very embarassing story but not sure what to do... - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

lostnfnd94 · 02-20-2008, 09:25 PM

Sorry for such a long post but I tried to cover my entire experience since it all seems relevent and I've never really talked about it.

Ever since I was very young I would stop myself from having bowel movements. I think it was caused by a psychological trauma during potty training. Well atleast for a little kid learning how to use the bathroom. I was in a public restroom and it had an automatic flush toilet and was loud and everything and i think I fell in. I obviously don't remember but my mom told me about it as I got older because she thought that's what may have caused the whole thing. but I would hold it an not go for weeks. I would have runny stool come out and would soil myself. I would get extremely constipated which would make me really ill. I would do anything to hide it. I don't know when my mom discovered what I was doing, but I went to many pediatricians and they gave me berrium enemas (i think that's what they're called). And they made me take dulcolax all the time. As I got older it got a little better. But I'm always constipated. It takes a few days between bowel movements before my body even tels me I have to go. I've had colonoscopies and I was put on zelnorm in high school which worked pretty well but it's off the market now. I was never officially diagnosed with IBS. After zelnorm was taken off the market I was put on amitiza but I no longer have insurance and can't afford it. My schedule is very hard and I've been trying to take a probiotic but it says that I'm supposed to take it with meals but I never know exactly when I'm going to get a chance to eat so half the time I forget to take it. I get really bad gas and I'll sit and try to go like every day, but sometimes it takes days before I actually get the urge to go. If I can't go and I get constipated I just resort to taking dulcolax to get my system working again. But taking that has to be worked into my schedule because taking it almost incapasitates me. I just need some ideas, because my symptoms seem to be getting worse. I feel bloated all the time, and I've been getting severe pains in my lower left abdomen which kind of worry me. This sounds stupid but I just want to be able to go to the bathroom like a normal person. Being potty trained a second time in elementary school was horrible and it seems like my system just doesn't function properly now. It affects every aspect of my life and I'm tired of it.

bellyblues · 02-20-2008, 10:05 PM

You poor thing. Your story makes me very sad. I'm so sorry you've gone through that. Holding back bm's is, without question, the worst thing one can do for digestive health. But I guess you know that now.

You didn't mention what your bm's are like, if they are hard to pass or if you have to strain. Dry, hard stools are a clear indication that you do not have enough fluid in your system. Drink TONS of water, no matter what. It is the single most important thing you can do for digestive health.

If the stool is soft and easy to pass, you might want to consider boosting your fiber intake to increase motility. Whole grains like oats, brown rice, yams, nuts, winter squash, etc, can help with getting things moving. Of all the fiber supplements out there, Benefiber is probably the best for C because it contains no psyllium husk (which will bind you even more). Fats are excellent in helping things move as well, providing you stick with good fats like olive oil, fish oils, flax oil.

Exercise is also beneficial in stimulating bowel function. Even a brisk 30 minute walk will get things moving. Taking time to eat proper meals is absolutely essential for people with IBS. If you are not setting aside the time for a good meal, you are going to have problems.

Good luck!

lostnfnd94 · 02-21-2008, 09:00 AM

Well when I go without the assistance of any kind of laxative they are very hard, and dark, and I usually bleed a little.

bellyblues · 02-21-2008, 09:55 AM

Have you tried stool softeners? Is your water intake up to the level it should be - 63 to 72 ounces of water a day? Fiber would probably not be a good thing for you right now as it tends to bulk stool and extract fluid. Better to increase the amount of water you are taking in.

lostnfnd94 · 02-22-2008, 07:43 PM

I don't drink as much water as I should. Should I drink plenty of water an then try adding in more fiber? What about probiotics?