Been dealing with Bowel problems for 4 weeks now

[Sidgafcator9]

I’m 23 male and for the pass 4+ weeks my stools have been small, broken up, soft and occasionally diarrhea, never constipated. I also experienced burning sensations in my stomach or tightness that comes and goes but not often. I don’t have cramps, pain or a fever and no family history of colon cancer and in 2020 went to the hospital for separate reasons and had blood test and a X-rays if that’s important or worth mentioning. Is this IBS or something else? I’m eating regularly but when it’s time to go my bowels seems incomplete. This actually started with me stressing about dry skin on my hands which lead to anxiety and frequently urination that caused me to freak about a UTI or diabetes but that has completely stopped. Maybe they’re connected?

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question. It sounds like you have been working with your doctor which is perfect.  You've had some testing done.  You are young but if you or they have concerns, a colonoscopy is usually recommended.  Your medical care for concerns sounds to now have been a while back though so we suggest a follow up appointment. Start with a primary care doctor who then, if warranted, can refer you to a gastrointenstinal specialist. That you mention anxiety and stress, that does align to one of the things that goes hand in hand with irritable bowel syndrome. It's important to note that IBS is different for different people.  And can change back and forth in the same person as well.  If you have anxiety, it may be beneficial to see a therapist for this and begin working on that.  Overall, that could help your life. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669  The provided link you can copy and paste has a list of symptoms.  You do have some on the list.  Feeling like bowel movements are incomplete, for example. However, that is as are other things on the symptom list an overlap with symptoms of IBS and constipation.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016  I suggest you see your primary care doctor to discuss.  Rule out colon cancer and believe strongly that this is not the case for you, however, a health care professional treating you needs to evaluate. And if all clear, begin investigating IBS treatment.  And treating anxiety on top of these things would also be a great idea.  Let me know what you think.