Here's some symptoms.. what should I get checked for? - Bowel Disorders Message Board

ilaugh@myself.why · 04-22-2003, 04:10 PM

Aright.. this has been going on about a year now.. it started when I'd have a bowel movement and feel like I wasn't finished.. then I started getting gas, and bloating and some mild discomfort.. then it got to the point where I'd think I was constipated, 'cause I'd sit down to have a bowel movement up to 6 or 7 times a day.. I'd sit on the toilet for up to an hour, and all it got me was hemmorhoids..
but then I figured it was all false alarms, either from gas or a bowel problem.. so I had a digital rectal exam and the doctor did some testing and said I'm fine.. he told me to take Metamucil and get back to him if I had any other problems.. I've yet to try the Metamucil..

and I was wondering if anyone had some insight for me.. about what exactly it is causing my constipation and making me run to the bathroom b4 I leave my house to enjoy my leisure time..

I'm 18 years old and never had any problems with my bowels up until a year ago..
I have depression, anxiety/panic disorder and exercise induced asthma..

could it be my diet? one of my conditions? any insight that I could bring up with my doctor would be great.. I need to get rid of this b4 I move for college.

Thanks.

PS. I have very inconsistent bowel movements.. never around the same time of day.. sometimes it comes out in a dozen or so pieces instead of one or two like it used to.. there's even been some mucous in it, and mucous alone during constipation..

[This message has been edited by ilaugh@myself.why (edited 04-22-2003).]

Joey2 · 04-22-2003, 05:24 PM

Sounds like possibly IBS(Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

mlgable · 04-22-2003, 06:42 PM

The first thing you need to do is follow the docs orders and start taking the metamucil to start getting your system regular. Constipation refers to hard dry stools and not how many you have or how often you go. You seem be starting to be obsessed with your bowels and a lot of your anxiety could be causing some of you gas and supposed bowel complaints. For now take the metamucil as ordered and relax. Also it might help for you to sit in the toilet for about 5 minutes every day right after you eat breakfast to try to get your body used to a morning BM. You may also want to add prunes or prune juice to your daily routine.

Joey2 · 04-22-2003, 07:13 PM

Agreed- stressing out about a problem will not make it better. Mosto f the time it makes it worse, as you either begin to create new symptoms in your head, freak out over things that are normal, or try to self diagnose.

Best thing to do would be relax and start taking metamucil or eatinga lot of fiber to get your system regular, which might take a while but will help

Sarah68 · 04-23-2003, 04:10 AM

All your symptoms are linked and the depression, anxiety and panic disorder are all part of what is going on. You need to address this problem first before you can get rid of your stomach problems.