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What do you consider 'formed'?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/5/2014 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
When I read some of you posting about normal formed bowel movements, I'm curious to know what you mean. I'm trying to gauge what my output might look like if I'm getting close to remission. I've had what I'd classify as formed stool, but I'm not sure I'd go so far as to call it normal. Since my diagnosis, any formed output has had a granular appearance. It's hard to describe. Let's just say, my kids' formed stool has that smooth and compact appearance and mine has the texture of a slice of cake...like it's got thousands of tiny air pockets in it. Sorry if that's crude to say. I'm not sure if it's the Asacol that gives it that appearance or if it means I'm still having problems. I know I'm not in remission yet. I have abdominal and joint pain and my platelets are still high. I'd like some sign I'm close, however. I've never had mucus or blood, so I can't rely on the lack of either as an indicator.
Posted 6/5/2014 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Bristol poop chart!

Your kids' poop sounds "perfect"

Not sure what spongey/cakey poop might mean. Maybe just what you implied... air bubbles in the poop. Extra air in your guts from them churning and being cranky more often. :)
Posted 6/5/2014 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
if it cracks your porcelain upon impact, it's formed !
Posted 6/5/2014 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
This drove me nuts for a long time... Again I've been ill and haven't had formed stool for some 10 years. I forgot what it was like.

Then I had a perfectly formed one a few months ago and I was like wow!! now I remember.

Rather than description - I can only say you'll know it when it comes out - and it's the most awesome thing ever!

Well - maybe not ever......... that's a bit of an exaggeration. But it's darn good.

EDIT: You know I really have no clue how long I have had IBD. I think my signature say's 8 when it may be more like 10 or 12... Long enough that I don't even want to think about it really. I should make a point of asking my GI though one day though. Or tying to remember.
Posted 6/5/2014 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
I consider it formed if it stays in a log when flushed. I sometimes get what I call "fluffy formed" where it comes out in a log shape but its so barely held together it looks "fluffy" around the edges and then breaks apart when I flush or sometimes even on impact.
Posted 6/5/2014 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
I knew I was in remission when I looked at my poop, and the water in the bowl looked crystal clear!...also I think when your flaring the smell is awful, and when your in remission it just doesn't smell as bad...as Mark says, you will know it when you see it.
Posted 6/5/2014 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
You know you have had UC when:

You feel like your poop smells good while in remission.
Posted 6/5/2014 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
@garylouisville...I sense the start of a new discussion topic. I've got another one. You know you have UC when: You consider it checking your horoscope by looking in the toilet each morning.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Reading between the lines, if I have to ask...it's not normal. Ha! @toomuchpoopin, what you've described is another way to describe what I'm producing.
Posted 6/5/2014 1:55 AM (GMT 0)

Spartan4Life said...
@toomuchpoopin, what you've described is another way to describe what I'm producing.

Yeah, if you're seeing what I described then you have a little way to go. After my fluffy poop it progressed to formed but either many pieces or many trips one after the other of formed. Then after that it went to normal!!! Then....I started flaring again so my joy was short lived rolleyes
Posted 6/5/2014 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
From my own personal experience with ALL stool sizes, I found this to be the most accurate guide on stools.

Someone mentioned the bristol stool chart and I think that is the gold standard for determining bowel health. To sum it up, type 4 and 5 are the best indicators of colon (and overall) health.


» Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft

This form is normal for someone defecating once daily. The diameter is 1 to 2 cm (0.4–0.8”). The larger diameter suggests a longer transit time or a large amount of dietary fiber in the diet.

» Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges

I consider this form ideal. It is typical for a person who has stools twice or three times daily, after major meals. The diameter is 1 to 1.5 cm (0.4–0.6”).
Posted 6/5/2014 5:27 AM (GMT 0)
I have small formed pieces all the time, but they're still formed, not liquidy or loose...and my formed pieces vary from small to large. And I have poop shapes/sizes that aren't even on the bristol stool chart, they should really update that chart lol!
Posted 6/5/2014 11:46 AM (GMT 0)
Spartan4life, you're healing if your bms are starting to firm up, but you're not all of the way there yet: inflammation persists. What you're having, I call fluffy poops. They airy, ragged around the edges, and only loosly held together. When I had fluffy poops my volume was way up to. Easy to fill the bowl in one sitting lol. Did that multiple times a day.

Keep up with your current uc treatment regiment. Look for steady improvement over multiple weeks. Otherwise, talk to your gi to mix your treatment regiment some.

Not to burst your bubble, but when in remission your poops look normal.
Posted 6/5/2014 12:22 PM (GMT 0)
My poops are pretty much always on the fluffy side -- I eat a lot of fiber and drink a lot of water. And I've heard that mesalamine can cause the stool to be looser as well. I've had a completely clear scope (zero inflammation) as well, so I know there's no inflammation (none on the biopsies, either). I generally just go once a day, and not a huge volume. When I happen to not get my normal amount of water/fiber, they definitely get more firm.

So what I'm saying is that one can have fluffy poops and not have inflammation.
Posted 6/5/2014 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
Formed is how it looked prior to you have UC or any UC symptoms. Remember the good ol' days when you were a teenager and you could eat anything you want, like that.
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