I have a BIG PROBLEM...HELP!! I recently quit smoking a little over a month ago. During the time that I was a smoker, my poops were like clockwork, in the morning after breakfast and my morning cigarette. Now that I don't smoke, I seem to have a problem pooping. It's days before I am able to poop, and when I do, it is very little. I have gas like you wouldn't believe!! I know three other people who quit smoking the same time as me, and two of them have the same problem with horid gas. What can I do to be normal again? My boyfriend asked me to write, he's getting really fed up with the rancid gas problem! PLEASE HELP BEFORE I LOSE MY BOYFRIEND!!

Gina,

Thanks for the question!

Two scenarios come to mind. Either your sense of smell (paralyzed and affected by long term smoking) is just awakening and rejoicing in smells that used to go unnoticed, or;

You are eating more crap now that you aren't smoking, and your feces stink more and you are gassier now. You are what you eat, so clean up that diet, open a window when you poop, and perhaps encourage your boyfriend to start smoking so that his sense of smell can become paralyzed, too.

Please be advised that I am only a Poonurse. I am NOT a medical doctor. Any advice I give should be taken moderate skepticism. Please consult a REAL medical doctor if you feel you have a serious medical condition.

-- Poonurse [1]

Poonurse is an RN with 25 years experience in labor and delivery. Her qualifications include seeing a lot of poop, and owning a computer. Also, she works in Michigan, which she calls the asshole of the universe, so that's another bit of credibility. Got a question [2] for her?