is it just constipation or more

[AnxiousArnald]

hi. I was diagnosed as potential IBS last summer. I really don’t know much about it and when I look for symptoms to see if they link to ibs all sorts of scary stuff comes up linked to cancer and now I’m just an anxious mess!

my poo is often 2 tone, lighter brown and normal and then often a darker patch. The darker patch normally looks like a giant raisin in texture. If I have a loose poo sometimes I have the giant raisin type things in that too. I don’t get much stomach cramping at all but I do often feel a pressure/pain in my rectum. I am able to poo each day but often It can be difficult. Sometimes my poo is flatter and longer too. Sorry for the TMI but i am just wanting to know if this is all normal ibs related things or if I should be asking for more checks. I had a blood test and stool sample done in July which was all normal. Thank you

[MyStar86]

I wouldn’t say it’s constipation if you are going to the toilet ever day. I can’t offer much advice however do remember stools will often change in size colour and consistency based upon what you have eaten. Have you seen a gastroenterologist? If not you should ask your gp to refer you because only they would be best placed to request tests and help with treatment. Good luck

[JonByram]

Who diagnosed you?Re IBS it can be IBS with constipation or with diahrrea or with both.

You also get functional constipation (or idiopathic) which does not have the cramping and flare ups that the IBS versions have.

So kinda better in some regards but as its constant you don't get a break.

So it's important to know where you fit in as treatment depends on this.

If you have either of the constipations the best is to take Movicol or Magricol or whatever the generic name may be where you live. You can take daily safely for as long as you want and adjust your dose according to your response.

Stools will be odd colours and shapes. This doesn't matter as long as they are soft.

Once a week or fortnight you can take senna (a cup of senna tea before bed) and this should deal with any stubborn bits that the movicol has not shifted

[Healtheater]

HI, You may benefit from having more fibre in your diet. Also, taking probiotics can also help with constipation. You may also benefit from eseeing a dietician or nutritionist qualified in gut health.