What's normal?

[carrollco]

A week ago last Saturday I had my first normal BM in at least 10 years. It was one week after my 2nd Remacade infusion. After 4 soft but formed stools, I didn't go for 3 days. On the 4th day, I had horrible cramping before I was able to go accompanied by sweating and straining. Just before I was ready to go to ER I went. Stool was formed and after more pushing and straining I ended with diarrhea. I have to say the toilet was FILLED with a huge amount and I don't eat that much. Then I went 4 days with no BM and it ended when I took Exlax (one quarter of the suggested amount)--not the best but it was all I had on hand. Once again the cramping was frightening. Now, I am scared to death to go to the bathroom, more scared than when I had diarrhea because at least it came out. This is like giving birth. Now if the stool was ribbon-like I would worry about a blockage but it's not. Is my body just getting used to normalcy?

 

[Axelfl3333]

Sounds normal,don,t strain it won,t help,the trots for me after a big motion was my normal but it got better,don,t take laxatives unless your doc said so give them a phone to double check.
My gi nurse is a fountain of advice and when I had gone almost a week without going to the toilet gave 2 simple pieces of advice 1if you haven,t been for few days but are ok otherwise eat a small piece of trigger food(melon for me).
2 don,t strain on the toilet,rest your feet on a couple of books just think about the position,works for me!
This avoids more drugs and hassle but if all else fails go to your doctor.good luck
P.s lots of fluid

 

[carrollco]

OK. My goodness, I have to learn how to poop all over again!