Gross bodily functions driving me crazy

TweetiePieRN · Mar 22, 2004

Okay, if you have a weak stomach or don't like hearing about bodily functions, do not read any further. I just have a question. Sorry if this is gross but here goes. I have pretty much diagnosed myself with irritable bowel. There are times--especially in the morning when getting ready for work---especially convenient, when I have terrible stomach cramps and watery diarrhea. If I am in a situation where I absolutely cannot go--if I wait 20-30 minutes before I am able to--then it is normal stool. But if I went at that time, I would have been able to "##%^& through a screen door at 50 paces!" This is driving me nuts. It does not seem to be related to any food or drink. Theres times I go two or three weeks and I'm fine but then times that it happens two or three times a week. When it does happen---I HAVE to go. This is especially inconvenient if I am driving to work!! I have actually contemplated pulling into a dark alley and finding a spot because the cramps are so intense! :uhoh21: Am I the only one who has this problem. I know, I know I should see my Dr. but I feel he will only tell me that I have IBS. Any others out there with the same problems and is there anything that works for you?// I can actually relate to the scene in "Dumb and Dumber" where the guy is in the bathroom at his dates house!! Its HORRIBLE!

IBS and irritable bowel are the same exact thing. You should probably go see a doctor. The doctor will need to run some tests to rule out everything else before diagnosing you with IBS (Irritable bowel). It sounds like you are experiencing symptoms of IBS...but none of us here are doctors, so save yourself the worry and anxiety and just make an appt to see your MD. I have IBS and am on medication for it. RX meds...you need to have a Rx for them....so like i mentioned earlier...just make an appt and see your MD. "Self diagnosing" is not a smart thing to do (especially if you have absolutely NO medical background and are just going with "what you have heard"). I, along with others here, do not know your medical background, so it is much wiser for you to visit your doc!!

Nurse Ratched, RN · Mar 22, 2004

If it *is* IBS, then it's EXTREMELY treatable. Please see about it. No reason to live with your bowels constantly in an uproar! :)

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2004

IBS seems easy to self diagnose. After all we have the wonderful television ads that try to tell us symptoms and how we "feel". There are other conditions that can cause the same/similar symptoms that can cause you major longterm problems if not treated properly. I agree with making the appointment and letting the doc decide what is going on. It will make life much easier.

igloorn93 · Mar 22, 2004

Definately go and see your doctor...I have IBS and it is treatable, but only a doc can diagnose it. A few things that can help until you see one are to avoid caffiene!!!!!!!!!!!! That is a major major agrevator. I can sympathize with the cramps. They can be worse than labour pains.

prairiegirl · Mar 23, 2004

I have IBS and its not fun. Mine goes from diarrhea to constipation so I cant take any anti-diarrheal medications or it messes me up the other way and I have to use stool softeners about twice a week (under physician orders). Mine is mostly triggered by stress and hormone fluctuations. I could eat plain rice and dry toast and still have upset tummy

sjoe · Mar 23, 2004

"I know, I know I should see my Dr. but I feel he will only tell me that I have IBS."

Yeah, SO? If that is what you have, there are a lot of things that can be done, including medications (lomotil, etc.), diet (no diet foods, no artifical sweetners, no fat substitutes, minimize sugar, minimize caffeine, etc.). But of course you could have parasites or a variety of other problems. So go see your doc--a no-brainer.

missmercy · Mar 23, 2004

Yes, by all means go and see your Dr!!! If it's IBS then he can get you some tx for it. Don't go on being miserable!!! Get some help!

Shotzie · Mar 23, 2004

Why should you waste your time and money to go to the doctor to find out that it's just what you think it is?

Because it might NOT be IBS. The signs and symptoms of colon cancer are the same as IBS. Colon cancer does strike the young and it is imminently treatable and survivable if caught early. If you go to the doc and find out that you really DO have IBS and not colon cancer...it will be the best money you ever spent in your life!!!

TweetiePieRN · Mar 24, 2004

Why should you waste your time and money to go to the doctor to find out that it's just what you think it is?
Because it might NOT be IBS. The signs and symptoms of colon cancer are the same as IBS. Colon cancer does strike the young and it is imminently treatable and survivable if caught early. If you go to the doc and find out that you really DO have IBS and not colon cancer...it will be the best money you ever spent in your life!!!

Good point Shotzie!! What finally prompted me to see my doctor in the 1st place was the fact that dad and gramma had colon cancer in their 40s. I am in my 20s, but ALL the symptoms I had coincided with colon ca. It was a GREAT RELIEF to have all the tests done to determine that it was something minor like IBS. Yes, caffeine makes IBS MUCH worse. I do not drink coffee, but last nite I was pulling a 16 hr shift and had to drink or else i was going to fall asleep. Boy did i regret that move...cramping and diarrhea nonstop when i got home!!!!!!!

justjenny · Mar 24, 2004

See your Doctor.

Period.

Jenny