Floating Stool in non-Cf'er

[annonymous]

Hi! I have an embarrassing question that maybe you can help me with.

I am a 30 year old female who is concerned about my stool. It floats and does so about 98% of the time! It is formed and normal looking (if there's such a thing!) and doesn't smell abnormally foul (unless I haven't gone in awhile). I never have loose stools, probably more constipation than anything...but not to the degree that I can't go at some point. My health has always been great, it is extremely rare for me to even catch a cold. I am 5'10" and about 150-155 lbs.

The reason for my concern is that there's a possibility that I am a carrier and this floating poop thing has me thinking....Maybe I just need more veggies in my diet???

Thanks!

 

[Faust]

For some reason, your first line - "I am a 30 year old female who is concerned about my stool" made me laugh pretty good. Maybe i'm just real tired but it gave me a good laugh. But anyways, onto your question. From what I have heard, floating or sinking stool has more to do with your wastes fat content than anything else, and can be used as a guide for CF's if they are taking enough enzymes or the proper kind of enzymes (not absorbing enough of the fats etc). I believe if it floats you have too much fat in your stool, and if it sinks there isn't as much present, which If I remember right is the better way to be.


Being a carrier or not being a carrier of the CF gene has nothing to do with your floating grogan. It has to do with your diet. I'm assuming you eat a good deal of fatty foods? try eating more veggies/a more balanced diet and stay more away from the saturated fats. Unless you enjoy being concerned for something, like your stool.

 

[julie]

Too much grease and fat in a diet can make anyone's stool float. Some people argue that there is such a thing as a "symptomatic" carrier. I don't believe I agree or disagree, I'm neutral on the matter but I do believe that it could be possible. Why not get tested if you are curious and worried.