Loose/Soft Bowel

Hello Everyone. Thankful that I found this website. It provided a little relief after googling so much and getting the worse results. I’m having constant lower abdominal cramps (they are bearable but I know it’s not my norm) and loose/soft bowels. Which is strange because I never had soft bowels. The color worries me because I don’t know if its possibly blood mixed in, jaundice, or just a different shade of brown. I’ve also been passing gas a lot. The gas doesn’t cause pain, it’s more like air (if that makes sense). I also have this bitter unpleasant taste in my mouth that’s been there forever. Wondering if anyone has or had anything similar. My apologies for graphic pic.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi CuriousOne1,

Thank you for posting on Colon Cancer Connected. I hate to see that you're having to deal with this, but I am glad to see you are not ignoring it. There could be a lot of different things that are causing these issues. It is tough to determine from a picture what's going on. You know your “normal” and this is obviously not it. So, you need to seek answers.

There are several tests you can do to determine if there is blood in the stool. There are home test kits you can order and send in a sample. Or you can go to your doctor and that can be taken care of there. Going to the doctor does allow you to ask questions, so it may be a better option.

You also mentioned you are dealing with abdominal pain which may be cramps. This again, is not your norm. Pain is always something to determine the cause. That and blood in the stool are two big things you need an answer for. I am glad to see you are looking for those answers.

Another question for you is if there is a hereditary history of medical issues? If you don't know, I would find out. This type of thing is also something good to discuss with your doctor. This may or may not be an issue with what you are currently experiencing. Again, there are so many things that could be causing these symptoms and you need to narrow down what they may be. Hopefully, this will get you on a path to be well and give you Peace of Mind.

We do issue the very best in finding answers. I hope there are others on this site that may be able to contribute some ideas about what you are experiencing. But bottom line, if there is pain and possibly blood in the stool, it's definitely something to get checked out. Please let us know what you do find out about what you are experiencing. Is that type of information that could be helpful to others on this site as well.

Thank you,

~Tom, GCCA Survivor - 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.