Question: Good Morning...TMI, I'm sorry...I have a question. For the most part, I am usually constipated. Sometimes 'go' everyday, sometimes 3x a week, most of the time with straining, hard or soft stool, usually hard. The last time I believe I had an episode was in April which was like from hard tool, then minutes later (no urgency just a small urge) mushy stool, like in a pile that resembles a small beehive (the only way I can explain it) then minutes later normal soft stool. I did have a teeny bit of pain before the last one which was normal. Now, I haven't had a decent BM since I think Tues or Wed of last week. Since then every morning I have tried to go with only managing a hard pebble each time. Last night I had apple juice, which helps and a large Dunkin coffee this morning. I have experienced these stool changes in such a short span of time (wish gas) within 6-7 mos. In other words I go normal, alto there is straining, and then 6-7 mos later, this happens. Is this classic IBS? Or can the changes in stool appear because I haven't gone for so long? Thank you for reading this. I am just worried Im going to go another whole month like this. I have been constipated since I was a baby, with having TRUE diarrhea about 3 or 4 times in my 62 years. I am healthy, no health problems. The change in BM's started when I was 55 with certain foods like sauces, gravies, too much fruit, but over the last 2 years with this occurring every 6 to 7 mos.. The episode lasting anywhere from a few days or so, to 3 weeks as it was last April. This seemed to coincide with my shingles and taking a lot of Tylenol which I RARELY take. Other than what I have told you here, my stools are usually hard or normal with some straining, more so for hard stool. Thank you

Thank you. I am curious as to why when this occurs, the stool changes as it did in a matter of an hour. Hard, mushy, soft then semi-hard? I hadn't gone in almost 5 days. :( Does it sound as if it could be IBS-C? Thank you

I have a few more question. I agree it could be diet and lack of water for sure. Diet can really make these quick changes in stool with straining? When my stool was off back in April for 3 weeks, I mean color (no red or black) odor, and texture, not hard, more soft and formed but with like open cracks, could the excessive Tylenol or shingles itself cause this? And lastky, from what I have told you, what are the chances I could have IBS-C, or IBS-A (alternating)? Thank you for your time.