fiber supplement question - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

seabell · 05-13-2003, 11:29 AM

Hi all! Hope everyone is having a good day and no tummy pains!

I've a question. I started metamucil (just 1T at night for now) and I've noticed an increase in the amount of bowel I pass. I mean, a huge amount of difference! I'm not eating that much (or more than I used to) but I'm certainly passing a lot. Is this something that will continue? Also, my 'bathroom time' was usually in the morning and after dinner. I'd schedule everything after 11am because by then, if I was having a good day, my stomach would have calmed down enough for me to venture out. Now I find that I have to go thru out the day. Is this a result of the fiber? And for those of you who are taking more, do you space it out during the day or take it all at one time?

Thanx!

Seabell

Katie G · 05-13-2003, 01:32 PM

Hi seabell. You may see an increase in stool at first as the fiber works through to clean out your system. When you pass stool, is it solid or diarrhea? If you're having "D" because of the fiber, hang in there; it should firm up within a week. If it's solid, guess you just needed some major cleaning out. You take a small amount compared to some people here on the boards, but it sounds like it's the right dosage for you. Your bowel times may change too until your system is regulated. If taking it at night messes up your morning, try another time of day. It's supposed to produce effects within 12-72 hours according to the package, so maybe changing the time you take it will change the time of your BM's.

Good luck to you,
Katie G