irregularity and white substance in stool - General Health Message Board

emilykimberly · 08-20-2004, 03:04 PM

I normally have bowel movements 1 to 2 tims daily. about 2 weeks ago i realized i hadn't had one in about 6 days. never felt the need to but took some exlax and the next day had 4 quite large movements. since then another 7 days passed without one and today i had a small one that had a lot of an egg white type substance throughout.

any clues what is up???

Kissa · 08-20-2004, 06:42 PM

That is mucous generally a result of irritable bowel syndrome or colitis but is not serious. Being you were constipated I'd probably lean more on the IBS side of it. Bulk up your fiber if you are are having problems it will make a difference. You will need to take at least 20mg daily.
If you start having severe cramps or bleeding you might want to see a Gastro. and get medications to help or be checked if you are bleeding. Usually bleeding is a result of hemmorhoids but can also sometimes be a sign of something worse.

emilykimberly · 08-20-2004, 09:06 PM

Thanks for the reply. question...everything i've read about constipation says that you're only "constipated" if you have trouble actually going when you need to. i never feel like i have to. i'm just not. and have no pain or bleeding. what does that mean?

Kissa · 08-20-2004, 09:08 PM

You can still be constipated but not feel the need to go. Have you started on any new medicines or changed your diet drastically? If so that could be the cause.
Be sure to drinks lots of water and again do the fiber routine. It might be the start of IBS or it could just be your diet as of late.

Brandiwine · 08-21-2004, 08:24 PM

my daughter at 3months old actually had white stools.....we were supprised to find out she had gallstones....6 were still in gallbladder , had passed 2 others.....she is fine now except for being constipated every onec in a while.....she is 5years old now....dont know if you have any upper right quadrant pain .....usually is a sign....dont know if i helped you any ...good luck