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How to improve messy soft stools?

Posted by rosnerwdr468egh @rosnerwdr468egh, Jan 22, 2023

I’m 74 years old. I have very messy soft stools when having a bowel movement. I only use the bathroom about twice a week. I have used Metamucil with a doctors recommendation with occasional good results. I think I could get firmer stores if I could get that fiber regulated.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 23, 2023

Hello @rosnerwdr468egh, Welcome to Connect. I have had quite a long running battle with constipation along with episodes of messy stools. I think more fiber is definitely part of the answer. I had bi-lateral inguinal hernia surgery a few months ago and had to take Miralax daily prior to the surgery and following the surgery so as not to damage what the surgery fixed.

I'm now cutting back on the Miralax and using a special kind of fiber that I read about in another discussion here on Connect - Heather's Tummy Fiber. I thought I would give it a try and have been using it for about a month and it really has helped me become more regular. The only downside is that it doesn't mix well with hot or cold liquids and you need to put it in a cup first and slowly add room temperature water to get it mixed into the liquid. You can also mix it into foods that might make it easier. They have helpful suggestions on the package for getting started with the fiber and the daily amounts to start with until you get back to a normal bowel movement.

You mentioned the Metamucil was recommended by your doctor. Have you thought about having a discussion with a dietician?

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2 replies
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peggyjean | @peggyjean | Jan 24, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @rosnerwdr468egh, Welcome to Connect. I have had quite a long running battle with constipation along..." + (show)
Profile picture for John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop

Hello @rosnerwdr468egh, Welcome to Connect. I have had quite a long running battle with constipation along with episodes of messy stools. I think more fiber is definitely part of the answer. I had bi-lateral inguinal hernia surgery a few months ago and had to take Miralax daily prior to the surgery and following the surgery so as not to damage what the surgery fixed.

I'm now cutting back on the Miralax and using a special kind of fiber that I read about in another discussion here on Connect - Heather's Tummy Fiber. I thought I would give it a try and have been using it for about a month and it really has helped me become more regular. The only downside is that it doesn't mix well with hot or cold liquids and you need to put it in a cup first and slowly add room temperature water to get it mixed into the liquid. You can also mix it into foods that might make it easier. They have helpful suggestions on the package for getting started with the fiber and the daily amounts to start with until you get back to a normal bowel movement.

You mentioned the Metamucil was recommended by your doctor. Have you thought about having a discussion with a dietician?

Jump to this post

I take ZenWise pro & prebiotics & it helps tremendously! Good Luck!

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1 reply
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rosnerwdr468egh | @rosnerwdr468egh | Feb 21, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @rosnerwdr468egh, Welcome to Connect. I have had quite a long running battle with constipation along..." + (show)
Profile picture for John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop

Hello @rosnerwdr468egh, Welcome to Connect. I have had quite a long running battle with constipation along with episodes of messy stools. I think more fiber is definitely part of the answer. I had bi-lateral inguinal hernia surgery a few months ago and had to take Miralax daily prior to the surgery and following the surgery so as not to damage what the surgery fixed.

I'm now cutting back on the Miralax and using a special kind of fiber that I read about in another discussion here on Connect - Heather's Tummy Fiber. I thought I would give it a try and have been using it for about a month and it really has helped me become more regular. The only downside is that it doesn't mix well with hot or cold liquids and you need to put it in a cup first and slowly add room temperature water to get it mixed into the liquid. You can also mix it into foods that might make it easier. They have helpful suggestions on the package for getting started with the fiber and the daily amounts to start with until you get back to a normal bowel movement.

You mentioned the Metamucil was recommended by your doctor. Have you thought about having a discussion with a dietician?

Jump to this post

I haven’t thought of an appointment with a dietitian, but that sounds like a good idea. Where do you get your fiber?

REPLY
1 reply
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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 21, 2023
In reply to @rosnerwdr468egh "I haven’t thought of an appointment with a dietitian, but that sounds like a good idea...." + (show)
Profile picture for rosnerwdr468egh @rosnerwdr468egh

I haven’t thought of an appointment with a dietitian, but that sounds like a good idea. Where do you get your fiber?

