Embarassing . . . but, change in shape of BM?

Hey, sisters.

This is really embarrassing but it's a question I don't know how to ask of anyone but you ladies. Have any of you noticed a change in the shape of your bowel movements? For instance, I've noticed that mine are . . . how can I say this . . knotty? Almost like pieces of a puzzle fitting together. This isn't the case all the time but it is the case a good part of the time. There is no pain upon evacuating, but sometimes I notice that do have to bear down a little harder because these movements have some girth to them, I'll tell you! I try to be careful about bearing down all at once because of some of the things I've learned on this forum about rectal prolapses. Anyway, the reason this causes me pause for thought is because I'm aware that I have some pretty significant adhesions all across the pelvic area and primarily down lower. I'm wondering if these adhesions might have something to do with this. Thanks for any responses on this.

Anita:

In my case what I eat has everything to do with shape. The input controls the output. If there is no pain associated with your BMs and no discoloration or blood in your stools, and no history of colon problems in your family, then there might be an easy fix for this. If you are having other issues than shape, I highly encourage you to see a doctor about it.

You might try psyllium (if its OK with your doctors). Psyllium retains moisture in your stool, so that your stool is more easily eliminated. Psyllium is now available in capsules. Just make sure you have plenty of water intake or else you could wind up with a constipation problem. You doctor should help with dosing, how much water to drink, etc.

Also, I have a friend with major constipation problems. She has found some reflexology points in her foot that when massaged cause her colon to relax and allow her to comfortably eliminate (within a few hours or so). She's trained her DH to rub her feet and she swears by it. For this, you'd want to consult a reflexologist to show you the proper technique.

Just a couple of thoughts.

Thanks, Michelle.

Like I mentioned, it's an embarrassing thing to ask because many would say if it's coming out, who cares what the shape is!!? But, knowing my history with adhesions and knowing that I have a significant amount of denses ones located down low in the pelvis, it does make me at least think twice about whether constriction in the colon could be a contributing factor. Lord knows, I've analyzed everything else about my body since my hyst - why not my bowel movements ! I guess as long as I'm not having pain or blood (and I did have a colonoscopy last April and there was no issue getting the scope through, according to my GI doctor) then, I just won't think about it that much. But, I do appreciate your input and will talk to my doctor about your suggestions. It's time for me to go check in with him anyway. Hugs!