May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Digestive Disorders Excessive bowel movements and IBS
Excessive bowel movements and IBS |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: My problem started about 5 yrs ago. I went threw test - scopes both directions and found nothing. My problem is I have about 6-7 bowel movements a day. Every time I eat I don't even finish a meal and have to go. Hubby thinks it's a nerve problem, I don't really think that is it. It's very upsetting because I feel I can't go any where without knowing where the bathroom is or staying close to a bathroom. Most of the times it is very loose (watery) and comes quick. I will say when this started I had been using Slim Fast to loose weight for my daughters wedding. I have not used any of that for a very long time. Please give me some suggestions. I am 50 years of age and don't want to spend the rest of my life in fear of where the bathroom is. I also have RA and take meds for that and high blood pressure. Thank you for your time. Dear Mary Jane: From your symptoms it seems that you may be having irritable bowel syndrome. However this is a diagnosis of exclusion after having performed all tests which you have already done. I would advice you to try an elimination diet , try and identify what foods or substances lead to increased symptoms and try to eliminate it from your diet . Also try and eat small meals as opposed to large meals which may stimulate your bowels more. Sometimes regular exercise has been proved to reduce anxiety over the symptoms and thus help decreasing them. Diet wise avoid foods and drinks which stimulate the intestines like cofee, hot drinks, wheat barlet, rye, oats etc, Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables as that will supply you with increased fibre. You could try taking an antidiarrheal agent like loperamide when you are going out so as to avoid situtations socially. All the best. |
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 27 March 2011 ) |
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