Diarrhea or Constipation?

You might have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Now, before you panic, it's not as bad as all that. I suffered with symptoms for YEARS (I started having symptoms in my early 20s) before I actually spoke with my doctor about it. But he prescribed something, told me to start taking it daily. And I was instantly better. He told me, eventually, I'd be able to stop taking it all the time, and I'd only have to take it for flare-ups, which was also true. I only have to take the medication once or twice a month, if that. And the medication is just an anti-spasmodic medication - you can probably just try to take an OTC anti-diarrheal medication and see if that helps.

I just finished reading all of your responses, and for all of those suffering from "IBS" I would recommend taking it one step further and investigate gluten intolerance and especialy Celiac disease. Many people have been suffering for years from this and it's finally starting to come out in the US. My BIL was diagnosed with Celiac over 10 years ago when he was so malnourished that he was in the hospital for well over a month and had a couple exploratory surgeries before they discovered the Celiac. My youngest son began exhibiting signs of the disease, or at least an allergy to the gluten (which is different from the actual Celiac) back in December. After a month of continuous diarrhea and vomiting, I finally pulled him off of gluten and he hasn't had an issue since (unless of course he sneaks some-then he suffers). I have taken myself off of gluten to support my son as well as attempt to lower my cholesterol, and I can't tell you how much better I feel. Several years ago, the docs tried to diagnose me with IBS, too, but I truly feel all of this "IBS" can be attributed to all of the processing that we do to food, especially wheat/gluten products. My suggestion to you, P., and to all the others having issues is to pull gluten from your diet for several weeks to months. Keep a journal of what you eat and how it comes out! As well as all the in between issues you may exhibit. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions and I hope you start feeling better.

It might be irritable bowel syndrome. It's very common are there are treatments such as taking fiber pills like Metamucil. See your doctor.

How miserable for you! I'm sorry to hear of your bathroom woes! I have to say honestly that it sounds like you might be compacted - which means you have lots and lots of poo that is backing up into your bowels. If you wait much longer, you will start to get really painful cramps - the kind that send you to the emergency room. This happened to a friend of mine and even more unfortunately to my son. I'm willing to bet you've been having headaches as well - more than usual I mean. You wouldn't believe what being constipated long term will do to your overall health. And if this is indeed your case there are several things you should start doing immediately - stop drinking soda (if you drink it), and start drinking no less than 8 glasses (64 oz) of fresh, purified water EVERY DAY. Soda dehydrates you and has zero health benefits. Start eating LOTS of fruits and veggies, and up the whole grains in your diet to get in as much fiber as you can. But again, make sure you are drinking that water, or fiber will cause even more problems than help. Also, I do have a potential solution for you and it's called Dr. Natura. It is a cleanse/detoxifying program that I can recommend because I have personally used it and know how well it works. Go to: www.drnatura.com and check out all the testimonials. Mine is in there, as well as a picture. I did the program and so did my son - his story is in the children's section of the website. It is a little bit costly to do the program, but trust me when I say that it is worth every, single penny! It sounds like your problems are just beginning which is a good thing because you can get a handle on it now and feel better in no time flat! Too many people live with bowel issues and they don't have to. Kudos to you for seeking advice and opinions. I hope you find relief soon, whatever route you decide to choose. Good luck!

I had some similar symptoms and it turned out to be a kidney infection. I would go to the doctor to get everything checked out. Good Luck!

Hi P.,

If this were happening with me, I would do the following:

* Keep a journal...document foods I'm eating, # of bowel movements and what they're like.

* Increase my fluid intake.

* Increase my fiber.

* Start taking a high quality digestive enzyme or probiotic daily.

* Include a no/low sugar, high active culture yogurt to my diet everyday.

If this continues, see your doctor...you'll have your journal to share with your doctor and detailed information as to what you've been experiencing.

Hope you're feeling better soon.
J.

have you been on antibiotics recently? They are really tough on the intestines. There is a great probiotic that my dr recommended to me, it's called align. You can buy it at target or any pharmacy, it's a 30 day supply and about 30 dollars. I am much better than I was, and I don't take it every day anymore. Try it out.

Actually there is a virus going around. My son has it right now. It is just diarea, no other symptoms. The nurse hotline said it can last 5 to 14 days. We are on day six. One of the days nothing happen, other days he had 4 attacks. The nurse said to continue on your regular foods, but avoid sugar items. Keep fluids up. Milk is okay to drink since it is a virus. Our son doesn't seem to be in any pain and he is only 2 years old.
Hope this helps!!

It really does sound like IBS. I suffered with similar symptoms for an entire year! It was awful, and I really feel for you. The doctor ran a million tests, then sent me to specialists for more tests, before they finally decided to call it IBS. Unfortunately, they diagnose IBS as the catch-all when they are unsure of what exactly causes the bowel to get irritated. There are treatments, but none of them can be taken if you get diarrhea.

I now find that it acts up a few days after a stressful day. If I eat yogurt and avoid spicy foods, it does help. I got even more sick when I stopped eating, so don't do that! You need to eat now to keep your strength up more than ever! Go on a BRAT diet if necessary (bananas, rice, applesauce & toast...bland foods that are easy to digest) and drink lots. My doctor usually recommends going two weeks before coming to see him, unless of course you get dehydrated. With any luck, you can work through this before then. Best of luck to you.