Is this a healthy stool?

[henryh7777]

I’ve been feeling like I haven’t fully emptied out after I use the bathroom and I’m worried there is something wrong. Does anyone know if this is a healthy stool?

[Deusaim]

This is the same type of stool I sometimes get and I've been having issues as well. I would really hope someone responds so that I know it's normal.

[Maisie1 in reply to Deusaim]

I get this all the time and I have had a colonoscopy and everything is normal.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Maisie1]

Dear Maisie1 ,Glad to hear your colonoscopy results were normal. Did the doctor give you any information as to why you are feeling full after having a bowel movement? Are you still feeling this way?

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Deusaim]

Hi Deusaim ,

If you are experiencing any symptoms that are not normal for you when you go to the bathroom, please seek medical advice. This is a forum where members share experiences but it should NEVER replace medical advice.

We're here to help if you need encouragement making that call or questions you may want to discuss with your medical provider, but you need to be examined and evaluated by a doctor in order to determine what is causing any symptoms you are experiencing and if any tests need to be performed.

Please do not delay. We are here for you - but we can't say what's normal and what's not - or if you need further evaluation. Only your medical provider can do that.

Good luck and please keep us posted!

~Nicole, GCCA Staff Member & Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.

[Deusaim in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Hi Nicole thank you for reaching out. I had a colonoscopy and everything was normal except excess mucous which has been resolved. Still Idk why I feel like something is wrong with me. What should be my next step ?

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Deusaim]

Deusaim - sorry for missing this response of yours and replying so late to it! This is the million dollar question, one that people face all the time. You get tests performed that show no sign of a disease, but you still don't feel right.

I will say that it is a tough balance to know at what point to accept the results. I'm sure you've heard people say that no one knows your body like you do - what's normal, or when something feels "off". We have known so many people with stories that their symptoms were dismissed and told they were too young for colorectal cancer, and never tested, and when they were finally tested, they were diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

A colonoscopy is typically referred to as the "gold" standard and if you were to get any other type of test (such as a FIT, a sDNA, or Stool DNA test, blood work, etc.) if it came back positive, the next step would be to get the colonoscopy.

Since you've had the colonoscopy, and the mucus has resolved, (what was determined to be the cause of the mucus, was it an infection?), I'm curious, what is it that you are feeling? We've known enough people who trusted that they knew their body best and continued to seek answers, but I think there's a balance between seeking answers and understanding what tests have been performed and what the results were/are.

It could be helpful to take some time and write down, even if you don't share it with anyone else, what it is specifically that feels off with your body. Could it be connected to any stressful events in life recently (including the impact that the pandemic has had on so many people - feeling isolated, increased anxieties, etc.)

What you should absolutely share with your medical professional would be tracking any symptoms that you have, anything that you can concretely tell the doctor is happening that is unusual for you.

Many individuals who feel something is off, but have not been able to get answers or a diagnosis of any kind, will seek out a second opinion from a specialist. Depending on your relationship with the doctor who performed the colonoscopy, you may even want to ask him or her what they recommend - and just be honest that things still don't feel right (this is where that list of concrete symptoms, any specific events of symptoms that you can point to will help your doctor.)

Perhaps there is a recommendation that you could get from your current GI doctor to speak to someone who specializes in difficult to diagnose GI disorders. Of course, not knowing what your symptoms are or what it is specifically that feels "off" makes it a bit challenging to share what we've seen/heard other people do in your situation. A second opinion is an opportunity to speak to someone who may have a different approach or experience. They may not want to perform an additional colonoscopy, but they can review the images from the colonoscopy you just had and possibly run other tests to determine what might be going on.

I hope this was helpful - please keep us posted.

~Nicole, GCCA Staff Member & Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Dear henryh7777 ,

Sorry to read that you are experiencing issues where you aren't feeling that you've emptied your bowels even after a bowel movement. I am sure this is uncomfortable and understand the anxiety may be feeling.

This site does not offer medical advice, but we are here to share our experience and offer our advice, but it should not replace speaking to your doctor. Again, when something seems "off" or you are experiencing bowel movements or other symptoms that are abnormal for you, it is important to be examined by a doctor.

Depending on where you live and your insurance, you may start with a call to your primary care doctor. And with COVID, that may mean a video or phone call instead of an in-person office visit. There are stool tests that your doctor can order and bloodwork that your dr. can do, and that may determine if they refer you to a specialist. Your doctor may take a medical history including asking if any family members have had colorectal (bowel) cancer.

Before you speak to your doctor, be sure to have written down a list of all medications that you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Often, patients with GI issues will also keep a food journal to track food and beverage intake, bowel movements, any pain or bleeding, etc. This could be useful information for your doctor. Additionally, it could show you a pattern (for instance, possibly being lactose intolerant, if you experience diarrhea after eating dairy).

Keep in mind - when you google "symptoms of colorectal cancer" and see the list - many people immediately are sure they have colorectal cancer because they have a number of the symptoms. We believe that ANYTIME something is off (with any bodily function) that you get checked out by a medical professional. Because if it is something serious, it is always better to be seen by a doctor sooner rather than later. Don't delay in getting an appointment, even a virtual one.

But please do keep in mind that symptoms of colorectal cancer can also be the same symptoms for a number of other diseases or conditions that are often treatable through diet changes and medication.

Good luck and please do reach out to a doctor as soon as you can!

~Nicole, GCCA Staff Member & Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.