For the last two weeks now, my bowels are been out of whack with constipation one day, diarrhea the next, gas pains, and lower back pains.

A little bit of history first. My first bowel problem occured in junior high when I started getting these back pains, and it became painful to even walk. Mom took me to the doctor, and he said I had an enlarged colon which was packed full of fecal matter. They gave me some drug that cleaned out my colon, and I felt great, and no problems.

I've never had pain like that again, but in my adult years, Ive learned that my bowels are extremely sensitive to stress, and I can get diarrhea at any time. I just feel that discomfort suddenly hit my lower gut, and I know that I need to get to a bathroom asap, and it usually takes 3 -4 hours to feel good again. Normally, I have one bout of diarrhea once a month.

I know that I've had this cycle of diarrhea and constipation before, but I dont ever remember it going on this long. Now, I have the back pains. They hit me Sunday, then went away yesterday, and came back today. I am worried about the possibility of colon cancer especially since some of my stools have been long pencil thin. Does this symthom stay constant with cancer? I was so relieved today when I had a good thick stool, but I went back to diarrhea later today. I haven't noticed any blood, or dark colors on my stools which gives me some comfort. Plus I'm only 31.

I did suspect that my problem was viral since the bad diarrhea started a few days after my mom had a bad virus, but the weird thing is the symthoms have gone away completely part of the time, then I start feeling bad again.

Please don't respond if all you have to say is to go to the doctor. I have no health insurance, and I know that I would have to end up going more than once before they take strong action. I would like advice on what to eat, and what causes back pain with the colon? I've tried eating bananas, oatmeal, fiber cookies, and soups, but they just seem to make the problem worse. Thanks for reading.

Try Metamucil powder. I tried the fibre cookies a while ago and they made no difference. I have been taking one heaping teaspoon of Metamucil smooth texture every day with water for about two months now and I have felt much better. I have had problems with diarrhea for over three years. Since I started Metamucil I haven't had true diarrhea - mostly solid. I still have pain and an urgent need to go, but I'm hoping that will subside. Just give it time, and it should regulate you.

It sounds like you have the same thing I do. I used to get severely constipated and wouldn't have a bowel movement for a month! Then I started on Cascara Sagrada, an herbal laxative and I was having regular movements with no diarrhea.

But I've noticed since I turned 50, I now have some IBS, with severe cramping and diarrhea (also have the long pencil thin type stools). Certain foods seem to trigger the loose stools, and also alcohol. When I get the loose stools I take Immodium; it works quickly and is safe. During an episode like this, I will have three or four movements in one morning! But then I go back to being constipated until the next bout of diarrhea hits! It's awful. They say the only thing you can do for IBS is take fiber like Metamucil and also taking Caltrate (a calcium supplement) helps with firmer stools. :bouncing: