several symptoms - Bowel Disorders Message Board

vjolt · 09-30-2003, 09:47 AM

Hi, I've been really stressed lately with a lot of things, but particularly my bowel movements. I can't really remember the last time I had a bowel movement that was shaped normally (like a hot dog); i think perhaps last year. Recently i went to a GI doctor, and i explained to him all the symptoms i've been having.

diarrhea, but straining to make the bowel movement. once in a month blood on toilet paper (i think a fissure or hemorroids).
really bad flatulence in frequency and smell.
leaky stools that leave marks on underwear (but since rectal exam has stopped).
bloatedness.
depression as a result of these symptoms.

So my GI doctor did a rectal exam with some gloves on and he said from this exam, everything is ok. However, I'm only 19 years old; so it's rare to have these symptoms at such a young age.

He suggested that i get a sigmoidoscopy, and also suggested i take a dietary supplement, citrucel. I've been trying to regiment my bowel movements by sitting at the toilet every morning, and every night.

I've been on citrucel for about 5 days, and my bowel movements have not returned to anything normal... however, yesterday i had one normal stool, followed by a series of really loose stools, (not bulked together), and i guess a lot of mucus. The leaky stools have stopped since my rectal exam, but now I'm bloated and have a slight ache on the right side of my abdomen.

The symptoms i've been having have been like this since i've been at college. I'm an engineering student 2nd year, and i've been really stressed a lot. Especially with upcoming exams, and not being able to have a normal bowel movement; it keeps me worried. I don't want to have a sigmoidoscopy done, but if it's necessary, i'll do it.

My question is... does anyone else have any suggestions as to what i can do? thank you.

mlgable · 09-30-2003, 10:08 AM

Since a sigmoidoscopy was recommended then go ahead and get this scheduled. You admit to want to know what is going on and yet you don't want to have the sigmoidoscopy so that is kind of like conflicting info. Either you want to know and will get the sigmoidoscopy or you don't want to know and will not have it done. The doc recommended cirtucel which is fine but Metamucil might be a better choice. You also state you have only been on it for 5 days so give it a chance to kick in and work. You also mentioned being rather stressed and this too can cause bowel problems. You only need to sit on the toilet for about 5 minutes every day after breakfast to help regulate your bowels so cut out the evening one unless you really feel it is helping you. Without having the sigmoidoscopy the doc can't do a whole not more for you as he has no internal pictures to look at to even see if there is a possible problem. Your best bet is to get this scheduled and then take things from there.