Weird BMs -- good sign or bad? (graphic, sorry)

For a while, I've had some BMs that consist of gas and one or two blood/mucus plugs -- about the size of pencil erasers, and looking kind of like the little balls we kids used to squish our Wonder bread into. But things have reached a new level.

First, let me say that I have not had a "real" (fecal) BM since 9:30 Friday morning. about 9:00 last night, I had a BM that was just gas and a DOZEN of those little plugs. (Yes, I did get out my handy flashlight and count them.) Since then, I've had a couple more BMs with multiple but fewer plugs. One time there was just little dark bits, almost like coffee grounds but not that dark and not that plentiful, just a spattering.

Does anyone have any idea what this is? Could it be bits of suppository conglomerating with blood and mucus? And overall, would this be a good thing or bad?

Again, apologies for the graphic nature of this post. Hope there are no Wonder bread fans out there.

First I commend you on stool observation. All afflicted with UC should observe their stools, its "listening" to your body. If you are bleeding then your inflammation has caused your capillaries in the gut wall to spill. If the blood is bright red its usually lower in the GI, if it is black or tarry it is higher up. If the stool sinks it is often a good sign. If it floats it means improper assimilation of fats or fiber. The "plugs" could be a multitude of things.

As far as if its good or bad, a GI chat to your doc who prescribed these meds should point u in the right direction.

emory...are you eating regularly? Have you had anything different in the past little while?

Did the doc take stool samples?

How many times are you going? Increasing over the past few days?

I'd classify it as flaring....the round balls, are they floating?

Are you taking the metamucil 3x daily?

q

Thanks, everyone, for the replies.

With regard to foul smell, the only foul smell I've noticed seems to come from use of the hydrocortisone suppositories. I've also noticed that the longer the suppositories stay in (during periods of semi-constipation), the darker the blood that comes out; I think the suppositories must have a staining effect (as they are supposed to on furniture and clothing).

Sometimes the plugs float, in which case I think they are mostly suppository leftovers. Almost always, they sink.

Quincy, I count it as still flaring also -- just hoping it's a sign that something is starting to heal on the inside. I have been eating regularly and frequently,and am usually right under 2000 calories daily. I haven't had any different foods recently.

The doc did not take stool samples.

Total number of BMs per day has decreased pretty dramatically, but fluctuates -- generally around 4 this week. I might have 6 one day, 1 the next.

I take the Metamucil at 5:00 pm, two tablespoons with 16 oz water. The doctor prescribed it in one dose, and I didn't think to ask why. He said to take it at bedtime, but I can't because of other bedtime meds.

Yes, I'm eating some foods with buik, maybe not enough. Actually had pork roast with potatoes and carrots (slow cooker) on Friday night, and whole wheat pasta with spinach and mushrooms in cream sauce last night, both of which I expected to get things moving.

Just a bit ago finally had a "real" life-size BM with comparatively very little sign of blood. Not getting my hopes up yet, but a welcome change.

My last (and only) "full" colonoscopy was in December 2004 -- just to the hepatic flexure. Last sigmoidoscopy on June 12. Second doctor said he'd want to take at least a limited look in a couple of weeks if things don't start to clear up. (I like both my doctors, but they seem to vary quite a bit in their approach.)

Stay well, quincy -- hope you've had a good weekend. Daughter and I just got back from a woodsy walk along a creek with good friends (one her age, one mine!). Such a lovely fall day.

Best,
emory

Emory,

I am so happy for you for going on a stream stroll. Plus you had adult company, and I'm guessing you weren't thinking constantly about your UC. Congrats. The final piece is that you are finally starting to get semi-formed stools, which I always see as a good sign in me. Keep doing whatever it is you've been doing, and I'll bet some relief is on the way. Take care.

emory...sounds like you're eating well..sounds yummy!

I'm doing well except hurt my back while taking out the vacuum cleaner...I keep telling my husband it's not good for me to vacuum (yes, he usually does it anyway)..
I even had to cancel a doctor appointment because I couldn't get ready for it..I'm walking around with a support brace and a cane...sigh.

I'm sick of all the other crappola (and I just went to the chiro on Friday)...Robaxin/Robaxacet are what I'm using, hope tomorrow is a better day (especially since I have no clients and was going to catch up on other stuff)....but the butt, she is good..

quincy

YaY someone finnaly said it. This really is a graphic disease. I never liked wonder bread by the way.

Red_34 said...
Ah there goes my appetite for my Wonder bread toast in the morning! Just kidding   Please never apologize for any graphic description here on the Uc forum.  That is the nature of our disease and there is no way around it.