Floating stools (sorry TMI)

[Darwin73]

From my other posts, you may have read that my main HA worry at the moment is pancreatic cancer. It is actually consuming me thinking about this all the time. Anyway, I have recently read that floating stools is one of the symptoms of pancreas trouble. The thing is, (TMI) mine have floated since as long as I can remember, and I actually thought this was normal until I read otherwise a few days ago. Anyone else?

[countrygirl]

YOu are confusing the inability to absorb fat that creates large greasy floating stools with the normal floating stool that is usually because either you are constipated and the stool lacks water or you are eating huge amounts of fibre both of which cause floating stools but this is normal.

HOpet his helps

[Worried_Male]

Mine almost always float, i thought this was normal?

[Darwin73]

Thanks Countrygirl. Well, I eat weetabix every day, but don't know what else I have that has fibre in it. Just thought that this is how everyone else was until I ggled!

---------- Post added at 19:51 ---------- Previous post was at 19:51 ----------

Ditto, worried_male!

[countrygirl]

I remember my Dr saying if you google "mucus and stools" it always comes up with bowel cancer sites but if you google "mucus and ibs" then you get all the ibs sites - google is logical it does what you tell it!

[macc noodle]

Floating stools are healthy stools

[Toffeeapple]

Yes I thought I read that floaty stools were very healthy, in fact I freaked out because mine sometimes sink....

[Darwin73]

That's what I had thought macc noodle and toffeeapple!

[ronski]

Floating stools are a sign that something is wrong with your digestion or a side effect of medication. Your stools should be well formed and sink, have a look at the Bristol Stool Chart for information. Eat a high fibre diet and loads of fruit and vegetables and your digestion will normally self regulate over time. Alternating constipation or Diarrhoea and floating stools that do not go away quickly with a change of diet then a consultation with your doctor should be sought.

[macc noodle]

Well goodness me. all those years I worried that my stools did not float and blow me down they are not supposed to!!!