What could cause change in the consistency of stools?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had softer small pieces of stools for several days. No increase in frequency, as I normally go one to three times a day. No pain or change in color. I took one tablespoon of psyllium one day, and the next two days, it was normal, several two to four inches pieces, and I went for one to three times. Now today, without the psyllium, it was small and softer again. My doctor said to ignore it and that it was not concerning. I have been quite stressed lately as well. Please help. Currently, I take the tablets Estazolam and Propranolol.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I have reviewed your case history.

1) A change in stool frequency and consistency can also be related to anxiety. So if you have been experiencing stress lately, there is a good possibility that you had these small changes in stools due to that.

2) Alarming features include per rectal bleeding, family history of colon cancer, unintentional weight loss, and recent onset of constipation with difficulty passing stools. Monitor these symptoms.

3) You can take psyllium for a couple of days even. That is a good add-on fiber to your diet.

4) I would recommend continuing to take Estazolam (benzodiazepines) and propranolol (beta blockers) as well. These medications should be regular and only adjusted by the doctor.

5) If you still feel uncomfortable, you can check your stool sample by doing stool DR (detailed report).

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your query.

That is great that you do not have any alarming symptoms.

1. Stool consistency can vary, especially during stressful times. Some people can even feel cramps or abdominal pain with increasing frequency of stools during stressful periods.

2. The tablet Propranolol is a beta blocker and helps in sinus tachycardia, so your indication and usage are absolutely fine in that regard.

3. Regarding the tablet Estazolam (benzodiazepines), do not wean off these days. Considering the stress lately, I would recommend continuing it. The best time to wean it off will be when you are comfortable without any stress-related symptoms. At that time, gradually cut it off to half dose and slowly off.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.

Answer 3

Hello, it was great talking to you yesterday. and your updates are well received and reviewed... So, nothing to worry about and you can have psyllium for couple of days even. Try to avoid focusing on it and you will feel it coming back to your normal routine. and it is ok if they break with flushing, I mean this is what water supposed to do. I am hoping, somehow your stressful factors will go away soon and this will further improve your overall health. Wishing you best health. Take care, Kind regards

Answer 4

Yes, fibrous looking and falling apart is okay, Psyllium makes it smooth , soft and easy to pass, best natural fiber to take.. One tsp is enough, if you passed it easily without any strain. Whenever you feel it's hard , just increase the dose of psyllium (dietary fibre) to 1 and half or 2 tsp. Wishing you best health with zero stress. Kind regards

Answer 5

Hello, Thanks for your Consultation again I have reviewed the details you mentioned. I can understand, you want exactly same types of stools which you had before and with some time you would have that too but if you continuously focus on this and try to micromanage size and shape of your stools, it will remain like this. Stress causes significant effect on your bowel movements and behaviour, so just give yourself sometime and ignore a bit. there is no medicine which can specifically regulate the shape and size of your stools, so being a doctor if I would hav any options I would had given that medicine to you already I agreed with your doctor on this, Google is giving you unfiltered information and this will never help you to reduce your anxiety or stress. Just a point, on a lighter note please,your Primary physician is the one who will treat you or help you at the time of need, not Google... just relax and give yourself sometime , ignore shape and size for few days and you will notice improvement.

Answer 6

Yes I agreed with your doctor's statement, change in size and shape without other alarming features as we were discussing during phone consultation, is of no significant medical concern. But I still feel if you will avoid focusing on this, this may improve a bit. cologaurd detects colonic mucosal cells and their DNA evaluation, screening for colorectal cancer, mucosal breakdown and coming in stools is normal process, this test detects is there any abnormalities in mucosal cells DNA etc.. so, first avoid stress and divert your attention, if still persistent symptoms, go for cologaurd test

Answer 7

that's a routine test advice, doctor's laboratory investigations will never end. I guess, as we already discussed, giving some time to yourself will be more appropriate step at the moment