What Does Alternation Of Diarrhea And Constipation Indicate?

Posted on Sun, 12 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 12 Apr 2015 Answered on

Wed, 29 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Well this is disgusting but what the heck is going on with my poop?! I had diarrhea for about 10 days - a virus I beleive. And now my stools are firmer but covered in this mucousy white stuff. Ive also recently started an exercise program. Other than that, nothing has really changed.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
immediate testing is needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the situation you are in.
I have gone through the pictures you sent in and noted the mucus covering your feces. to my opinion, you should get immediate tests:
- stool culture
- examination of stool for ova / parasites
- colonoscopy

to determine the final diagnosis.
consult gi specialist as soon as possible. For the moment, I advise to take probiotics and plenty of water.
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 hours later)

Is it possible that the hard stool just pushed old mucous out that wasnt coming out in the diarrhea ive had for 10 or so days?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Unusual mucus that need further evaluations...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

That is unusual mucus and need further evaluations. If I was your caring doctor would like to know what :
- damages/lesions the diarrhea made to your bowels?
- the cause for that diarrhea was?

That's why it is necessary to run the above mentioned tests for final diagnosis.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D