Bowel Issues

My bowel movements have been looking strange and was wondering if this should be cause for concern. I am not constipated; however, my stools (sorry for being graphic)... consist of small black balls formed together in a larger lump and covered completely in a thick mucus. Has anyone else encountered this???

Gee, I don't know but maybe you might call your doctor just to be sure you don't have some sort of intestinal infection.

Can't say I experienced that, but everyone is different.

Are you by chance swallowing nasal drip from a cold? Don't mean to be crude or anything but when my son was a toddler he would do that and it really shocked me when changing his diapers and the doctor said it was due to his nasal discharge going right into his tummy and then on through his digestive system.

Still, I'd check with your doctor if only for peace of mind. Good luck!

I think, if it was me, I'd call the doctor and report it.

Over the years, I've been told that you should report stools that are "black" in color.

Iron, and certain food supplements, as well as a few other meds will make your stools black, but blood in your digestive tract will also make stools black. So I think it'd be better to be safe and check it out.

Hi CanadianEh! Welcome to HysterSisters!

I can understand why this would feel a little unsettling. I think Diane99 and mschickapee had great ideas to call your doctor. You could put in a quick call and soon have reassurance that either 1) your doc will help you fix this or 2) your doc will be aware of the symptom and can offer you relief in knowing it's a symptom that might be "normal" for you right now.

Will you let us know what they say?

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Other than a few advils here and there, I am not on any other pain meds. I am waiting for the next BM to see what happens as some of my movements appear to be normal. I guess because it doesn't happen all the time, I didn't think it could be something as serious as blood in the digestive track. Anyway, if I end up seeking medical advice, I will post what the doctor has to say. Thanks again, you sisters are fantastick!