Sorry this is so gross, but I am totally baffled.

Ever since my surgery, I have had to work really hard at staying regular. I take Shaklee Herb-lax regularly and it usually seems to do it for me. But I had an episode Sunday night and I thought I was gonna die! Like an idiot, I have not been drinking enough water lately. But I AM NOW! Now, I am sorry this is going to sound graphic, but it's the only way I can explain my situation and (hopefully) get advice. Most of Sunday, I felt like I had to go but couldn't. Finally about 6:00 I really felt the urge and tried again, only nothing would happen. I felt pressure there and eventually what felt like a clump/clog, whatever you want to call it. After three hours of straining, pushing, getting hot and peeling off my clothes, veins popping out in forehead... etc. etc. I gave up but I was miserable. I went to bed about 9:30, exhausted and in tears. The next day I felt like I had been run over by a truck and I missed work. To make a long story short - I ended up taking more Herb-lax and then tried Phillips Milk of Magnesia and got some relief. Since then I have been going quite a lot because I am working hard at keeping it smooth, if you know what I mean. Now I'm just trying to handle the pain from hemorrhoids, but I've had them for years so I know that will stop hurting. Now here's what has me baffled. For the past three days now, when I go, there are tiny little square things floating around in the toilet after I go. It looks like those teeny chunks of fruit you sometimes get in yogurt or whatever. They are just about perfectly square! The thing is, I HAVE NOT eaten ANYTHING at all that is shaped like this. And I am going 3-5 times a day - not a lot, but enough and it's very loose or watery, but there are like 9 of those chunks in there EVERY time! Besides not knowing what these squares are I am beginning to wonder how long they've been in there and how much more there is! And not only that, for the past three days, I have passed something that is oval and cannot figure out what it could be. What bugs me, it's the same size and shape as my hormones! Could it possibly be that? Are they not being absorbed? So here's my question - should I try that Hollywood Diet to get totally cleaned out? Is it okay for us to do it? Has anyone out there tried it? I am SO sorry about the nature of this, but as I said, I am just baffled at these little things and what they could be - and worse -- how long they've been in there.

Just guessing it is something that does not digest. Vegetables? Thin skin like flecks. Really if it continues to be an issue I would call the Dr. I rarely have constipation but when I do I feel like I will die! laurie

You should call your physician(s). Anytime you have a severe change in bowel habits or suspicious objects being discharged, it's time for a medical consult. At least call and talk to the nurse. You could be passing undigested particles but you could also be passing blood clots. Anyone can develop a twisted or kinked bowel and we are perhaps more susceptible. I'd rather be safe than sorry! I hope you feel better! ~V~

If it resembles coffee grounds you should contact your doctor right away and let them know. I hope you get better soon. Hugs Wendy

Boy can I sympathize on the constipation issue (see my earlier post "Zelnorm Anyone?" Just a thought - could the squares and ovals be undigested vitamins or supplements? When you say "hormones" you mean that you are taking an oral hormone? If so, that is most likely what you are seeing after you go. Since your bowels are moving pretty fast right now, that might explain why these things aren't being digested/absorbed. Just my VERY NON-MEDICAL opinion. Good luck with getting all your issues resolved. Carlita

I keep glycerin suppositories on hand just for that problem. You could also have used a Fleets enema. Danged those hemorrhoids anyway. I had a similar problem a while back and thought I would never sit comfortably again!

Sorry...about you situation. I take a RX called Miralax...non-habit forming. I had problems like you did a year ago...now I take the Rx and I am just peachy. Life is to short to be as miserable as you were. Sandy in Tucson

very definately call your dr. a sudden change in the shape could be from a partial bowel obstruction, it could be very serious, if it obstructs completely it could be fatal. You need a medcal exam, asap. do not be put off. If you cannot get an immediate Dr appointment consider the ER. they can do a CT scan there too. Please let me know how you are! I'm worried for you.

Wanna get cleaned out fast- Phospho soda. 2 oz on 6 oz of juice. Stay near the toilet. Someone else also said glycerin suppositories. Pretty quick too. kp @ goal