Question:
4 mos. post-op and have been experiencing pencil-like bowel movements
I only have a BM every 2-3 days, no pain, the consistency is soft but they are very 'skinny'....almost like my bowel has gotten skinny. Anyone else experiencing this? Is it normal? — mbarn2003 (posted on March 5, 2003)
March 5, 2003
I would contact your Doctor as soon as possible and explain the
situation...this can be very serious. I'm not saying that this is your
situation, but pencil-like stool can be a sign of colon cancer. Please
don't let me freak you out, but I wouldn't want you to let it go on without
consulting a doctor. Now, that being said, I've not yet had my surgery
(March 31st). Therefore, it could very well be a side effect some people
have afterwards...I don't know. Regardless, I think you should talk to you
doctor. I wish you the best of luck.
— Renee B.
March 5, 2003
Me too. I was worried I was getting a twisted bowel or something! Glad
you asked. I am curious what people will say, but now I am 6 months out
and they aren't what they used to be,(thank goodness!) but no more pencils!
Much more normal.
— Kristy J.
March 5, 2003
I agree with the first poster about it being pencil thin. Go to your Dr.
However the BM every 2-3 days is probably nothing but the fact that you
aren't eating that much anymore. That is what I am at right now. My
speicalist just suggested that I take a fiber supplement everyday to help
with movement. He has said that this is my bodies version of being
'regular' now.
— salymsmommy
March 5, 2003
I am three weeks post-op and my bowels are pencil thin also. Doc says
nothing to worry about. Also light-colored and double flushers if you know
what I mean. I had intestinal bypass in 1981 and they were the same until
i had that taken down last year. Then normal sized for awhile until I had
this r n y.
— Delores S.
March 5, 2003
I am three weeks post-op and my bowels are pencil thin also. Doc says
nothing to worry about. Also light-colored and double flushers if you know
what I mean. I had intestinal bypass in 1981 and they were the same until
i had that taken down last year. Then normal sized for awhile until I had
this r n y.
— Delores S.
March 5, 2003
I am 13 months post-op. My bowel movements are still pencil thin and very
pale, but I do have several per day, my doctor says it is normal. You may
want to take the advice of one of the previous posters who suggested you
increase your fiber intake.
— Melissa W.
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