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.
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.
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).]
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..
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....
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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tried citricel, but bm's still small 
