Its time to get to know your Sh*t.
Firstly — I’m not a doctor.
This blog isn’t here to diagnose you or replace the official Bristol Stool Chart (which you should absolutely check out too). What I am doing is breaking it all down. If you notice any changes in your stool, experience pain, see blood, or just feel like something’s not right, always speak to your healthcare team. They’re the ones who can run tests, look deeper, and help figure out what’s really going on.
So,
When you live with gut issues, whether you’ve been told it’s IBS, you’re wondering if it could be IBD, or you’re already in deep with colonoscopies and flare management, you start paying a lot of attention to your poop.
Like it or not, your toilet bowl becomes a daily report card.
And while most people flush and forget, we don’t have that luxury. Because when something changes with the colour, texture, urgency or smell, it usually means something's going on underneath the surface.
This isn’t just about being gross. It’s about learning to listen. Your body is giving you clues. You just need the language.
Welcome to Stool School! the IBDHub version of the Bristol Stool Chart. Let’s decode what your sh*t is actually trying to say.
The Classic Log
Sausage-shaped, soft, and easy to pass. 10/10, no notes.
This is what we’re aiming for! Smooth, formed, and drama-free. You go, gut.
👉 This usually means: things are moving well, digestion’s in sync, no major inflammation.
Rabbit Pellets
Tiny, hard rabbit-like nuggets that are annoying to pass and leave you feeling unfinished.
This is often your gut’s SOS signal for more water, more fibre, or less stress. You’re not broken, just a little blocked up.
👉 This could mean: dehydration, slowed motility, or even low-grade inflammation.
Too Much of a Good Thing
Soft blobs with ragged edges, a little too loose, not quite diarrhoea, but not ideal either.
This can be food-related, stress-triggered, or a sign that something’s bubbling under the surface.
👉 Might mean: your gut’s reacting to something! food, anxiety, hormones or early signs of IBD activity.
Code Brown
Watery with no solid pieces. Sudden. Unforgiving. Immediate.
The kind that ruins your day (and maybe your underwear). This is common during flares, and it’s your gut saying “we’re in trouble.”
👉 This usually points to: active inflammation, infection, or a full-blown flare. Stay hydrated and contact your team if it continues.
Bloodbath
Blood in or on the stool. On the paper. In the bowl. Anywhere.
IBD 101: blood is never normal. Whether it’s red streaks or darker clots, don’t write it off as “just butt berries” especially if it’s recurring.
👉 Might indicate: active IBD, ulcers, inflammation, or fissures. Needs proper investigation.
Urgency Express
The “drop everything and run” kind of poo.
When the urge hits out of nowhere and waiting isn’t an option. You know the drill, you’re scanning for bathrooms before you even say hello.
👉 A key IBD red flag: urgency paired with frequency often points to inflammation.
Mucus Madness
Stool with a jelly-like coating. Sometimes clear, sometimes white, always weird.
Not just a “one-off.” Mucus can mean the gut lining is irritated or inflamed, especially if it shows up with cramps or urgency.
👉 Could be a sign of: gut irritation, IBD activity, or infection.
Floatie with Feelings
It won’t flush, looks greasy, and makes you wonder what you ate.
Floating stool might mean your body isn’t absorbing fat properly. If it’s happening often, it's worth checking your nutrient levels.
👉 This can signal: malabsorption, possible Crohn’s, or pancreatic involvement.
Gaslight
Looks normal. Feels like hell.
This is the “you’re fine” poop that convinces doctors to dismiss you, even though you’re bloated, in pain, and exhausted. Your symptoms are valid, even if your stool looks okay.
👉 Could be linked to: invisible inflammation, early IBD, or a misdiagnosis of IBS.
The Ghost Wipe
The rare, magical one-wipe wonder.
Smooth exit, clean break, no drama. We salute you. If you’ve made it here after a flare, take the win.
👉 Sign of: regular digestion, good fibre intake, and probably the best part of your day.
Why This Stuff Actually Matters
Poop isn’t gross. It’s data.
And if you’ve been waving off changes, tracking symptoms can help connect the dots faster.
If your stool has been inconsistent, unpredictable, or straight-up scary, don’t settle for “maybe it’s IBS” or “let’s just wait and see.”
👉 Push for:
- Faecal calprotectin (a stool test that checks for inflammation)
- Iron studies (especially if blood is involved)
- Colonoscopy (to check for damage or disease)
- Supportive GP or gastro who actually listens
Don’t Ignore the Red Flags
The earlier you act, the easier it is to calm the fire.
Think of inflammation like a house fire! It’s easier to put out one room than the entire building.
That’s why stool changes, especially when paired with fatigue, pain, or bleeding, should never be brushed off.
Final Thought
Your poop isn’t gross, it’s honest.
It doesn’t sugar-coat, it doesn’t gaslight, and it sure as hell doesn’t lie.
If something’s off, listen. And if it’s been off for a while? You deserve more than vague advice and bandaid fixes.
This blog isn’t just for laughs. It’s here so you don’t have to do mental gymnastics every time you leave the toilet. Your gut’s trying to help you. Let it speak.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for general information and lived experience support only. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team if you notice changes in your stool, experience pain, or have any symptoms that concern you. Don’t rely on Google — get it properly checked.
