Incomplete bowel evacuation. What could be causing this? Advice?

@rashida I have come to think all doctors think differently!
I had the colonoscopy at Cedars in Los Angeles about 18 years ago. Clean as a whistle but heard about diverticulitis for the first and only time.
The doctor laughed when I told him I am a Latina and ate more fiber since childhood than most people. And, I probably still do. I confess however the chile I eat now and much less frequently I pay for😂
And, my favorite “healthy” snack is popcorn.

@nycmusic Metamucil is the brand name for the generic psyllium fibre, and you can buy it in various flavours as well as in capsule form. Both forms very expensive. If you get the Metamucil capsules you will need to take several at one time - and Metamucil is expensive enough.

The generic psyllium fibre comes in two, only unflavoured formulations: psyllium husk powder (the key word is “husk” on the label) and fine ground psyllium powder (“powder” is the key word here because it is the consistency of flour) so if you opt for the generic psyllium fibre (much cheaper, and only available in health food stores) make sure it is the “psyllium husk powder” (the husk is coarse ground), not “psyllium powder” (very fine ground). It is the fine ground that could choke you because it gels faster than you can take the first swallow! I made the mistake of buying the fine ground powder (didn’t realize there was a course ground form available too!) and almost choked on it! Now I make sure it is the husk powder and have no problem getting it down my throat - if I swallow before it gels of course and that is possible to if you swallow it down fast (always must be mixed in eight ounce glass of water, followed by another equal glassful of plain water). If you don’t like unflavoured psyllium you can take it mixed in a glass of juice. I prefer taking it unflavoured so it’s not a problem for me.

@christina3444 It seems doctors in different countries seem to have different opinions. Also, I would imagine research results have changed since you had your colonoscopy. I am surprised that with a diverticulosis diagnosis you were not expected to have a colonoscopy at least every five years as follow up. In any case, I am sure if the foods you are eating affects your bowel badly enough you would know to contact your doctor about another colonoscopy.

My husband had eight polyps removed as well, and will be going in for another colonoscopy in March his year for follow up on the diverticulosis (he has never had any pain or discomfort) and to check if he has developed any more polyps since his last colonoscopy a year ago.

My husband and I had colonoscopies done at the same clinic but by different doctors. While his doctor recommended he return for another colonoscopy for follow up (he is 73), my doctor said “at your age you do not need any more colonoscopies” - even though I had some polyps removed too. I guess he figured since I was already 77 at the time (I am 79 now) I would not live long enough to schedule another colonoscopy …!? 😆

I do believe doctors - especially the male - tend to dismiss women’s issues. At least, that has been my experience. 🤷🏼‍♀️

@rashida I agree that opinions change over time and so does information available and new technology and discoveries. I also believe treatment options provided are subject to the cost of same and the age and general health of the person, regardless of country.
I’m 78 now and have PV/JAK2 and am little interested in new ways to poke and prod me.
But, to each their own.
The PV is under control and now and again I will eat what I want and what makes me happy and consider any ill effects the cost Im willing to pay.

@rashida After a colonoscopy the doctor told me I had diverticulitis. When I asked him what to do about it he told me to eat plenty of fiber!

@christina3444
Well, there's fiber and there's fiber. I was diagnosed decades ago with diverticulosis, long before my current SIBO problems, and discovered early on that I had trouble digesting certain cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli and cauliflower, but mostly their stalks) and corn kernels, and so stopped eating them. But fiber is important. There are plenty of other vegetables to experiment with and whole grains are also an important source. You need a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber. When I stopped eating stuff I couldn't digest well, I stopped having problems related to the diverticulosis. Though it now is probably a contributing factor in my SIBO. BTW: diverticulosis is the condition (pouches) and diverticulitis is the acute form (when it becomes inflamed and you develop symptoms).

@christina3444 what’s PV/JAK2?

@rnewman12 You don’t mention your age. But, your sensible comment makes me think youre not a kid. At some point you get to know your body and how you react to certain foods, etc. If you’re paying attention you eliminate or greatly reduce consumption of those foods that “dont agree with you”. I don’t think that’s an oversimplification.
I may give up tomatoes (and anything made with them),corn, onions, zucchini, cabbage, beans, chile, potatoes, spinach, peppers on my death bed. And a good bowl of oatmeal with some apple can’t be beat on a cold morning along with some great whole wheat toast.
Broccoli and cauliflower would be no sacrifice!
I’m not making light of anyone’s symptoms but I know me.

You've received some excellent advice regarding treating your feeling of incomplete evacuation of your bowels. There are a number of anatomical concerns that only a GI specialist would be able to help you identify. Since you did not give your gender or age, older women who have given birth can oftentimes develop severely decreased pelvic muscle function. This increases the risk for the bodies inability to "push" the stool out. Also, another member recommended Metamucil to bulk up the stool. Metamucil is a soluble fiber that absorbs water into the stool making it more slippery, and by doing that, makes it easier to pass through the colon and rectum. Of course, when adding fiber it is just as important to drink a lot of water throughout the day. Not drinking enough water when taking Metamucil can cause constipation as well. If this issue is interfering with your quality of life, then I would advise seeking professional advice.

@lwood55 FOUND THIS A GOOD READ
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/152473/gastro-obstruct.pdf