Diarrhea after eating meals

[pbsmom]

I am 38 and have been having this problem on and off for about a year. I seem to have these spells where I will have diarrhea for 2-3 days, maybe 3 times a day, followed with constipation for a couple days. Sometimes the diarrhea occurs within 30 minutes of a meal, but usually it happens in the morning when I wake. I was wondering if anyone else experiences this and when should I be concerned about it. It is very odd to me and it seems to happen with no warning at all. I would appreciate anyone's comments.

[pbsmom]

Thanks so much for all of your comments! I really don't have much pain but ocassionally I feel some minor discomfort on my right lower side. I have researched online the topics you all have mentioned, IBS, Crohn's and Colitis. I also was thinking it may be something with my gall bladder. Never have had any problems with it that I know of. I am anxious of telling my Dr about all these things since I know what kind of tests would be done.....I seem to put up with the problem instead of finding the cure....Also am afraid it's something more serious. Thanks again to you all.

[sabrina44882]

Well is there any blood in the stool? Do you have lots of pain? Left or right side? Area of pain etc ribs or lower abdomen?

This could be a number of things Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohns, Colitis? IBS is quite common.
I've went through the same thing, be prepared for lost of tests. Stools sample, colonoscope.
I am also 38 yrs of age and I was diagnosed with Crohns disease after I had all my test completed. Please keep us informed on your test!

Oh and I'd asked to be put out when you have the colonscope, just FYI. Goodluck

[star queen]

Hello there.  Have you ever had your gall bladder out,or problems with it?  Many times diarrhea will occur in conjunction with this problem. Many people have problems with bowel movements right after a meal, sort of "in one end and out the other" kind of thing.  The gall bladder holds bile made by the liver until the pancreas tells it to release it at the time of a fatty meal.  When there is no gall bladder, bile moves a bit more freely into the small intestine making the stool looser and diarrhea can occur more frequently than before.