mucous in bowel

Hi Canyonbabe,
Mucus is naturally in our stools, its part of the body's defense system and is there for everyone. Its there to ease the stool to pass easier. In IBS, its excreted more than normal due to the contractions or spasms of our intestines (IBS causes more intense spasms than normal folks). The mucus can be seen on the paper or it can come out as if you were passing stool or when you are passing stool. Its more noticable when you are cramping. Some people don't actually notice it at times and it seems worse for some than for others. I hope this helps a little.
Take Care

Hi!

With IBS-D you have TONS of mucus in your stool...I know, how grose, but it's true.  You can see it...it looks light brown, white, kind of slimy...AGAIN, grose, but true.  It's normal to have mucus in the stool, but IBS suffers have more...I'm guessing from irritation and spasms.