RBD616
06-09-2005, 08:41 PM
Does anyone else have periods of abnormally small bowel movements and diarrhea mixed with constipation that goes on for weeks at a time, then one day seems to clear up and become normal again for several days or weeks?
I will go through bouts, sometimes several weeks at a time, where my bowel movements are very small and watery, mixed with diarrhea. I feel constipated much of the time like I am not able to have a good, solid bowel movement. However, I do not have the symptoms of constipation in that my stools are not hard and dry, they are loose and watery. My stools will come in various shapes and sizes and usually small. The diarrhea is not urgent or painful and not even that uncomfortable. I usually don't feel cramps or bloating like other IBS sufferers. My concern is that I will sometimes go for such a long time before having a normal, solid bowel movement. Sometimes 4-6 weeks even.
My appetite and energy are all good.
I've been to a gasteroenterologist a year ago and he was confident enough that my symptoms were IBS related that he felt a Colonoscopy was unneccessary. These symptoms have pretty much been with me for 25 years. I am in my 40's now, though, and just more concerned that it could be more serious than IBS.
One other symptom when I am going through a difficult period is that hot, spicy and greasy foods go through me instantly - almost like a laxative effect ant it BURNS coming out..Sometimes only an hour after eating.
Sound familiar at all to anyone?
I will go through bouts, sometimes several weeks at a time, where my bowel movements are very small and watery, mixed with diarrhea. I feel constipated much of the time like I am not able to have a good, solid bowel movement. However, I do not have the symptoms of constipation in that my stools are not hard and dry, they are loose and watery. My stools will come in various shapes and sizes and usually small. The diarrhea is not urgent or painful and not even that uncomfortable. I usually don't feel cramps or bloating like other IBS sufferers. My concern is that I will sometimes go for such a long time before having a normal, solid bowel movement. Sometimes 4-6 weeks even.
My appetite and energy are all good.
I've been to a gasteroenterologist a year ago and he was confident enough that my symptoms were IBS related that he felt a Colonoscopy was unneccessary. These symptoms have pretty much been with me for 25 years. I am in my 40's now, though, and just more concerned that it could be more serious than IBS.
One other symptom when I am going through a difficult period is that hot, spicy and greasy foods go through me instantly - almost like a laxative effect ant it BURNS coming out..Sometimes only an hour after eating.
Sound familiar at all to anyone?
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Orbitz1200
06-09-2005, 10:03 PM
This sounds a lot like what goes on with me. Unfortunately, though, I can't tell you much about what that means. I too have been diagnosed with IBS, though I've had a couple colonoscopies. Honestly, I don't believe the diagnosis entirely, though. I wonder if it it's due to some food intolerance. I also have almost no pain (once in a while I might have minor discomfort under my left ribcage area, but that't it) and the same bowel symptoms exactly. Spicy foods also seem to ruin me (which I hate, because I love spicy foods).
6th_sense
06-09-2005, 10:42 PM
Hi guys,
It sounds like you have IBS. I used to go through those symptoms for a short while sometime back. I did have pain though.
I'm not sure if you have tried to use fibre supplements, but if you haven't they might help - something like metamucil which is a soluble fibre supplement might help increase regularity and stool consistency. You might also try plain white yogourt or acidophilus caps which both contain bacteria essential to the digestive process that get wiped out during bouts of diarrhea.
Well, those are the usual suspects in terms of "things you can do". The rest is a diet issue, from your description. A lot of people who suffer from IBS (including many on this board as you can see from posts) try to control their bowel habits through the use of diet. Many of us can't take hot and spicy foods.
I'm of course the exception to all this, since I deal with IBS at a different level.
Cheers, Raju.
It sounds like you have IBS. I used to go through those symptoms for a short while sometime back. I did have pain though.
I'm not sure if you have tried to use fibre supplements, but if you haven't they might help - something like metamucil which is a soluble fibre supplement might help increase regularity and stool consistency. You might also try plain white yogourt or acidophilus caps which both contain bacteria essential to the digestive process that get wiped out during bouts of diarrhea.
Well, those are the usual suspects in terms of "things you can do". The rest is a diet issue, from your description. A lot of people who suffer from IBS (including many on this board as you can see from posts) try to control their bowel habits through the use of diet. Many of us can't take hot and spicy foods.
I'm of course the exception to all this, since I deal with IBS at a different level.
Cheers, Raju.
RBD616
06-09-2005, 11:26 PM
Thanks for the replies, folks. It is reassuring to hear others talk about the same things. Question on those fiber supplements: I've always thought fiber will aggravate diarrhea. It is one thing I never really tried because I'm afraid too.
I definitely believe in the acidofolous (probiotics).. I found a fantastic brand, a year ago, called Reuteri. I was having real bad symptoms at this time and this really seemed to cure me. I have continued to take it, and still think it helps somewhat, but doesn't seem to work as well as it used to.
