Advice

[rainydays04]

Hi, newbie here. I don’t know if I have IBS but I certainly have major bowel problems.

I’m a 21 year old female. My diet could be better as I often snack at lunch time rather than have a meal but it seems no matter what I eat or drink, my bowel movement are the same. I’m trying to water 2.5 litres of water everyday now to see if that helps.

My stool is either very soft or very hard but is always impossible to “push” out. Since I was around thirteen, I’ve had to manually remove it from my rectum at least five times a day. My bowel movements never seem complete and I constantly have wind, pain in my stomach and feel bloated.

Recently, I’ve began feeling light headed after every bowel movement and occasionally quite sickly. It massively affects work and socialising because I’m constantly worried about needing the toilet, then needing to have access to a cubicle where I can manually remove stool and then be able properly wash my hands.

Has anyone else had similar experiences? And if so, how have you dealt with it or eased your symptoms? I feel disgusting but I’m scared off seeing a doctor. My dad has similar problems but has been told (after years of tests and appointments) that “nothing is wrong with him” and is just prescribed laxatives.

[Sasical]

Hi

What happens to me is not quite the same but here goes, everytime my body gets ready to poop I start to sweat, shake, my heart races, shortness of breath...then when I go I can sometimes get a headache, between one thing and another it feels as if I'm dying. After it takes a while before it all settles down. I just don't know what to do about it. As you say it can become very limiting socially as I find that I'm doing less and less for fear of not being near a toilet.

Unfortunately I can't offer you any help but just wanted to let you know you're not alone x

[xjrs]

rainydays04, there is nothing to be scared of in seeing a doctor. It is highly likely you will be diagnosed with IBS and once you are, it will give you access to further services that can help you. You can be referred to a dietitian and there may be new treatments available that can help you. The worst thing is to stay stuck in your current situation. There is a way out, but you need a formal diagnosis. I have been diagnosed with a long, loopy colon, which means it take much longer for stools to pass through my system and because they stay there for longer, more water gets drawn out of them and they go hard and are difficult to pass. I also suffer from intestinal pain (my formal diagnosis is IBS-C with visceral hypersensitivity). I am on medication for this which is helping - I am also taking Magnesium Oxide before bedtime at night which draws water into the bowels, softens them and make them easier to pass. I was on a highly restricted diet to control the pain, but I am now able to eat more things. What I am saying is, if you choose to do nothing about it, you can't get help and move forward, but that is your choice, but you need to remember that when you are suffering.

[Linley]

Only have one of the symptoms you have at times-do understand the need to be near a loo.

But all I can say to you with conviction is you really should go to your GP and get a proper diagnosis. Wish you well

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Hi,

We understand.

We know it may feel embarrassing but we recommend speaking to your GP. He/she will be able to help and advise you.

If you need any help, support or information about IBS please get in touch theibsnetwork.org