Cramping after bowel movement : Hi, does anyone... - IBS Network

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Cramping after bowel movement

Kayzie73 profile image
47 Replies

Hi, does anyone have this issue ?

Pain in stomach after having a bowel movement that can sometimes last all day. It feels as though I need to go again but I don't for I have just been-if that makes sense.

It's as if my stomach has forgotten to stop contracting. I do have anxiety and I know this won't help.

No diarrhea or constipation and regular.

Any ideas ?

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Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73
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47 Replies
FRreedman profile image
FRreedman

I have similar episodes, and find the only way to calm my belly down is to cuddle a pillow tight up against my belly, and, even, occasionally have to go to bed and lie down for a while.

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to FRreedman

Have you been diagnosed with anything?had tests done ?

FRreedman profile image
FRreedman in reply to Kayzie73

After a raft of tests lasting 18 months to 2 years, I have been diagnosed with slow motility and impaction. I have tried to re-educate my guts to set a time to go to the loo (I think it has worked to an extent), but basically, learn to live (it's not living, it's existing) with it, is the final advice I was given.

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to FRreedman

Well yes if nothing else can be done then just get on with it as best you can. I find the more I think about it or worry, the worse it is 😏

Readmeastory profile image
Readmeastory in reply to FRreedman

I was told exactly the same slow track bowel . Pain after bm and just constant crampy pains in my stomach and bottom . . Sometimes a warm bath eases it . Been told I have to learn to live with it . I would like them to learn to live with it . I just give up some days .fed up seeing doctors who told me well your normally in pain aren’t you .but keep strong that’s all I can at .

Paulol profile image
Paulol in reply to Readmeastory

I wish they could really understand the pain we go through with ibs

Readmeastory profile image
Readmeastory in reply to Paulol

Me to but the don’t one specialist told me he never had a magic wand to help me and it was trial and error . I left in tears but no help .

FRreedman profile image
FRreedman in reply to Readmeastory

I suppose I should not really complain as after an hour after using the loo, I am free from pain (until the next time). I think it is a case of my guts and my bottom are not talking to each other properly and the timings are out of sync. This results in one trying to evacuate what the other thinks it has already evacuated (or the other way round) and the two parties need to be brought together to discuss a ceasefire agreement. That’s probably what they do while I am sleeping , while cuddling my pillow.

Readmeastory profile image
Readmeastory in reply to FRreedman

My bum has given up talking to any part of me it just decided time for some pain 🤪 but I live in hope 😁

Linley profile image
Linley

You have it one when you say it's as if my stomach has forgotten to stop contracting! When you have IBS the gut is overactive. Fortunately, mine stops and calms down after about 10 mins

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to Linley

It's horrible, very painful 😢

Maureen1958 profile image
Maureen1958 in reply to Kayzie73

I think this is classic IBS, well that's what mine is like. You go and you just want to go again and it never stops! Have you tried going back, at some point during the day, to the loo to see if you can get the rest out? Of course, it might do what mine does, ie just continue wanting to go and so you go on through the day! But maybe if you had a day when you wasn't doing anything special, you could go back and see if you feel better or worse! Just a suggestion!

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to Maureen1958

Yes that's a thought but the discomfort doesn't feel as though I need to actually go, if that's makes sense. My tummy goes hard and feels tender.I spoke with a an alternative health practitioner who said it sounds like constipation and although I think iv cleared my bowels, I probably haven't 😏

Maureen1958 profile image
Maureen1958 in reply to Kayzie73

Yes, it could well be, like me today, I went in the loo first thing and did a hugh amount and thought that must be it for today but when I eat my small lunch at 4pm (I have a really weird IBS life) then I felt like I should have gone back to the loo but it's too late. So I'm left feeling really sick and unable to do anything. I can just about write this reply to you! I just feel like I want to lay down and die really!

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to Maureen1958

Oh dear its awful 😖 well thank you for replying. I know its not nice but it helps to know when someone else is going through similar....

Readmeastory profile image
Readmeastory in reply to Maureen1958

I hope you feel better it’s so hard having pain everyday . I read about flare up but I just have constant pain . I rate it normal pain and I give up pain . But we have to keep fighting xx

Maureen1958 profile image
Maureen1958 in reply to Readmeastory

❤️

You had any tests done?

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to

Not recently as its only just started again after withdrawing from an anti depressant. I am having further tests this week.

edwangy profile image
edwangy in reply to Kayzie73

Could be withdrawal symptoms from anti depressant. Maybe your bowel is craving it

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to edwangy

It's a common side effect. Stomach needs serotonin and now it's not getting it 😏

ibs2004 profile image
ibs2004

hi kayzie73 i have the ibs the same as you i know what you are going through and trying to explain how it feels like to your family they think you are lying but it is good to be on this site as you know you are not the only one stress is my biggest trigger

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to ibs2004

I know it's stress that makes me worse too. Yes good to know we are not alone in this 🥴

DenSar profile image
DenSar

Sounds similar to what I experience at times. Annoying. I usually have to go about 2-3 times in the morning and then I feel ok for the day. However when I’m having a flare up I could feel like I need to poop all day! Hope that helps

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to DenSar

Good to know I'm not alone with similar issue

DenSar profile image
DenSar in reply to Kayzie73

I think periods of anxiety and stress really flares mine up. Defo not alone

BlueKeith profile image
BlueKeith

Have you tried a food diary. My cramps were caused by certain foods which took a long time to eliminate. Weetabix and all wheat breakfast cereal except shreddies, pasta and cous cous were my main culprits and I got tested for wheat intolerance and was ok . Also too much tomato sauce dishes. My bowel used to cramp and cause a blockage which used to take a week of eating only eggs and porridge and to stop it. By the way eggs and porridge was my safe food and always went after only eating that which by the way is boring.

