Stool changes related to anxiety?

[Catsandsunsets]

Has anyone had bowel habit changes or stool changes related to their anxiety?

Please share if this has happened to you. Thank you

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I think this can be quite common you may even have IBS which is something I suffer from and depending how bad my anxiety is controls my toilet habits

The brain sends signals to our digestive systems and so when we are anxious it can really affect our toilet habits

Hope this eases your mind a little ti know it is just not you x

[Catsandsunsets in reply to BeKind28-]

Hi 😀

Thank you so much, it does provide reassurance

Would you mind sharing what symptoms you have with IBS? Or when your stressed with IBS?

A GI told me I had IBS when I was 18 and my father passed and it impacted my bowels but symptoms seem to only come around when I'm anxious

I'm still trying to figure out if it's stress exacerbating IBS

[BeKind28- in reply to Catsandsunsets]

Hello

I know for a fact my IBS is brought on by anxiety and when I get it I either get constipated or I am forever on the toilet it sends it one extreme to another

I also get really bad stomach aches even when I do not need the toilet as well as indigestion to it is something I deal with most days and the more I worry which I do even though I know what is causing it the worse it is

Unless you suffer no one knows just how much anxiety affects us and physically to x

[Catsandsunsets in reply to BeKind28-]

I'm sorry I definitely understand

There is definitely a strong brain-gut connection that I'm seeing mentioned more and more often.

Does it also affect the shape/size of your bowel movements?

That's what makes me stress, some days it's log shaped, sometimes it's thinner, sometimes it's not long, sometimes it's like a pile (TMI).

Doesn't seem to stabilize to a set pattern every day, at least not when I'm anxious

[BeKind28- in reply to Catsandsunsets]

Hello

You have described the changes spot on that is exactly how it is and you can throw different colours in with me as well x

[Catsandsunsets in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you

Have you been checked out, having done a colonoscopy for example, and told it's just IBS?

[BeKind28- in reply to Catsandsunsets]

Hello

Yes I got checked out and even sent a sample of had CT scans as well so I think that has helped me now to just accept it x

[R4f44ever in reply to BeKind28-]

Hello there internet buddy! As long as you have discussed any concerns with a medical professional, then unfortunately it’s a by product of IBS/anxiety as per my non medical opinion! I get the same changes as if you pardon my French, anxiety/stress/worry can play havoc with your **it! Stay safe and try not to worry unnecessarily, easier said than done I know.🙏

[Whymelord]

Hi Catsandsunsets,yes definitely, in fact I'm having severe anxiety attacks recently, i have terrible constipation, ie.not been able to have a good bowel movement,when I manage to go the consistency and colour is not right,i take laxatives, drink warm lemon water through the day,infact doing everything I believe should make my bowels work but dont.im beginning to think that my bowel may be Impacted as nothing seems to help ,it's another worry to add to the effects of RLS.I just put it down to meds that I've been taking but it's definitely concerning.picking up the courage to request further investigation, good luck to you and thankyou for bringing this to attention.

[Catsandsunsets in reply to Whymelord]

Yes please definitely seek the help you deserve

The only way to leave concern behind is asking our doctors and having our doctors provide the tests we need

Sometimes it's simple it may be the medication but just sharing that with your doctor he/she may shed some light and you won't have to feel anxious anymore