I'm a 21 year old guy and I'm having increasingly annoying issues with my bowel movements and it's really getting me down. It's affecting my confidence and my relationship with my ladyfriend (who assures me it doesnt bother her ).
The thing is, whenever I want to walk anywhere like long distances away from home or town, I need to make sure my bowels are empty, which in turn means making people (like my gf) waiting for like 15 mins.
I get really worried when there are no bathrooms nearby when I'm out which creates an aching in my stomach which makes me feel like I need the loo.
I've actually not made the toilet twice (about a year 1/2 ago and 4 years ago) and I feel thats what's causing this panic (or what I think is anxiety).
Can anyone help me or am I blowing this completley out of proportion?
I'm a 21 year old guy and I'm having increasingly annoying issues with my bowel movements and it's really getting me down. It's affecting my confidence and my relationship with my ladyfriend (who assures me it doesnt bother her ).
The thing is, whenever I want to walk anywhere like long distances away from home or town, I need to make sure my bowels are empty, which in turn means making people (like my gf) waiting for like 15 mins.
I get really worried when there are no bathrooms nearby when I'm out which creates an aching in my stomach which makes me feel like I need the loo.
I've actually not made the toilet twice (about a year 1/2 ago and 4 years ago) and I feel thats what's causing this panic (or what I think is anxiety).
Can anyone help me or am I blowing this completley out of proportion?
Thanks,
Tom
You're not blowing anything out of proportion.
Do you suffer from anxiety outside of worrying about your bowel movements?
You may be suffering from some degree of IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome. I believe that there is a forum on this site devoted to the topic, and it might be of some interest to you.
anxiety also causes me unwanted bowel and stomach problems, which causes problems, i can have gone to the loo before i leave the house to go shopping then the minute i step in side Kwik Save my stomach starts churning and a feel like i need to go 'urgently', even though ive already 'been'. The more anxious i become the worse it gets. your certainly not 'blowing this out of proportion' and certainly not alone, my gp discribed it to me as having a 'nervous stomach'. Anxiety manifestes itself in many ways unfortunately. I end up with terrible wind too (which can be caused by gulping too much air- which i do often). I once had an accident too, so i think subconciously i related public places and lack of toilets. Talk to you gp though, mine prescribed a great anti-spasmodic which i find helps. Good luck
If it is IBS, there are antispasmodic medications your doctor can prescribe that might help you like Lomitil or Donnatal. Also, my husband's GI said he could take Immodium every day and that would be safe. You can also take bulk-forming fiber like Metamucil. Acidophillus or another probiotic supplement will also help stabilize your digestive system.
Have you gone to the doctor for this? It's possible you have a bacterial infection or some other physical problem, along with your anxiety issues.
Bowel Movements (not sure if this counts) 
).