I definitely believe in the acidofolous (probiotics).. I found a fantastic brand, a year ago, called Reuteri. I was having real bad symptoms at this time and this really seemed to cure me. I have continued to take it, and still think it helps somewhat, but doesn't seem to work as well as it used to.
6th_sense
06-10-2005, 06:23 PM
Hi RBD,
Fibre is a naturally occuring thing. It occurs in many foods like fruits and vegetables and it sticks end to end to form a fibrous framework for food to stay together and take a proper form. The intestines require it. However, sometimes there is not enough fibre in our intake, and so the stools don't form properly. The fibre itself is just discarded in the stool and isn't of any nutritional value.
IBS patients suffer more than most people from malformed stools. Therefore, taking fibrous foods and fibre supplements helps IBS patients get their stools formed properly. It helps diarrhea and constipation in giving structure to stools, but it is particularly useful in diarrheal cases as it absorbs plenty of water and slows down the erratic movement of food through the alimentary canal.
Some forms of fibre are however hard for IBS patients such as non-soluble fibre (doesn't dissolve in water) - so try to use soluble fibre supplements (metamucil and Walmart brand - Equate).
If you take fibre supplements make sure to take plenty of fluids along with it.
Cheers, Raju.
Fibre is a naturally occuring thing. It occurs in many foods like fruits and vegetables and it sticks end to end to form a fibrous framework for food to stay together and take a proper form. The intestines require it. However, sometimes there is not enough fibre in our intake, and so the stools don't form properly. The fibre itself is just discarded in the stool and isn't of any nutritional value.
IBS patients suffer more than most people from malformed stools. Therefore, taking fibrous foods and fibre supplements helps IBS patients get their stools formed properly. It helps diarrhea and constipation in giving structure to stools, but it is particularly useful in diarrheal cases as it absorbs plenty of water and slows down the erratic movement of food through the alimentary canal.
Some forms of fibre are however hard for IBS patients such as non-soluble fibre (doesn't dissolve in water) - so try to use soluble fibre supplements (metamucil and Walmart brand - Equate).
If you take fibre supplements make sure to take plenty of fluids along with it.
Cheers, Raju.
RBD616
06-10-2005, 11:11 PM
Thanks for the information, Raju. It makes sense and I am going to take your advice. I've tried everything else, including probiotics, which really helped me a year ago when I went through a rought time. I never really understood fiber before, that there was water-soluable and non-soluable - and the role it plays in digestion. I just assumed it was what you took if you were constipated and it would only make stools looser and aggravate the situation. This really makes sense.
I bought some metamucil today and will start slowly with it and see how it goes.
I bought some metamucil today and will start slowly with it and see how it goes.
RBD616
06-10-2005, 11:47 PM
This sounds a lot like what goes on with me. Unfortunately, though, I can't tell you much about what that means. I too have been diagnosed with IBS, though I've had a couple colonoscopies. Honestly, I don't believe the diagnosis entirely, though. I wonder if it it's due to some food intolerance. I also have almost no pain (once in a while I might have minor discomfort under my left ribcage area, but that't it) and the same bowel symptoms exactly. Spicy foods also seem to ruin me (which I hate, because I love spicy foods).
You mentioned some discomfort under your left ribcage. You DO sound exactly like me. Sometimes I will feel gurgling or fullness under the left ribcage. When I do experience minor discomfort it usually IS in that location.
You mentioned some discomfort under your left ribcage. You DO sound exactly like me. Sometimes I will feel gurgling or fullness under the left ribcage. When I do experience minor discomfort it usually IS in that location.
RBD616
06-13-2005, 12:40 AM
6th Sense,
Many thanks to you. I bought some Metamucil Friday afternoon and started taking it. I already feel the difference. It is working.
With this and the probiotics I continue to take, I think I may finally have the right combination to control a great part of this problem that has plagued me for many years. The fiber is the most interesting thing about all this. I never suspected something like this could possibly work for me. Now that I understand it certainly makes sense.
Many thanks to you. I bought some Metamucil Friday afternoon and started taking it. I already feel the difference. It is working.
With this and the probiotics I continue to take, I think I may finally have the right combination to control a great part of this problem that has plagued me for many years. The fiber is the most interesting thing about all this. I never suspected something like this could possibly work for me. Now that I understand it certainly makes sense.
6th_sense
06-13-2005, 04:41 PM
Hi RBD,
Glad to know that it worked out for you.
Cheers, Raju.
Glad to know that it worked out for you.
Cheers, Raju.
