How many times a day do you poop?

[Rainybean]

I'm never constipated, I go every day, but I go several times a day. Just wondering what is the norm for other IBS people?

[Hidden]

Believe me, there's no 'norm' for anybody who's been dumped under the vast umbrella of IBS (which just means the medics have no idea what the cause of your problems is)! You do need to have tests to rule out all possible known causes before being told you have it though. Have you had any?

What you're describing sounds very much like the same problem that I have; it's called incomplete evacuation which, although stools may be soft (loose even) is actually a type of constipation. Even though you may feel you've completely emptied your bowel on the first or second go, in fact you haven't and stool keeps wanting to come out right through the day. Is that you?

I have days which are worse than others and, when it gets so bad so I daren't go out, I fast for 48 hours and take a laxative (Movicol or Milk of Magnesia) morning and night. This seems to completely reboot my system and, although a temporary measure (lasts for 10 - 14 days), it can be repeated whenever you like.

Roz

[Rainybean in reply to Hidden]

I've had a complete blood test and stool sample and that's all. Stool sample came back normal, blood test only showed vitamin d deficiency, everything else came back normal. And yes you are right, what you have described sounds just like me

[Hidden in reply to Rainybean]

Strongly suggest you get further tests done before you assume IBS. Camera up and camera down are usual when blood and stool results are normal.

[auntyjean in reply to Hidden]

That sounds like me. I c a biofeedback nurse and she prescribed anal irrigation and to do pelvic floor exercises. I can't do the exercises right and they made things worse. I don't use the irrigation much now and am better than I was. The fasting sounds useful.

[Justcausetyler]

Multiple times a day. Rarely consistantl. You're not alone. It also depends on how much I eat.

[Yas45]

I go 2-4 times a day usually. When I have a flare up it’s more frequent.