Sometimes IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) can behave that way, but so can other things. Soluble fiber (e.g. Metamucil) might help get things to the right consistency more of the time.

2-3 days without any movement is not normal by any stretch. It sounds like you have a chronic partial obstruction, could be a kink from adhesions, or maybe an anal stricture. But, constipation followed by loose, frequent stools often means that there is an obstruction and when the pressure gets high enough, loose stool comes around it.

You need to tell your doctor about these symptoms, and if you are taking any bowel slowers/fiber supplements, you should stop them until this is sorted out.

Jan

I agree that contacting the doctor is the next best step. I would usually expect pain to be a prominent feature of an obstruction (more than constipation), but it wasn't mentioned. On reflection, adding bulk (fiber) could be a bad idea without an explanation of what's causing the symptoms.

I tried the fiber and it is helping. I also contacted the doctor but I am having no pain.