Long tapered/tail-like end of bowel movement normal?

[Catsandsunsets]

Does anyone, even if just occasionally, have a bowel movement that has a longer than normal tapered end?

Like you'll see the bowel shaped portion of the bowel movement but then it has a longer, thinner tapered end

I know it's supposed to taper off at the end a little but this at times almost looks like a tail...

Any insight would be appreciated

[Agathat]

Hi Catsandsunsets

I frequently have this. I also have ‘nugget’ shaped bowel movements. It really varies. I have been diagnosed with IBS after numerous tests over the years. Still looking for what will help after years of trying, so I have more consistent bowel movements. Hope all is ok with you.

[Mosey1702 in reply to Agathat]

Hi Catsandsunsets I have this type of bowel movement when I am having an episode of IBS. My GP explained it is because the walls of my bowel are swollen by the inflammation because of the IBS so the lumen of the bowel is reduced and the poo is shaped by the bowel change. I call it ribon like poo.

[Catsandsunsets in reply to Mosey1702]

Thank you for sharing

This one was just particularly odd because half of it was normal intestinal thickness and toward the end it became ribbon like. So it frightened me

[Catsandsunsets in reply to Agathat]

Hi Agathat

I've always wondered why the shape of the bowel movement can change from one day to the next. Why its appearance can vary soo much. One day it will be a long then the next a pile then the next it can be short and then it can very long

Have you had a colonoscopy done?

[Agathat in reply to Catsandsunsets]

It’s really odd isn’t it. Oh, to have a properly formed poop every time! That’s so rare for me. Mostly loose bowel movements, especially in the morning. I’ve had a colonoscopy but no issues there. Also had an ultrasound, CT and the usual bloods to rule anything else out. I thought it was liver related as I have a painful right upper quadrant at times and severe fatigue that comes on with it when really bad. They have ruled that out though, luckily I guess. But still managing IBS symptoms is hard and I haven’t found anything that helps in the long term. Trying probiotics seems to help for a short period then back to the usual problems. Same with cutting out gluten and milk which has been a recent thing. Anyway, I keep trying hoping to find something that helps long term, as I get a whole host of symptoms not just the bowel movements bit. Do you get any other symptoms?