For the last week or so my bowel movements have looked like curly fries, or smaller. I have a bowel movement every time I use the rest room, which is so not normal for me. When I wipe it's a strange consistency; like jelly/ The color varies from dark to pale brown.
I suppose going all the time is better than my normal constipation. But the size is no wider than my pinkie. I'm so confused.
It sounds as though it could be IBS, stool mixed in with mucous. Small stools, pencil or ribbon stools would be caused by a tight spincter.
Other possible causes could be rectal or anal inflammation, albeit mild, but causing an increase of mucous production. The inflammation could be from autoimmune, hemorrhoids or an "invader" of virus, bacteria, etc.
Or, the increased mucous could just be caused by food/drink that doesn't agree with your digestive system.
How long has it been going on?
You could try increasing your fibre intake...I like using Metamucil capsules (just plain psyllium) with my meals. I started with one per meal over a few days and then increased it to two, etc.
As well, I would suggest you purchase a good probiotic. I use Ultimate Flora Critical Care, but there are many out there that you could choose from.
q
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The Following User Says Thank You to quincy For This Useful Post: Silkybug (11-07-2011)
What is your diet like? Are you getting enough water (64oz) fiber - 25-30 grams daily, fruits, veggies?
I was in AZ for awhile, my father is dying. They don't eat many veggies. Mostly pasta and potatoes and meat. At home I'm eating by my blood type. Mainly vegetables, chicken, fish, beans and fruit. Bowels were not small like that, but if I don't take magnesium, and some sort of powdered fiber thing I will get constipated. I drink water lots of it. In fact a doctor told me I was drinking too much, at that time about 1 gallon a day. I guess I drink 6-8 glasses of water, 1-2 of cranberry juice. And 1 cup of coffee. This morning it wasn't so thin. But I don't feel empty.
The following user gives a hug of support to Silkybug: rufous57 (11-07-2011)
I am so sorry to hear about your father :-( Hugs to you!
Well your diet sounds good, beans are a really good source of fiber. Are you able to eat apples or other fruits? Avacados are surprisingly high in fiber also. I take Citrucel for another problem I have and it helps a lot to prevent constipation. I guess the thing is though, if you continue to have the problems or are having black or strange colored stools, I would see a doctor asap!
I am so sorry to hear about your father :-( Hugs to you!
Well your diet sounds good, beans are a really good source of fiber. Are you able to eat apples or other fruits? Avacados are surprisingly high in fiber also. I take Citrucel for another problem I have and it helps a lot to prevent constipation. I guess the thing is though, if you continue to have the problems or are having black or strange colored stools, I would see a doctor asap!
I have been to a gastroenterology DR. Coff said "Your intestines are reversed your large colon is on the wrong side and your digestion is very slow." He had hoped that it would flip back, but I was born this way so I doubt it will flip back. I was hoping they could go in and take out the intestines that were knotted and twisted up, but I guess not.
I eat lots of avocado's in fact one almost every day. I try to stay away from cheese, steaks, too much pasta, milk products, and real spicy foods. I guess just eating right and doing fiber and water is going to be my best way to go. Thank you so much for your input I really appreciate it.
For the last week or so my bowel movements have looked like curly fries, or smaller. I have a bowel movement every time I use the rest room, which is so not normal for me. When I wipe it's a strange consistency; like jelly/ The color varies from dark to pale brown.
I suppose going all the time is better than my normal constipation. But the size is no wider than my pinkie. I'm so confused.
If you're having a bowel movement every time you go to the bathroom that 's not normal either. Stress can have a big effect on how much and how often we are moving our bowels. Changes in diet,new or unusal enviromental factors. If it goes on much more another week then you should go see your doctor right away.
curly fry bowel movements 
I try to stay away from cheese, steaks, too much pasta, milk products, and real spicy foods. I guess just eating right and doing fiber and water is going to be my best way to go. Thank you so much for your input I really appreciate it.
