4. Changes in Bowel Habits: The Alarming Shift
Everyone has their own “normal” when it comes to bowel habits. However, sudden and persistent changes in this routine can be more than just dietary or stress-related; they can be an ominous sign. For those with FAP, shifts in bowel patterns are symptomatic of the underlying turmoil the polyps are causing.
Initially, a missed day or an added restroom trip might seem negligible. But, with FAP, it’s about the consistency of these changes. Whether it’s diarrhea, constipation, or an alternating dance between the two, it’s the persistence that raises eyebrows.
Underlying these changes are the multitude of polyps in the colon and rectum. Their presence can alter the regular function of the bowel, leading to these deviations. Moreover, larger polyps or clusters can partially obstruct the bowel, further disrupting the rhythm. (4)
