with your primary care physician and ask if s/he thinks it's necessary.  It is uncommon for a person in their 30's to have colon cancer, but given your family history, it's not unreasonable for you to have some concern about it.

Posted 5/14/2008 5:00 PM (GMT -5)
THanks, I have an appt two weeks from now but Im really worried. Im thinking of going to walk in clinic tomorrow to see if the doctor there will book me one or at least do a stool sample. I am gassy ALL OF THE TIME. I also become quote bloated after large meals. If I eat right , I dont get the bloating. Im hoping this is indicative of IBS. Im loaded up on laxatives right now and awaiting the fun night that lies ahead.
Posted 5/16/2008 2:09 AM (GMT -5)
Although narrow stools can be a symptom of colon or rectal cancer, they can also be indicative of IBS. I have had narrow stools on and off for over a year and, like you, was really concerned about cancer. However, my colonoscopy last December came back totally clear. I asked my physician about the narrow stools and she confirmed that, although they warrant further investigation, they are not of and by themselves, exclusively linked to cancer. I hope this helps but do please submit to further tests in order to confirm there is no malignancy. Good luck!!!!
Posted 5/16/2008 8:42 AM (GMT -5)
THanks for your reply, it really makes me feel better. I need to have that colonoscopy.

Thank you

RYan
Posted 5/16/2008 8:48 AM (GMT -5)
Hey Ryan, did that big helping of Ls help you out at all? How are you feeling today? Don't stress yourself out too much about that colonoscopy; I kind of think they're actually fun *wicked grin*
Posted 5/16/2008 9:08 AM (GMT -5)
Hi , yeah I cleaned out pretty quick. I feel good , Im hoping everything goes back to normal but Im still going for that test. Im nervous about someone proding my butt though lol. Thanks for the humor.

Ryan
Posted 5/18/2008 2:23 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Ryan, welcome to HW, I'm a real newbie to IBS myself and I am TERRIFIED of getting another colonoscopy but it needs to be done (they tell me!) I think the minor discomfort may prove to be the best thing in the long run (eeek!) I hope it all goes well for you and all the good jokes are gone! Take it on the cheek - bad pun ok, I admit, good luck, keep us up to date
Posted 6/13/2008 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
Now in the NE when they do a colonoscopy, they put you totally to sleep. It was so much better than my first one, where I was sedated but still had discomfort.

My recommendation though......do not have a sigmoidoscopy, which they did on me first about 10 years ago. There is no sedation, they can only examine the lower part of your colon, and I found it to be VERRRRY painful.

I too have narrow stools, but a normal colonoscopy as of last Aug. I find the best way to control my diarreah is by taking at least one imodium daily, (even when I'm feeling fine) and fiber. On a bad day, I have taken up to 5 imodium and my doctor is aware of it and hasn't told me not to, so I guess it's ok.
Wendy
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