Several Bowel Movements per day

I am having several bowl movements a day, nothing ever solid, no foods in particular set it off, and almost always have pain in my lower stomach (belly button area) before using the bathroom.  Any idea of what this could be?

[Kaneda2112]

This could be a variety of things. If you are having diarrhea on a constant basis, be sure to ensure that you are hydrated. How long has this been going on?

The causes are many and varied which might not be too helpful to list here. You'll need to get it checked out by your GP.

[therealcdub]

It has been going on for months but recently it has gotten worse.  I have an appointment later this week.  The research I have done seems to point to IBS, but I am thinking they are gonna want to schedule a colonoscopy

[Kaneda2112]

IBS appears to be a diagnosis of exclusion - ie. they rule out almost everything else and if they can't figure it out they call it IBS it seems. Have you tried slowing down your bowels with a bit of Kao-Pectate? That might help relieve some of the symptoms, but it depends on what is causing it so I might tread carefully there with a small dose.

A colonoscopy or even a sigmoidoscopy doesn't seem like an unreasonable test to me if this has gone on for years. According to online sources, there are lots of other possible reasons for belly button pain such as urinary tract infections, ulcers, gallbladder disease, pancreas problems, or even small intestine disorders. Bbasic imaging like an ultrasound can rule out stones in the gallbladder and kidneys.

You should get it checked out by your GP for sure.