I had this issue last year and it’s back again. It’s a bit gross but I like to check in the toilet to check movements look okay and healthy. Recently they’ve been quit hard, I’ve been really needing to go but nothing has been happening but sometimes it’s very soft. The issue is I’ve notice a paper/film like substance in my stool and I’m concerned. I had the occasional stomach cramp but nothing major. No blood but some mucus. Any information or help would be appreciated. I’m too embarrassed to go to my gp
Hi Jay
Unfortunately I can’t comment on the substance you are finding in your stools, but what I can say is that you shouldn’t be worried or embarrassed about seeing your doctor about this, I can guarantee they have had worse experiences in their life. I’ve had three separate doctors fingers up my backside in the past, and all of them had a good look around that area too. I’ve also had a sigmoidoscopy and two colonoscopies, all by different surgeons, so in the past three years there have been six separate health care specialists having a good look at my behind. The pros far outweigh the cons, and for your own peace of mind it would be beneficial to get it checked out.
As for finding it hard to pass stools, eat high fibre foods and drink at least two to two and a half litres of water a day. Warm baths can help soften stools as well, and there are some useful yoga exercises that can promote a bowel movement, these can be found online and could be worth a try. Failing that a mild, over the counter laxative would be good, but try not to rely on these to have a bowel movement, only use them short term.
Hope that helps.
When I feel constitution I lay firm in bed and massage my stomach it seems to help me go
Go to your GP. Advice and conjecture on this forum is no substitute for a proper examination and diagnosis by a medical practitioner.