Why is my bowel system like this?

[Justramesses]

I am a 22 year old female and I have had bowel problems for over a decade

I don't remember why it started, but when I was 9 years old I started needing the toilet all the time. I needed to Poo everytime or else I would have to go again. It became worse anytime I got nervous. I started spending an hour on the toilet before class . Then always at recess, lunch, before the bus came, when I got home and before bed.

I Poo at least 5 times a day. I cannot catch public transport as its a vicious cycle: I get nervous that I will need to go to the bathroom so I end up needing the bathroom. If I am late and I get slightly nervous I will need to poo.

This is large, solid form Poo. Every time. I cannot go out and drink because when I have more than 3 glasses of any alcohol except gin I get diarrhea. Sometimes it is any food. If I am home, it isn't bad. If I am out for lunch, no matter who I am with, after 5/10 minutes I will need to poo a lot.

Certain foods make it much worse: milk, tea, caffeine. Weirdly, if I am at home I can drink milk and be fine.

I get gas too, but not at a high rate.

It is Ruining my life. I have never had a boyfriend because I cannot even go on a date. I get nervous and spend two hours plus on the toilet.

I am a teacher and I cannot take a full time position because I am scared about excursions/exams/general teaching because I always need the toilet.

Please help!!!

[SassyLassie]

Hello~Your issues definitely sound stress related to me. Have you discussed this with your physician? You also more than likely have either food allergies or intolerances, try to avoid those that you know make your condition worse, maybe this will also help with your having to go all the time during the day. I would try adding a good, high potency probiotic supplement, this will put the friendly back in your system and also might help with the bowel problems.

[TheLightSeeker]

OK Justramesses, no drinking, no dating for a while is in order, till you get this figured out.
It is surprising that you have suffered for so long, yet there's no mention of
any medical evaluation.
If there's any medical history, please do post some details.
Also it would be helpful if you include
dietary habits,  how you spent 1- 2 hours on the toilette before stressful events and finally from the Bristol Stool Chart (do a search) which type represents your stool.
Best wishes,
Niko

[itoosly]

It sounds like you're dealing with a combination of anxiety and bowel issues-- they're often related and reinforce each other! Have you ever seen a mental health professional or been prescribed anti-anxiety meds?

I ask because they may alleviate the bowel problems, as well. There are other methods, like cognitive behavioral therapy, which may help.

I dealt with similar issues and had to start being really good about not eating the foods that made my bowels loose. No coffee, alcohol or dairy. Try cutting one thing out at a time and see which one makes a difference. I also discovered (after seeing an allergist) that I am allergic to nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant -- even tobacco!) and that my bowels are MUCH happier if I avoid those things.

I wish you good luck. Bowel issues are no fun.