Question 1

every time i have a bowl movement, i have a line from the beginning to the end of it. i have no other symptoms. just "grooves" in my stool. normal?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes normal: due to hypertrophic rectal papillae but sometimes nor normal, have it checked

Question 2

i have a history of hemorrhoids, fissures, and inflammation. recently, i noticed a fairly deep groove in my stool. cause?

Accepted Answer

Likely fine, but....: Changes in caliber or stool shape are usually related to altered anal tone which can be seen with fissuring. That being said an exam is in order to rule out anything more serious like a cancer

Question 3

i had lar for rectal cancer 5mo ago.  now, i have a persistent groove line in my stool (same size as before surgery). normal cea. what's the cause?

Accepted Answer

More fiber in diet: You probably are seeing narrow stool when you say "groove" in your stool.  The size and girth of the stool is a function of fiber in your diet.  If it is because of a stricture at the anastomotic site (narrowing at the bowel hook-up) you would have more symptoms of difficulty with defecation or abdominal distension and pain.  Eat more fruits, vegetables and add psyllium seeds (like metamucil).

Question 4

my stool has a groove in it, almost like someone scraped a line with a toothpick. should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

No : I don't think you should be concerned. However, if you notice that the stool caliber is becoming thinner or if you see blood in the stool/from the rectum or if you have new change in your bowel movement/ worsening constipation, weight loss etc in addition to the above-especially if you have positive family history of cancer- you should see and discuss with your doctor as soon as possible.

Question 5

passing flat stool with grooves in it. no other symptoms. no bleeding or pain. whats could be the cause of this?

Accepted Answer

: The shape of a stool can be widely variable, and this could be normal. However, it is important to visualize the colon for colon cancer screening beginning at age 45, and this would be an excellent time for you to get your screening started. See your primary care doctor or a gastroenterologist. Good luck.

Question 6

i had trouble covering the groove for the fecal immunochemical test because my stool is very non-sticky.  will this make the results invalid?

Accepted Answer

Maybe..: For the test to work, you need to deposit an adequate amount of feces. If you have a difficulty  or if the test result comes back negative and your physician has a reason to expect a positive result, then you may ask to have the stool sample submitted directly to the lab.

Question 7

is a fecal immunochemical test be inaccurate if you have trouble collecting enough stool to cover the groove?  flaxseed is making the stool unsticky.

Accepted Answer

Not likely: On the other hand, this "FIT" test is still not infallible and must be done annually as a screening alternative to colonoscopy. It is far superior to undergo colon cancer screening via colonoscopy.

Question 8

fist sz bulge up& slight left of navel. nausea when bm or if no bm x3days. must lay flat to hav bm if soft have deep grooves length of stool x3 sides ?

Accepted Answer

You need to be seen: First, be sure you eat lots of fiber and lots of water and try a fiber laxative.  If you are having constipation severe enough to cause abdominal bulging (unless you are very thin) and if not going for 3 days, there is a problem.  I don't see how you could have a BM lying flat.  This is a significant lifestyle impediment, and there could be something blocking the release of stool from rectum.

Question 9

what do these black lines in the grooves of my molars signify?

Accepted Answer

Stain / decay: Most likely it is stain in the deep anatomical grooves. Best to have an exam to be sure. If not kept clean, they can lead to decay. Sometimes they begin to demineralize, get stained, and with proper homecare and fluoride, remineralize. Get them checked.

Question 10

why is my stool so dark?

Accepted Answer

Several possibilitie: Stool can be dark from iron pills pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) or foods like spinach. Black tarry stools may indicate bleeding from the stomach area and should be checked right away.

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Doctor answers about:

Groove in stool

A member asked:

Every time i have a bowl movement, i have a line from the beginning to the end of it. i have no other symptoms. just "grooves" in my stool. normal?

A member asked:

I have a history of hemorrhoids, fissures, and inflammation. recently, i noticed a fairly deep groove in my stool. cause?

A member asked:

I had lar for rectal cancer 5mo ago. now, i have a persistent groove line in my stool (same size as before surgery). normal cea. what's the cause?

A member asked:

My stool has a groove in it, almost like someone scraped a line with a toothpick. should i be concerned?

A member asked:

Passing flat stool with grooves in it. no other symptoms. no bleeding or pain. whats could be the cause of this?

A member asked:

I had trouble covering the groove for the fecal immunochemical test because my stool is very non-sticky. will this make the results invalid?

A member asked:

Is a fecal immunochemical test be inaccurate if you have trouble collecting enough stool to cover the groove? flaxseed is making the stool unsticky.

A member asked:

Fist sz bulge up& slight left of navel. nausea when bm or if no bm x3days. must lay flat to hav bm if soft have deep grooves length of stool x3 sides ?

A member asked:

What do these black lines in the grooves of my molars signify?

A member asked:

Why is my stool so dark?

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