Hello thought I would introduce myself, I am 39 years old, looking back I have always had toilet issues, but over the last 2 years it's got worse and I have now been prescribed anti depressants as the doctor thinks it's stress related IBS! I'm not convinced this is the answer but I'm willing to give it a go! My main symptoms are...I constantly feel that i need the loo, I go 3-5 times a day, but never feel empty, it is as though I can feel the poo sat in my bottom, I'm regularly sore from wiping so much too, I've had a sigmoidoscopy which was clear, I'm now waiting for anCT scan which I think will show if anything as I won't be 'empty' for it like i was for the sigmoidoscopy. With the constant feeling of needing the loo it has put me off doing my regular exercise as I am in constant fear I'll have an accident as the feelings are that intense! I also suffer from Lots of rumblings and I don't mean from my tummy From my bottom!?? Also I worry when I need to pass wind as quite often it feels that poo will come out instead!? Anyone else suffer like this and know of what can help? I'm so fed up of the way I feel all the time!!
Sounds like IBS. Do you have stomach pain that moves about?
Hey, no I don't tend to have any pains! Touches wood! Take today
, I've already been 3times and atill have to feeling I need to go again, the feeling is like I'm going to have diarrhoea but so far touch wood poop has been fairly norm! 😞 Know I'm getting myself in a pickle I feel very jittery and scared! So fed up, it's a bad day!! Luckily I'm not at work! At home with my little boy. But supposed to be out this afternoon and worrying about how I'll be!!
Have you tried keeping a food diary to see if you have a food intolerance?
Hey, I've started a basic one! I only had veg and mash pots for tea last night, I did have a glass
Of wine!? Only the one!!
I will keep a more detailed one to see if I can find a link!
If you can't find any pattern, see a dietician.
I agree, it does sound like IBS. The symptoms you describe are similar to mine before being diagnosed with IBS.
My triggers are cerisin foods, but it was only by following the Low Fodmap diet that I was able to identify them. Stress and anxiety can also be major triggers. Like you, I got caught in a viscous circle - if I had to go out I was afraid I might need the loo urgently. That made me anxious, which in turn aggravated the IBS. I had almost reached the point that if I had to go out somewhere, I didn't eat anything for several hours before the journey/outing. I would only ever eat at home when I knew I wouldn't have to leave for at least 3 hours.
I have a brilliant GP and he suggested Low Fodmap. It doesn't work for everyone, but it has certainly worked for me. Provided I avoid trigger foods, I can lead a completely normal life. I do still get the occasional flare up, but they are usually short lived.
Good luck.
Oops, meant to type "certain" foods!!
Jan
Hi Flik
I am also 39 and although I have had IBS on snd off for 10yrs-these last few months all my symptoms seem to have changed and have been pretty constant.
Hence being sent for all sorts of tests.I am also waiting on a CT Scan.
For the last 2 weeks i feel like you do-not going to the loo anymore than usual really-but feel like i NEED too-constant farting and burping also.
I want a Colonscopy or the very least a Flexi-sig as I know this will ease my worries that it could be something else.
Does anyone know if I can just request one? its the only test the GPs have not done for me in fairness.
I did do a home FOTB test which came back positive but as I was eating red meat and had been taking meds which could interfere with the results I am not sure how reliable that was-but still!!!!!!!
(told Docs this and didnt seem bothered-did do a calprotectin stool test though but still waiting for those results)
Not sure what could help you-making try fibre to bulk your stools up-I am using ground flaxseeds-just add to yogurt/cereal/meals
Also I take a probiotic tablet and peppermint oil tabs.
The peppermint and the flaxseeds were suggested to me by a consultant I paid to go see.
I am also surprised you have not had a Colonoscopy suggested-I know you ahd the sig but this cant see as far into the colon...
Thank you for your comments, I have been taking Fybogel! And a probiotic drink, didn't know could get tablets I'll look out for that! I'll also try some ground flax seeds. You can request the sig test
At docs! Not sure re colonoscopy, I will wait for CT scan as all my symptoms seem to be bottom related rather than colon but I won't rule out till I've been checked thoroughly!! Xx
Hi thank you for your comments, I have just purchased a low Fodmap book so will start to change my diet when I get
Organised and familiar
With it, I hope it helps my symptoms like you.xx
Didnt know you could rquest a sig-will ask about that.thanks
Cant quite believe I want to have some one stick something up my bum!!! but hey ho-it will ease my worries.
Do u blood in ur stool? Feel any kinda cramps or aches n pain in lower abdomen or back ? Feel nauseated? Plus do u experience constipation or not? R u iron deficient?
Haha it wasn't that bad, saying that I was sedated for mine as i went private! The worse part was the 'prep' the night before!!
If it will put your mind at rest it's definitely worth it! Xx
Hi no non of the above, my iron was slightly low after bloods I just had but they said to just take multi vits plus iron! X
Flik
Wait for your tests then see how you go, if it is Anxiety and you have been given a clear bill of health you will know what your needs are and understand you are worrying about something that is all in your mind.
Hopefully all will go well for you and you will be able to move on
BOB
Hello Flik22 ,
Just reading your post and I have had almost the same thing as you for about a month now needing the loo about 4 times a day rumbling stomach and worrying when I go out about needing the toilet 😡Had enough now but can't get a doctors appointment for 2 weeks but have started the probiotic drinks this week to see if that helps , but will probly have to go through the tests once I see my doctor 😦 It's a worry all right which like you said starts the stress off .
keep us informed on here how your doing 🤔It really helps knowing I'm not alone with my worries, and helping until I see my doctor . 🙏
Hi Jan, what do you have for lunch on the low Fodmap diet? Do you just substitute for gluten free bread?
Hope you don't mind me asking!?
Jo. Xx
Thanks Bob, I'm hoping you're right! But if it is in my mind how do I stop it! I'm trying CBT and diet change at the mo! I'm hoping to have the CT scan in a couple of weeks!
Jo.x