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Narrow Stool and Diarrhea

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 6/14/2006 11:20 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Everyone,

I am a 36y female and have had stomach problems for the last 2-3 months.  It stared with diarrhea everyday after lunch and now is a mix of narrow stools and diarrhea.  This happens at the same time everyday.  I do not have contant stomach pain, but I do feel bloated and gasy pretty often.  I have an appt next week, but am worried now that I have read the colon cancer symtoms.  Are narrow stools a symptoms of IBS?

Thanks for any answers or advice.

 

Posted 6/14/2006 1:57 PM (GMT -8)
Yes, narrow stools are quite common with IBS, although I'm not sure I have ever heard a theory as to why. Go to your appointment, but don't start sweating bullets over cancer. One, colon cancer is not very common, especially in younger people but IBS is quite common, especially in women. I think one of the ads here on the forum said as many as 1 in 5 Americans has some degree of IBS. Worrying over something worse than IBS will just make your diarrhea worse.
Posted 6/14/2006 2:21 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Kelly.  I also have narrow stools and IBS.  I don't have narrow stools daily.  Try not to worry yourself before your Dr. appt. (although I haven't mastered this one yet).   
Posted 6/14/2006 2:37 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Kelly,
Welcome to HealingWell! :-)
Like the others have mentioned... It isn't uncommon to have narrow stool. It happens to me quite often when I have an IBS episode. Being bloated and gassy are classic symptoms of IBS - so don't go worrying about colon cancer just yet.
Let us know how your doc apt goes. Good luck and take care!
Posted 6/14/2006 5:14 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks everyone for the replies.  You helped to ease my mind.  I will keep in touch and let you know how the appt goes.

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