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Alternating Loose Stools And Constipation, Not Lost Weight
In the past I have had regular bowel movements. I am 50. Over the past 6 + months I have had alternating loose stools or diaheria followed by constipation for a couple of days then long thin bowels. Not pencil thin but thin and long. I am assuming that is because it has been building up for a few days. The bowels described above seem to be a reoccuring thing. I get a better though still a little loose then will go thru a cycle per aobe. My GP thought I should eat more bran which I am trying to do. My diet has not changed much though I may have been eating less fruits than in the past. I have not lost any weight and try to excercise 3x per week ( don t always make it 3x a week).
Sat, 4 Aug 2012
It seems like you may have irritable bowel syndrome with alternating diarrhea and constipation. It can occur after a viral gastroenteritis ("post viral IBS"). More bran and fiber supplements (e.g. metamucil) may help. However since you are already 50 with a change in bowel habits, you definitely need a colonoscopy to make sure nothing else is going on, and exclude dangerous problems. In the meantime you can also try over the counter probiotics, which occasionally help. For constipation I like Miralax (also OTC), as needed.
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