Jump to this post

I actually buy mine on Amazon but was surprised that they have a lot of helpful information on their website - https://www.heatherstummycare.com/p/suplmts_acacia/tummy-fiber-acacia-senegal-pouch/.

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Feb 22, 2023
In reply to @peggyjean "I take ZenWise pro & prebiotics & it helps tremendously! Good Luck!" + (show)
Profile picture for peggyjean @peggyjean

I take ZenWise pro & prebiotics & it helps tremendously! Good Luck!

Jump to this post

Peggy,

What type of prebiotics do you take? Thanks! Joe

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1 reply
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peggyjean | @peggyjean | Feb 22, 2023
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Peggy, What type of prebiotics do you take? Thanks! Joe" + (show)
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Peggy,

What type of prebiotics do you take? Thanks! Joe

Jump to this post

It’s called ZenWise & I get it from Amazon to help with my digestion especially if I have diarrhea, but if I don’t it can cause some constipation! I just listen to my body….

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jselset | @jselset | Jul 13 2:45pm

Hello;
I see the last posting was in 2023, that I can see, it's now 7/26. Hopefully I can get some input. I have IBD and deal with mild constipation sometimes but more usually, very soft or sloppy bowels that are not formed. I have been trying Heathers Tummy Fiber but it's not been real effective. When it gets really bad I've used loperamide (over the counter) but don't want to rely on it. Has anyone else tried heathers tummy tummy fiber for loose bowels? I appreciate any input.

REPLY
2 replies
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Stephanie | @misseygirl | Jul 14 8:32am
In reply to @jselset "Hello; I see the last posting was in 2023, that I can see, it's now 7/26...." + (show)
Profile picture for jselset @jselset

Hello;
I see the last posting was in 2023, that I can see, it's now 7/26. Hopefully I can get some input. I have IBD and deal with mild constipation sometimes but more usually, very soft or sloppy bowels that are not formed. I have been trying Heathers Tummy Fiber but it's not been real effective. When it gets really bad I've used loperamide (over the counter) but don't want to rely on it. Has anyone else tried heathers tummy tummy fiber for loose bowels? I appreciate any input.

Jump to this post

@jselset
Hello,
Not sure if this will help…
I had several diverticulitis years ago.
The pain was so bad they thought it was appendicitis until tests proved otherwise.
My Dr at the time advised a prebiotic daily.
So for years I have been taking Walmart brand prebiotic fiber powder daily.
2 tablespoons in morning coffee.
Plus, I nearly eliminated sugar & upped my fiber intake.
I have had no problems since.

REPLY
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Mentor
Janell, Volunteer Mentor | @jlharsh | Jul 15 2:31am
In reply to @jselset "Hello; I see the last posting was in 2023, that I can see, it's now 7/26...." + (show)
Profile picture for jselset @jselset

Hello;
I see the last posting was in 2023, that I can see, it's now 7/26. Hopefully I can get some input. I have IBD and deal with mild constipation sometimes but more usually, very soft or sloppy bowels that are not formed. I have been trying Heathers Tummy Fiber but it's not been real effective. When it gets really bad I've used loperamide (over the counter) but don't want to rely on it. Has anyone else tried heathers tummy tummy fiber for loose bowels? I appreciate any input.

Jump to this post

@jselset I’m glad you found this discussion, even if it’s been a while since anyone has posted.

IBD can certainly make it challenging to find the right balance, especially when bowel habits seem to swing back and forth. I hope others who have tried Heather’s Tummy Fiber for loose stools will share what their experience has been.

I’m curious, has your gastroenterologist recommended the Heather’s fiber, or is it something you decided to try on your own? How long have you been taking it, and have you noticed any change at all?

I also wonder, when you describe “very soft or sloppy” stools, is that your usual pattern with your IBD, or has it been a recent change? Those details may help other members share experiences that are more similar to yours.

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