HomeAnswersMedical Gastroenterologymucus in stoolIs it normal to get ribbon-like stools with cramps?

I have ribbon-like stools with cramps. Is this a normal occurrence?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At November 9, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 27, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 32-year-old woman. I asked a question concerning my stools last week as well, as there was some visible mucus. Since then, the mucus is a lot less, and I was seen by a doctor who performed an anoscopy, which was expected. He told me not to worry. My stools usually are quite well-formed. Last night, however, for the first time, I had ribbon-like stools. The stools were very soft, and I had some cramps. Afterward, I had a little diarrhea. Should I be checked out again, or is this a normal occurrence when stools are soft? I also have some cramps. My white blood cells will always be slightly high. Due to an eye infection, I had one long and one short cycle of antibiotics to clear it up.

Thank you so much in advance.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, I remember about the last time we had a conversation. Anoscopy was expected to be normal since it was only local irritation of the rectal lining due to local trauma, as we discussed last time. I hope you have avoided the rectal temp. I was monitoring afterward. The picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity) of stools you shared seems completely normal. And I assure you not to worry at all.

I might have explained to you that the stool form predominantly depends upon the food we take. I want to share a chart of normal stool form to help you understand how the stool form change from one to another while remaining completely normal. The chart is called the bristol stool chart; this ranges from 1 to 7. Both extremes are abnormal; however, stool score 2 to 6 is normal. So if we classify the form of your stools according to the chart, this is probably 4. And this is normal. You need not see the doctor in person again.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor, for your reply.

The stools I shared were ones I passed on last week; they were indeed normal. The ones I had yesterday and I am worried about. I did not take a photo of it, but I will attach a photo of similar stools. Do I have to worry when this is a one-off occurrence, and my stools normally look like those I sent previously? Thank you again for your kind help. The attached photo is the one I found on the internet of stools, similar to the ones I had yesterday. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No problem, I am glad that I have been here helping you. You see, the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity) you attached is more or less similar to the previous picture you attached. They are all normal forms of stools. You need not worry at all. For reference, kindly see the link I shared with you. Have a good day; cherish your life.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor.

I think my anxiety is getting the better of me (again). I cannot thank you enough for being so patient and kind to me. You have not only helped me with my questions but also with my fear of asking questions. Thank you so much. I was worried because they had a ribbon-like shape, and I read that it is associated with colon cancer. They were “flat.” Logically thinking, I think all of my stools would have to be that shape if there was a tumor in the way of their passage. Is this correct? I am adding another (final, so sorry to bother you again) photo I found online of similar stools with that ribbon-like shape, weirdly flat. I appreciate any help you can provide.

Kind regards.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is not weird at all. We all are human, and we are all frightened so easily. That is possibly our bad because God has given us a small heart indeed. Your concerns are very valid, and I feel happy when someone is wise enough to look at little changes in our health from normal. I did understand your history, plus stools findings, and finally, with the best of my knowledge, I am undoubtedly sure that you do not have any nasty or ominous thing to worry about. Literature available online is, although useful at times, sometimes misleading and not accurate. We physician often search over the internet and other similar forums, but the difference is that we know what to follow and what not to follow. At the same time, I advise my patients, who interpret the literature with the help of a physician who is an expert.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you so much.

This really helped me.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have no problem at all you help you. You are welcome.

Regards.

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

Dr. Ajeet Kumar
Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medical Gastroenterology

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