Keeping bowel movements under control under new job stress

[cataltamont]

Hi everyone—long time reader, first time poster.

So I've recently started a new job and it seems that the stress from the change of job is enough to set off my stress-fuelled IBS, so, naturally, I end up running to the toilet a little more than I'd like to be.

And not only that, but it seems that the types of bowel movements I'm having are varying wildly on a day-to-day basis, going from near-diarrhea levels on working days to normalish-bordering-constipiation on my days off. I've been in my new job for a month and it's beginning to have a noticable effect, as I had to go home early the other day because I ended up somewhat constipated which left me feeling too nauseous to work. This is even when avoiding all my usual triggers—fruits high in pectin (e.g. apples) and copious amounts of sweeteners (e.g. chewing gum, diet/zero sugar drinks in excess.)

So the question is, how do I keep the proverbial needle from swinging too far either way? That I don't end up running to the toilet every 10 minutes but, at the same time, I don't end up heavily constipated.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 😊

[Equilibrated]

I often find that I am constipated the day after I have an IBS episode. But not always, not sure if that helps or not.

[Hetchins1946]

My IBS is stress related so I can relate to what you have said.Despite keeping a detailed food diary I am not convinced that I have any food triggers. I've also come to the conclusion that it's easier to change eating habits than to change our mindsets. Blaming food is easy - sorting our heads out is much harder.

I'd suggest firstly that you try Loperamide to get your loose bowels under control - this will have the rebound effect on the constipation so you will need to dramatically increase your fluid intake.

Secondly dealing with the stress/ anxiety can be tackled two ways - I'm on a trial of low dose antidepressant medication from my GP - it's too early to assess the results - you should discuss with your GP the anxiety symptoms and he may suggest this route, or she might suggest the second option of CBT which is harder to accept, but, I understand, can be very successful for a lot of people with anxiety. CBT can be helpful in the long term.

[xjrs]

You could try the Nerva gut directed hypnotherapy app to help calm you down. Exercise can also help reduce stress if you can manage it.

I used to get GERD nearly guaranteed at the start of a new work contract. I also had a bad bout of IBS a couple of times for the same reason. One thing to remember is that the stress will end. It used to take me 2-3 months to settle into a new job and gradually the symptoms would decrease.

[eyeofthetiger123]

please don’t try an antidepressant like some of the suggestions on this page. It is not worth the hassle coming of it and a new job is something to get excited about so sometimes you don’t want the happy feelings numbed, like you would on an antidepressant. I think there are some herbal remedies like slippery elm, and not eating late three hours before bed and waiting until lunchtime to eat (so no breakfast). There is some techniques also like having fibre-filled cereals on days you’re constipated, like bran flakes and avoiding sugar in general. If you don’t get stressed over the constipation, because there are herbal remedies for that …then that’s a lot less stress to begin with!