how many times is too many for bowel movements - Bowel Disorders Message Board

kk072007 · 09-03-2008, 03:37 PM

I go to the bathroom up to 10 times per day. Sometimes it's the rhea and sometimes it's normal. Regardless, I spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Any thoughts?

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lucylucy · 09-03-2008, 09:43 PM

It's too much if it's interferring with your life. It sounds like IBS to me, but you need to get it checked out. Don't let it rule your life. I would visit a gastroenterologist. He or she could help rule out other causes for your symptoms and prescribe some natural or pharmaceutical solutions. There are medications to make your system move faster (my problem) or slow down a bit (your problem), or just work more smoothly.

I dealt with erratic bowels for many years, but I thought it was something I'd just have to live with. I managed it with my diet and fiber supplements as best I could.

I finally saw a gastroenterologist a few weeks ago and got a full work up. I wish I did it sooner. Either this one is 100 times better than the doctor I saw years ago, or understanding of this condition has come a long way since then.

In preparation for your visit, I would start right now to document your symptoms. For 1-2 weeks, write down what you eat (include vitamins, supplements, alcohol, etc.), when you go, type of stool (they actually have a scale to categorize it) and any other symptoms. It will save you a lot of time when they take your history. If your doctor is thorough, he or she will ask questions covering your whole digestive system (from mouth to butt).

Good luck!

PS in the meantime you can probably get a lot of tips from others on how to deal with frequent and loose stools.

auntjudyg · 09-04-2008, 10:39 AM

The "normal" range, according to a GI I read elsewhere, is anywhere from 3 times a day to every 3 days.

kk072007 · 09-05-2008, 09:40 AM

I have been diagnosed with IBS and my doctor prescribed hyoscyamine....it doesn't seem to be working. I am also aware that I am lactose intolerant (and have been since I was a child). I don't eat any dairy, anything canned or boxed, I make all of my condiments/salad dressings and limit my meat intake to 2 or 3 oz. at dinner time. Do you think it could be food allergies?