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to BlueKeith

No I haven't done a food diary. Although I don't think it's food related somehow.I am having further tests done to see what maybe causing it. Thanks for replying

edwangy profile image
edwangy in reply to BlueKeith

Eggs can cause bad constipation

BlueKeith profile image
BlueKeith in reply to edwangy

Yes good point. This is why after the cramps ease I try to eat more fruit and vegetables to get the flow going again.

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to BlueKeith

Yes that's a good idea

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to edwangy

True

Barney100 profile image
Barney100

I have the same condition and feel your 'pain' literally. Sadly, there seems no real solution and it is like a vicious cycle. I think it is known as incomplete evacuation. Suppositories can help but then often it can go the other way and is equally unpleasant for different reasons. The only thing I found that helped me is plain hot water to drink first and last thing. I also often skip breakfast and this helps. But, then of course you can become weak and desperate for food often resulting in worse symptoms later on. I also agree that mine is not strictly food related. Good luck and know you are not alone

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to Barney100

Thank you 😊

BlueKeith profile image
BlueKeith in reply to Barney100

I agree with you Barney. With every solution comes another problem. Not having breakfast does help but then you get the weakness. Eat eggs then get bunged up. Magnesium supplements I find keep you flowing. It's a balancing act which I find is ok through the week but tend think what the hell weekend.

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to BlueKeith

It can be a vicious circle definitely 🤨

Mutleyforever profile image
Mutleyforever

Hi Kayzie, I have similar symptoms with lower abdominal pain slowly increasing after an evacuation which lasts till the following day. I have this under control ( usually) by taking flaxseeds in water ( which have soaked overnight) . So I go every day . I aim to be easy on my gut, as maybe I have nerve damage to gut and needs gentle help. Btw I am interested in how long you took antidepressants for as they can really help this symptom, as serotonin can have a big part to play, to allow proper peristalsis instead of jittery abdominal pain , which needs firm pressure to control.Best Wishes, you are definitely not alone!

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to Mutleyforever

I have flax seeds and chai seeds on cereal every day..I have been on anti depressants on and off for the last 13 years.The last lot I was on for only 5 months, it was Mirtazapine although the drug made me feel like a zombie and other side effects, my stomach issues were mainly under control.

I am taking a very low dose of Amitriptyline at the moment but think it's making me constipated 😌 can't win...

pam1000 profile image
pam1000 in reply to Kayzie73

I have been on low dose amitriptyline for 4 years and it makes me constipated. However it does ease my IBS& sleep well with it so I put up with constipation but I find some days I go to loo 2-3 timesbut motions are normal. Hope this helps.

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to pam1000

Thank you for your reply.Yes I'd rather have constipation than crippling pain each day.

Iv only been taking it a couple of weeks so hopefully my system may settle.

martart profile image
martart

Yes , I have that happen a lot . Sometimes laying on a heating pad helps me. Seems to help the contractions calm down sometimes.

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to martart

Yes I use a heat pad on an evening too

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73

Kind words, thank you 💕

Kariss profile image
Kariss

Hi, I see you have had many replies and haven’t read them all, but just in case nobody has yet mentioned it, you could try Buscopan for IBS. This can be bought otc and works very well for calming down cramps. I find it’s effective for both stomach and bowel cramping alike and usually works quite quickly. I’ve suffered chronic IBS for many years and was diagnosed a long time ago now and can qualify what others have suggested that stress is a major trigger too. Like you I have quite bad cramping after a complete bowel movement for no reason at all! I now always make sure I have the Buscopan at home and also in my bag when I go out. Hot water bottles and bags also help to sooth and rubbing your tummy in a circular clockwise direction can bring some relief. Also if diet is a possible cause, be careful with flax seeds as these have hard shells and are difficult for the gut to digest unless they have been ground. I can’t eat them at all without consequences! Hope you find some of this useful. Good luck.

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73 in reply to Kariss

Thank you for your advice and support 😀

Dizbo profile image
Dizbo

Kayzie, This sounds like pain I've had after a BM. At least in my case, it is called colon spasms, an effect of IBS. I live in the US, where either Hyoscamine or Bentyl can be prescribed to calm the spasms. Just don't overdo the dose, or can lead to constipation. It is common for antidepressants to be used in IBS. 70% of our serotonin (happy hormone) is in our gut, and I wonder if that might be the link, with IBS interfering with Serotonin. Keep asking questions. I will also tell you that, after disregarding the (short-term) diet for IBS, called the Low FODMAP Diet, I have begun it and am feeling remarkably better!!! It's very complicated, so don't try it without a dietitian. If you feel you can't afford one, you may be able to find enough online to do it -- NOT just lists. You could look at the resources online at everydayfodmap.com. Just keep hunting until you find it. Wishing you the best!

Kayzie73 profile image
Kayzie73

Thank you for advice and support 😀

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