A question about poop

[AGM]

Hi there. Sorry for the kind of gross question...

I've noticed over the past couple of months that often my poo kind of starts dissolving when it hits the water and I'm wondering if this is because it is verging on too soft and if it is related to gut irritation from something I ate the day before etc. What I mean is...the poop is solid and completely formed (type 4 Bristol) and it stays formed in the water, but the water turns the colour of the poop, moreso after the 2nd, 3rd pieces hit etc. By the end, the water is completely brown and you can only see the top piece of poop. I've noticed this, because it almost never happens with my kids. Their poop is mostly formed and solid and the water remains clear. I can't remember this happening to me before, so am assuming it must be part of the LC> I think I had several weeks after xmas in which it didn't happen and I do have days where the water remains clear, but quite often lately, the water goes brown.

Does anyone experience this and does it mean my gut is irritated still? Or is it just that the stool is quite soft, not enough to break apart, but enough for a layer to start dissolving off. I do sometimes worry it means the D is on its way back. And in relation to this, I remember that in the Recovery Stages written by Gabes, she mentioned that your poop will change when you introduce a new food. What does this mean? Should we expect a bit of extra softness/looseness when trying a new friend and if so, how are we to know whether that is a normal reaction that will go away, or a reaction that means the food is triggering us?

Sorry for all the details, it's just playing on my mind.

TIA
Alice

[tex]

Hi Alice,

I'm no expert in coprology (or scatology, if you prefer), but the composition of excrement can depend on several issues. Although proper functioning of the digestive system is probably the most important, various other factors play a big part. One of the most important parameters is diet. The percentage of fiber and other indigestible items will have an effect, as will unabsorbed fat. If you notice iridescent rings around the poop, the fragmentation may be caused by unabsorbed fat, But I'm guessing there are none, which means the fiber is probably having a major effect.

IMO, you're being too hard on yourself at this point. Remember that your digestion is not perfect yet — you've only been healing for a few months. You may need to heal for a year or two before trying for a blue ribbon. I can recall that back when I was trying to recover, I was thrilled with anything more substantial than watery diarrhea.

Tex

[AGM]

Hehe, I can't believe I even asked the question Tex , but thank you for your answer. Yes, I think fibre is the culprit and thank you for the reminder to be more gentle on myself and to stop obsessing over the toilet bowl! LOL (I'd never even heard of those two terms!)

[AGM]

I'm also always in such a rush in life, particuarly when it comes to "fixing" problems or getting out of uncomfortable situations etc and I have to remind myself that this particular journey (to healing) is a long one, so to just take each day as it comes and enjoy the small wins. One day I hope it will all be but a distant memory.

[tex]

Yes, we all have to learn to shift down a gear or two after this disease develops. Probably a big part of the reason why we have developed this disease in the first place is because we are type A, overachievers, perfectionists, obsessive-compulsive individuals who have a problem letting go of details that are out of our control.

Tex

[AGM]

guilty to a lot of that!!