how long before i'll have a normal stool..I go and it seems like it's a dozen lumpy and smooth pieces..should I take more citricel?

You should be taking it twice daily. And, since it is a water absorbable fiber and bulk forming agent---- you should be drinking at least 8 --8 ounce glasses of water daily. Your stool formation should be OK in 3 to 4 days. Some people take a little longer. As you know we are all different.

Harry

I don't see a problem with stool size. What are you trying to achieve? One long lump or what? I wouldn't worry myself over size as long as they're coming out regularly with no pain. Quit looking at them. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I thought that having small or thin or narrow stools can be an inication of Colon Cancer? I too have small and narrow (flat) stools. I have no pain have had blood only once, but I have been stressing and obsessing about my stool size, frequency. It is also sometimes harder and sometimes softer on any given day.

[This message has been edited by lawman1457 (edited 01-04-2003).]

[This message has been edited by lawman1457 (edited 01-04-2003).]

(Duplicate) Sorry

[This message has been edited by lawman1457 (edited 01-04-2003).]

do you take any fiber therapy? I have taken citricel for 2 days and still have no improvement..I can just push out small pieces some like sticky balls..

It usually takes longer than 2 days. I have been taking psyllium for about 20 years daily and for me it works!!

Many people take some years of wrong eating to screw up their BMs. And, it can take a week or so to make it better.

Harry

[This message has been edited by Harry (edited 01-05-2003).]

lawman--If you're obsessing over the possibility of colon cancer, get tested for it. A fecal occult blood test is the test used. You can buy one at the drugstore and send it off for anaysis.

If you're seeing blood, posting on a message board isn't going to help, you need a diagnosis. Don't ignore it....

Ashpie,

I started taking Metamucil a couple days ago thanks to Harry's advice, and noticd a huge difference in the volume of my stool. Also, instead of 12 seperate pieces, I have one or 2 large pices. The only downfall I have noticed is that I have gas and feel bloated occasionally (Which is normal). Also I have noticed Mucus in my stool, but was told that when you start a cleansing "program" or Metamucil you will get Mucus on occasion. E-mail me and we can compare notes Lawman1457@aol.com

It is not unusual to have a bloated belly when you first start taking Metamucil. You must ensure that you are taking enough water with it though. At least 6-8 glasses to wash it through?

Also, the fact that you have bloating could mean that you need to take some Acidophilus to re-balance your good gut bacteria. By doing this, you will have less gas and less bloating once these levels are restored.

These things will not work in a couple of days however and as Harry said, it will take a good couple of weeks to start working really well.

lawman, how long have you been taking the fiber therapy? how much do you drink a day? I have been doing citricel and also eating all bran and I am definetly feeling better and going w/o straining but I still jhave like you said 12 pieces instead of one or two..how long before you noticed the difference..I've been on citicel for 4 days

These things will not work in a couple of days however and as Harry said, it will take a good couple of weeks to start working really well. [/B][/QUOTE]


The funny thing is I have only been taking Metamucil for a couple oy days, and my stool has already increased in size, and the gas and bloating is liveable. The mucous has returned, but I have read that old mucus will be passed whenever you begin a colon cleansing program. Can I also eat yogurt to get the good beacteria, and can the yogurt be any kind, or a specific label?
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