HomeAnswersMedical GastroenterologyconstipationDo I have IBS if I have constipation and diarrhea with abdominal pain and gas for a long time?

Is it normal if my stool appears like a sausage or soft blobs if I have IBS?

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Published At April 22, 2022
Reviewed AtApril 22, 2022

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am enquiring about the possibility of having IBS for the past five weeks as I have been suffering from constipation on most days and feeling there is something stuck up in my back end and feeling that my bowel is not emptying. On some days, I have also experienced diarrhea. Most days, I have one or two bowel movements that are mushy and formed like a sausage. However, these can vary on time, like two smaller sausages or soft blobs. Is this stool consistency normal in IBS? I also have experienced some gas and abdominal pain on occasions. There is a family history of IBS. I have been under extreme stress for about the past six to nine months being the sole carer of my elderly parents, and I am a little bit overweight also. I examined my back passage, and it came back normal. My doctor examined my stomach and said it was firm and soft. They also tested my chest, and everything is fine. I had blood tests done for my liver and kidneys, and everything was fine. I was also tested for coeliac disease, and it was negative, except that I have a fatty liver and gallstones. I am going for a colonoscopy in a few weeks, and I am nervous about it. This is worrying me as I have never experienced anything like this before. Please help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your symptoms match IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and your stress aggravates it. Your baseline examination and tests are normal, so there is nothing to worry about. I will suggest you do a screening colonoscopy which will clear most things. You do not need to get worried about this as it is a simple procedure, and the condition will improve with treatment. At the moment, I suggest you start Ispaghula Husk two teaspoons in one glass of water daily. Are you losing any weight with these symptoms or getting any blood in your stools?

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply. I am not losing weight or having blood in my stools. Is it normal in IBS to have different types of stool? Can an episode of IBS last for months? Please help.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

That is great. So there is no alarm sign on it.

I hope this helps.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf
Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf

Medical Gastroenterology

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