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Ribbon shaped stool?? UPDATE

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/15/2008 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
I just got out of a pretty bad flare and have been feeling pretty good. In the past two weeks though, my stools have been flat ribbon shaped and rather hard to pass, like it takes a while. Its the kind that makes your eyes water and you cant breathe for a few...ow ow ow

so i didnt think much of it until i didnt have a BM after the always terrible morning one. Then before I went to bed I had a terribly painful oen and it started with mucous and then the flat stool...

I looked up the symptom online this morning and found lots of things that said it is the first noticable symptom of colorectal cancer because its an obstruction. But I also found a few things that said it could just be from IBS or IBD... anyone else have this? What should I do... keep in mind I dont have any insurance and a colonoscopy is over $700 :(
Posted 10/15/2008 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
Inflamation from UC may cause narrowing of your lower digestive tract and your stool will become comparatively narrow as it passes through. I have narrow stools alot. If you feel you are getting worse then call you GI for guidance, who could probably advise you without a colonoscopy. I know it is hard not to worry, but I imagine the chance of you having colon cancer is very very remote.
Posted 10/15/2008 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
I always have narrow stool and colon inflammation can cause that. You have to remember that the things you read on the internet is not always a good thing. It can make one a nervous mess. If ever in doubt about your body and what is happening, it's best to call your doctor even if it's for reassurance.
Posted 10/15/2008 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
my first 7 years pretty normal stool, but since my monster flare in Sept 07, I have had small stringy poo, could be described as ribbon. My colonoscopy in April 08 showed no inflammation and I still had stringy poo, I think it must be from scarring.

You may have hemmies too?
Posted 10/15/2008 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
In flare, mine was flat also. Now that I'm in remission, it's more back to a cylinder shape. And be aware that if you're having regular colonoscopies, any pain you feel is unlikely to be from colon cancer. Pain is a fairly late symptom, and usually occurs only when the cancer gets big enough to put pressure on the colon and surrounding organs.
Posted 10/15/2008 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
I've gotten it from time to time...I have both IBD and IBS.

:)
Posted 10/15/2008 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
If you are consistently concerned about it, have your doc take a look-see and take biopsies.

I get them too having both IBS and UC.

I would suggest to consider taking a fibre supplement to help bulk up the stool.

quincy
Posted 10/15/2008 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
That was one of my first UC symptoms (along with blood).  Before diagnosis I was terrified that I had colon cancer, because I did the same thing you did - looked it up on the Internet.  Turned out to be UC.  I think its probably normal.  Ask your doc if you need reassurance. 


Posted 10/15/2008 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
I had that as well. It came and went during my last flare. I think that you need to talk to your doctor about it but also know that it is not an uncommon symptom of UC. My doctor said that inflamation and soft stool can cause it...
Posted 10/16/2008 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hemmorhoids could also cause the flat stool. I think alot of us have experienced that at one time or another.
Posted 10/16/2008 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
yea i get ribbony stuff as well. i have it now. only get it during flares and can be caused by spasms, and narrowing. it might also be yellowish or different colored because the colon isn't working to remove bile and other substances are it normally would be.
Posted 12/23/2008 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
Okay... almost 3 months later and I am still having the flat stool. EVERY single time. Its gotten more painful and more hard to pass. I have even been pushing so hard and in so much pain that I throw up while on the toilet.

I went to the Emergency room two weeks ago because of the pain and cramping and then finally went to the gastro that diagnosed me almost 4 years ago. Given I havent seen her in more than 2 years she was rather nice and actually believes me this time.

I am scheduled for my first colonoscopy next week on the 30th... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to me....

I am scared of the procedure itself, and of what it could be. But at this point I am desperate and need to figure it out and make it stop!

ER visit + Gastro visit + Colonoscopy in a hospital= major medical bills with no insurance. Plus at the end of the month I am homeless and unemployed :(
Posted 12/24/2008 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing malfunction of the colon-- so you are doing the right thing by scheduling it soon. Steel yourself for the prep; that will be the worst part of it. Then when it's over & done with, the gastro will be able to adjust your med to treat the level/extent of inflammation you currently have. That's the best route to restored health for you: go for it! When you feel better, you'll be able to tackle the other problems you mentioned. Good luck & take care. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])
Posted 6/30/2009 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
hi im 24 and have been having the same problem as you ,i have no pain ,but my stools are small and ribbon pencil thin,and hard to go ,strain,it has only been a week since i had normal stools but very worring and i looked up on the net ,and the only thing in my mind is the big C word ..i never do doctors ,havent for the last 10 years ,even when im really ill ,but i managed to book my self in the local doctors and have a appointment 2moro with a bit of a push from my partner,bloody worried thou ,
any1 give me any other advice on what it could be also how did samyn diagnose
Posted 11/25/2012 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
The BMs *can* be skinny because the walls of the colon are inflamed (inward). This means the passage gets skinny for passing BMs. Talk to your doctor.
Posted 11/25/2012 3:38 PM (GMT 0)
I have these during flares or when im coming off one. I didnt know this was a big issue never mentioned It to my docs.
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