Stress Induced IBS?

Hello -

I am a fit, 27 year old male.  In the past few months, I have had some gastrointestinal systoms, primarily mild constipation.  I have a bowel movement everyday, but often do not feel I have finished completely.  Sometimes stool is harder than normal.  I noticed these systems starting to build in November.  I began straining at times during bowel movements, even got a hemorrhoid.   About two weeks ago, I added bulk fiber to my routine and that has helped.


The past few months have been very stressful.  I bought my first house on Oct 25th.  My responsibilities at work have expanded, thus I have not been eating well, too much fast food, etc.  I recognize I am stressed more than normal, too me it seems to have a direct correlation on my bowel movements.  I am taking FiberCon daily now, trying to eat better, drinking plenty of water, and it has improved.  I have no hemmrhoid issues anymore either.  I think to get back to normal 100% I need to manage my stress better, which I am working on.

My questions to you are 1) Could I have mild IBS?  2) Is FiberCon or FiberTherapy natural and safe or should I slowing work myself off of it by substituting a higher fiber diet?

best,
gv

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) IBS can certainly be possible, and it is related to stress.  You can consider a thyroid test or lower endoscopy for further evaluation of possible non-IBS disease.

2) FiberCon is pretty safe.  This in combination with a high-fiber diet would be a reasonable approach if IBS is suspected.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b