D Marie
06-15-2005, 09:31 PM
I also have the very same symptoms...plus more...like constant rumbling gas in stomache and bowels....and acid reflux. I have several doctor apps...coming up...one for an upper Gi and abdominal untrasound...then in august an EDG (stomach scope) i hope they find out what wrong...im going crazy here. I take Robinul Forte....for my IBS it helps most of the time...but i still get episodes....and always have gas/cramps. so.... i guess i have to wait... for the tests... :( very depressed...... If i go anywhere there needs to be a bathroom near by..it sucks... so i know what you're going through... Have you ever had your gallbladder checked or pancreas? I hope we ALL feel better soon.....Marie
RBD616
06-26-2005, 04:10 PM
The Metamucil suggestion REALLY worked for me. My stools and bowel habits have been very regular for 9 out of the last 10 days since I started taking.
However...like everything else I've tried, I don't expect the good results to last forever. I think IBS is something that is completely incurable. Management is all we can do.
However...like everything else I've tried, I don't expect the good results to last forever. I think IBS is something that is completely incurable. Management is all we can do.
algae
06-29-2005, 06:09 PM
I guess I'm the only one that fiber didn't help? I tried it one day and it made me have really bad "D" So I am really not wanting to continue that. lol
bulletinboard25
06-29-2005, 06:12 PM
Was it by chance an insoluble fiber you tried? because if it was this can cause D in ibs patients...
Soluble fiber is the kind of fiber you want to take.
If it was soluble fiber you tried, you might have taken too much.... Some people start at taking a teaspoon or less until their system adjusts.
Soluble fiber is the kind of fiber you want to take.
If it was soluble fiber you tried, you might have taken too much.... Some people start at taking a teaspoon or less until their system adjusts.
algae
06-29-2005, 06:56 PM
Was it by chance an insoluble fiber you tried? because if it was this can cause D in ibs patients...
Soluble fiber is the kind of fiber you want to take.
If it was soluble fiber you tried, you might have taken too much.... Some people start at taking a teaspoon or less until their system adjusts.
It was metamucil. And I took only 1/2 tsp. And just one time.....
Soluble fiber is the kind of fiber you want to take.
If it was soluble fiber you tried, you might have taken too much.... Some people start at taking a teaspoon or less until their system adjusts.
It was metamucil. And I took only 1/2 tsp. And just one time.....
nigelss
01-06-2007, 05:15 AM
The Metamucil suggestion REALLY worked for me. My stools and bowel habits have been very regular for 9 out of the last 10 days since I started taking.
However...like everything else I've tried, I don't expect the good results to last forever. I think IBS is something that is completely incurable. Management is all we can do.
However...like everything else I've tried, I don't expect the good results to last forever. I think IBS is something that is completely incurable. Management is all we can do.
nigelss
01-06-2007, 05:26 AM
Hi everyone i'm worried cos of things that are going on. It all started about 3 months ago when i pigged out on ice cream and i mean really over did it. For the next 2 weeks i had very loose stools. At the time i was also on strong anti-inflammatory pills and pills to reduce acid production to combat the effects of the back pills. I went to the doc and he thinks i may have developed a dairy intolerance as a result of the ice cream. I now believe it is IBS. I was worried it may be cancer but i dn't seem to have those sort of symptoms. I now very rarely have a solid poo normally it is small and mal-formed and sometimes there is mucus with it. not huge amounts but some which i have had tested and that came back negative. I get a lot of discomfort in my lower belly where gas seems to move about it also makes noises and get a dull pain in lower left belly. i don't get constipated but sometimes it is quite runny but not like water. Can anyone put my mind at rest about these symptoms as they do sound like what i have read here from other people. Thanks in advance. Nigel
dawn2007
04-02-2007, 03:41 PM
It sounds like your digestive system has had a battering and you may benefit from taking probotics to replace your good bacteria. Having had IBS for years they can help.
dave84
04-12-2007, 07:28 AM
sounds identical to me.
i'm going fo0r more tests, colonoscopy have found drinking 4 litres of water a day has had dramatic effects, although my body as ocassionaly leaked sa bad odour, which apparently could be from too much sugar and poor diet.
good theres someone out there who understands my problems
i'm going fo0r more tests, colonoscopy have found drinking 4 litres of water a day has had dramatic effects, although my body as ocassionaly leaked sa bad odour, which apparently could be from too much sugar and poor diet.
good theres someone out there who understands my problems
olderwiser
06-13-2007, 11:24 AM
The symptoms everyone is describing are the same I had for years. I, too, was diagnosed with IBS. After 15 years of testing, treatments, medications, etc., one day I went into anaphylactic shock. It turned out that I had been allergic to grains. By the time it was discovered, I was having life threatening reaction to gluten, corn, and soy products. Once discovered, I became pain and symptom free within less than two weeks. I have only had trouble when a mistake has been made in what I eat. It has now been 15 years since the proper diagnosis and I have become very good at substituting products for the things I am allergic to. Beware of the IBS diagnosis… I believe the initials IBS in “doctor speak” stand for “I don’t know”!