BMs too hard?

I seem to go from one extreme to the other.

MY BMs lately have been really hard and since Ive only been going about once a day or every other day theyre fairly large as well so they hurt. This in turn makes me afraid of bleeding again from straining...

Anyone else have this problem? What did you do??

Also, I found that 1 tbsp of cold-pressed flax oil (washed down with 1/2 glass of water) after your meal can help soften BMs.

Often people without UC do take fiber supplements (such as psyllium husk) + a lot of water to avoid constipation, but it might also make your BMs even larger, and not necessarily softer, until you find the right balance.

It's a tough call. If I had formed, hard BMs without taking fiber supplements, then I would try to find another way to soften BMs before trying fiber supplements. And if you do try psyllium husk then probably start off with a small amount to test it out.

soooo, do you think you might be in a flare or if you're on the tail end of a flare, some of the rectum might be mildly inflamed. If you have any rectal meds, it could help. But, do start a fibre supplement.

I use Metamucil capsules.

I used stool softeners the first few years when I was ending a flare....yes, low in the rectum inflammation and YOWIE!!! pain in the tush.

The Metamucil or ilk will help soften/bulk/fluff the stool and help you go at least once a day rather that every two.

quincy

A stool softner like colace might be helpful for you sgtpeper...you can still do fibre supplements (drink plenty of water with them) start with a small amount first, and expect some gas/bloating from it, this is normal and happens to healthy people too, it's just your system adjusting to it, but definitely go with stool softner if you're finding your stools to hard and painful.

:)

just to add what you're going through is normal for "finishing" a flare.

You'll have to adjust as we've suggested.....remember that the same symptoms will advise you of a flare coming as well.

The fibre supplements, once you start them, will be good to continue. Not so for the stool softeners. Use that now as pb4 suggested to help get things softer at this time. Use them as needed, but the fibre, food, fluids, and mild exercise such as walking will also help.

Feel better soon,
quincy

psyllium husk fiber supplement; go easy at first; ask your doctor