DEAR DR. GOTT:
Lately my bowel movement habits have changed. They used to be extremely regular and the correct consistency and shape. A few months ago I started eating a Fiber One bar for breakfast every day. They are filling and taste good. Most days they held me through lunch. Then two things happened. The gas I would have after eating lunch was awful. And I experienced a change in regularity and consistency. I could only attribute it to the Fiber One bar, as that was the only thing I was doing differently.
I stopped the bars hoping things would return to normal. They didn’t. My movements are inconsistent and I’m having to strain. I tried a laxative. Big, violent mistake. I didn’t like it, nor did it help. A stool softener helped a little, but I’m still not happy. I’m concerned there may be a blockage.
DEAR READER:
You don’t indicate your gender, age, or medical conditions that might play a role. Therefore, it is rather difficult for me to provide a meaningful response.
There are several reasons for a change in bowel habits. A change in diet other than the Fiber One bar, medication, or an increased stress level in your daily living may be to blame. You could have irritable bowel syndrome or a blockage from yet another undiagnosed condition.
Any change in bowel habits should be followed up on and you need to get to the bottom of the problem (no pun intended). Begin with your primary care physician for testing. If any question of diagnosis remains, he or she can recommend you make an appointment with a gastroenterologist, a digestive tract specialist.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott