Hi

For the past week I have been experience trouble emptying. My stool have been small and frequent. When I get up from the toilet the stools float and they are gelatin like. I just strated 1 tsp of Metamucil per Dr's visit last week. I am 2 months post TD and this is the first time I had problems so I am a little concerned. Is this pouchitis? Anyone have advice.
Thank You

It's the metamucil. Try this: put some metamucil powder in a glass with water and let it sit there for about 10 minutes. It gets pretty gelatinous. And the fiber tends to make the stool more airy and floaty - I have floating stool all the time (no big deal).

If you don't like the consistency of the stool, buy the metamucil wafers and try them instead. I have not noticed a gelatin-like texture with those. The wafers are made of: wheat flour, sucrose, corn oil, psyllium husk, oats. fructose, oat hull fiber, corn starch, etc. I believe it's a bit more varied than the powder as far as ingredients.

If you find you are having trouble emptying still, reduce and vary the amount of metamucil and/or bowel slowers you are taking to get to a frequency you can deal with. At 2 months out, you may have to readjust things as you go since your body is still adjusting. I am finally settled out at:
1. 1 metamucil wafer and 1 immodium in the morning
2. 1 metamucil wafer at lunch
3. 1 metamucil wafer at dinner
4. 1 immodium before bed
5. Probiotic at breakfast and dinner

Earlier on, that much fiber was too much though.

Steve

The metamucil is probably what's giving you the weird poop! I have the same thing when I take psyllium which is the ingredient in metamucil. But what is the problem? Are you concerned because the poop looks different, or is it making you have to strain? You shouldn't have to strain, so if you do, you could try reducing the amount of metamucil you take. Other that that, if you're not in pain, feeling sick or running a temparature, don't worry about poop looking strange - it will, frequently!

I am straining a bit too much for my liking with very little coming out

Have you been checked for a stricture?

yeah he did a DRE last week and he said it felt great

Do you feel that your pouch is getting full, or can you not tell specifically? If you do not have an anal stricture, this sounds like it could be a partial obstruction somewhere. I'd hold off on the fiber supplements for now and concentrate on drinking a lot of fluids, particularly juices and warm liquids. This happens to me every couple of years and within a few days to a week, wherever the "hangup" is resolves and things move well. However, if you develop major abdominal distension, significant pain, and/or vomiting, you need to go to your doctor or hospital.

Jan

P.S. Yes, the fiber supplement can cause a gelatinous quality to the stool.

It doesnt feel full , just in the rectal area. Plus I get these involuntary movements to push when I am on the toilet.
I had some coffee today to loosen things up today and that worked, albeit liquidy, but things really moved along