Difficult bowel movements

[grouseman]

Had a colonoscopy 4 yrs ago.  The results were fine.  However, my bm's for the following 6 months were described by the family physician and a proctologist as IBS.  After trying various over the counter drugs with no results I was able to control the movements to every other morning which allowed me to have a normal day.  Today the movements still require 4 to 6 BM's within a 2 to 3 hour period every other day.  There is also a concern with the movements as they start out solid, and by the 3rd or 4th bm of that morning, deteriorate to smaller pieces then to almost a sand like texture.  They are also accompanied by droplets of a watery discharge.  Other difficulties are that the first bm, were I feel like I have passed all, requires as much as 45 minutes with constant pressure.  The second bm may require an additional 15 minutes and each succeeding bm requires less time.  I have tried Metamucil and several similar products trying to improve the amount of time required to feel that all is complete and nothing has helped.  My question is, is this a form of IBS?  Is there anything I can take that will allow my system to discharge quicker than the 2 to 3 hours it now takes (getting up at 4 AM to make an 8 AM tee time is killing me)?  I have never tried Ex Lax or similar products to improve the amount of time, but could that be a viable option?  Knowing the results of Ex Lax has caused hesitation of using these products.  Any suggestions?

[FurballsMom]

It sounds like IBS to me.  I really don't know how to answer your question other than to suggest going back to your GI, because there are medications that help both forms of IBS.  I take Bentyl for the spasms.  It's an antispasmodic and is used regardless of which way the IBS swings.  Are you talking about constipation or diarrhea?  You do need to be cautious of laxatives and becoming dependent on them as well.

[grouseman]

I don't have constipation and am very regular every other morning.  My issue is the number of times I have movements every other morning.  The problem is having a BM 3 to 4 times within several hours and the change of the stool from solid on the first BM to what appears to be small peas to sand on the third and fourth BM.    
After spending hours reading all of the questions and answers on this web site I have a more positive attitude that perhaps there is some remedy for me and have made an appointment with a local GI for next week.  Thanks to you and to the other responders to this web site as I would have blown off the issue as my family Dr has done for the past several years.

[vedadhar]

hi ,i think follow up care for IBS is very better than using antispasmodics.y dont u try dietary fiber like vegetables,fruits,grains.drink more water every day to improve ur nowel habits like 8 glasses per day.as u may be very nervous about ur condition u must be assured psychologically as stress may improve IBS.do u have any other symptoms other than this so that we could draw any other possible differential?

[grouseman]

Thank you for your response.  I have tried the vegetables, fruits,  and nothing changed.  I have tried the water also.  The only nervousness I have is about the IBS.  I am retired and am enjoying life to the fullest so there is little to be nervous about.   What I have done is made an appointment with another GI for a review  of my issues and will visit him next week.  Thank you again for your concern.  I hope to find something positive next week to bring back to this web site that is of value to others with similar conditions