But I have a question about "normal" stool. I've done an internet search and can't find anything. I'm just wondering if I should be concerned that my stool is NEVER soft. I eat a ton of fiber and drink plenty of water but as long as I can remember (like since I was 4 years old) my stool has been basically dark brown marbles of various shapes and sizes. I never gave it much thought until having 2 children and seeing how soft theirs is and seeing how it changes size/ shape/ color a little with what they eat. Why does mine never change? It's like the most consistent poop ever.

OK, now that I've grossed everyone out -- is this normal? Part if me says it isn't a problem because it's been like this my whole life -- and part of me wonders why I don't fit the normal definition I keep reading about. I tend to be a hypochondriac (obviously, right?) so I could use some reassurance.

It's probably normal, for you. Marble-like BM's are usually a sign of constipation, or not enough water in the stool. It sounds like you are doing all the right things...it's the fiber that draws water into the stool and makes it softer and easier to pass. Maybe you could try taking some Metamucil for awhile.

I've never tired Metamucil but I've taken Colace and psyllium husk pills (generic) to help with a fissure I had after giving birth...it just seemed to make my stool HUGE. :o

Hi...what kind of fibre foods are you eating?

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I don't think you should be to concerned about it, especially if you have been that way all your life. I think you should be concerned when there is pain or any sort of discomfort associated with your bowel movements or if there is any change from your "usual" bowel habits. The stools shape, size, and texture vary widely from person to person.



Sun Flower

I eat a lot of whole grains and fiber, fruit, meat, cheese, yogurt, salad lots of water and skim milk and ice cream. :)

I was thinking it is normal since I've been like this my whole life but it doesn't seem to fit the normal I keep reading about. Thanks!

I've learned by trial and error that what keeps one person regular does not always work for someone else. A good friend of mine is so rediculously regular that she goes EVERY morning right after she gets up. I don't think I've ever seen her eat anything green other than lettuce on a hamburger and no grains other than the occasional piece of bread.

I on the other hand had hemeroids when I was about 5 and my mother always prepared very well balanced meals. I didn't have a whole lot of whole grains, but plenty of fruit and veggies, cheese on occasion, a glass of skim milk twice a day. I ate far better than the average kid my age. We never had junk food in the house.

The only time I have loose stools is when they're really loose. ...Except for about a month when I went nearly vegetarian and cut back on my cheese. I FINALLY had normal, regular, run-of-the-mill stools.

That didn't last long and now I'm back to being chronically constipated.

I think as long as it's comming out and it doesn't hurt you are fine. Impacted stool can result in apendicitis(sp?), but, like I said, as long as it's comming out you're doing just fine.

It has to be SERIOUSLY impacted though. Not trying to scare you!