Is it normal to have jelly-like stool after Metamucil?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have been having bowel problems and mild pain outside the anus for the past month. I went to a proctologist who did not see anything and thought it was a skin issue. Also, I have constipation and feeling like I need to pass stools all the time, but only tiny amounts came out. I went to the Gastro, and he wants me to take Metamucil for two weeks to see if it helps then we can talk about getting a colonoscopy. I have also noticed black specks throughout the stool. I took the Metamucil powder yesterday, and now my stool looks like jelly. Is that normal? I have added the pictures of the stool and black specs.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Well, I agree there is an excessive amount of mucus, and the second photo shows probably a worm from intestinal flukes (attachment removed to protect patient identity). However, an undigested food that you have taken a couple of days back is also a possibility. Metamucil is just fiber. It does not tinge the black color of the stool.
I suggest you test for stool detail report and ova parasites, and show them to me when the reports are available. I also want to know if you been traveling in the past couple of months or did freshwater swimming? Did any of your trip mates have similar symptoms? Did you ever pass a large worm in the stools before? And do you have skin allergies?
I would need the above information and the report of stools as well, to guide you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I have not been anywhere in the last few months nor swimming anywhere. I do not think the medicines caused the black specs. I was asking questions about that and the jelly. And I think the jelly might be from the medicines I took.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The mucus is not a drug side effect. You get a stool for detail report, plus ova and parasites over three consecutive days. Let me know the report once it is available.
Meanwhile, I suggest you take anti-worm medicines empirically for intestinal worm infestation. In my practice, I give those anti-worm medications without hesitation. Since it also shows a benefit irrespective of the stool results. Take tablet Albendazole (antihelmintic) 400 mg twice daily for one day. I have written the formula name. You need to ask the pharmacy for the availability of different brands that are available in your country. Please remember pregnancy is a contraindication for the use of this drug. Otherwise, it is relatively safe.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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