Weird bowel movements controlling my life : (

prra2002 · Newbie Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 3

Hi. Ive been going thru this problem and living with it for abt 6 yrs now. Its a very weird thing and only happens to me when Im going out. Whenever I do, for example every morning going to school, I need to use the bathroom. And many times, it happens to me while Im on the train. And its very hard for me to control myself and there have been times when I just had to let it out. This is why I prepare myself and place a whole bunch of tissue paper, so it doesnt end up on my pants. I mean it still does, but not as much because of the tissue.

Anyway I really dont know what to do, because this happens to me ONLY when im going out or when i am out. At home it doesnt happen at all. in fact if im home all week, i happen to have very few bowel movements, which is also very bad.

many people have told me its all in my mind. my mind is basically controlling me, since I have this big fear now, that when i go out, my stomach will hurt and i will need to go to the bathroom. soo ive also tried treating this, by thinking of other things, listening to music, etc. but sadly, that hasnt really helped either.

i just dont know what to do anymore, any help, suggestions? Sad

prra2002 · Newbie Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 3

any help would be appreciated! Smile

PsyChris · Posted: 02/19/08 - 00:21 Post subject:

I think your first step is to consult with your Primary Care Doctor and rule out any medical issues.

Can you describe how you feel when you are getting ready to go out?

prra2002 · Newbie Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 3

im pretty sure it isnt any major medical problem...because i had a whole stomach/bowel checkup and everything was normal.

this has become pretty much a habit a really bad one. i feel nervous when im out in the morning cuz i keep thinking i need to go...and most of the times i do. but when im at home, i can control myself and sometimes i dont need to go to the bathroom at all.

so yea this has pretty mch affected my whole life. i hardly go anywhere now, except for school Sad

PsyChris · Posted: 02/21/08 - 07:59 Post subject:

Well I do think this is an unfortunate symptom of anxiety that you have. Without knowing a whole lot more about you I can not really reliably say if this advice will help or not.

What I suggest you do is try to break this pattern. You need to set up a set schedule of eating so you can reliably time your bowel movements. You have to convince yourself that either by the time you leave your house you are cleaned out or that it' not time for a bowel movement.

It does sound like your at the point where you can not reasonably control your bowel movements. I recommend you discuss the possibility of this being related to Anxiety with your doctor and get a referred to a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. They will be able to help you identify the thought process leading up to these events and hopefully teach you a better way to think about this and gain some structure back in your life.

Guest · Guest

My mom has a similar issue... everytime we go to the store (and it can be ANY one - grocery, target etc) she has the intense need to go... such that it can't be controlled till we get back home. Whether we buy something or not, we locate the restroom first!
And yes, her medical check ups show all is well... her bowel movements are pretty regular otherwise.

Figaro · Newbie Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 1

Reading the first post was scary only because i go through the same thing just not to the point where i go on my self. But i still understand it seems like everytime i go any where i get gassy and start to break wind constantly. And it eventually leads to me useing the washroom. But sometimes i can control it if i use the wasroom before i leave out. This all started about a year ago and i just thought it was the stomach flu because it did go away but then it came back and now its all worrie about. Ive given up so much becaues of this, my friends, my job, school, i feel like a loser but im not depressed im just disappointed if any one knows how to get over this please email me at Crisslite@yahoo.com.

Corrban · Newbie Joined: 12 May 2008 Posts: 1

It makes me sad to read these posts. I have been dealing with this problem for over 15 years now and it has ruined my life. It started with simply needing to know where every bathroom in town was and has grown to control my life. My wife just asked for a divorce because she can't live like this anymore. I go to work and come home. Please find yourself a "good" therapist and take care of the problem now! I have done everything listed here...upper and lower G.I., every blood test known to man. 2-3 phychitrists and a dozen primary care givers. They all tried treating depression, post traumatic stress etc. I am only depressed because I can't live my life anymore! Make your Dr. understand that the bowel problems only occur when you will be in a public place with the possibility of no restroom. That is all it takes for me. By the way I used to own my own company with 20+ employees and went bankrupt because of my sudden inability to function in public. I post now to urge you to seek help. I tried dealing with it alone for way to long. Good luck.

Weird bowel movements controlling my life : (

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