Clearing the bowels
Hi all, first time posting and just hoping for any advice.
I’ve been told I have IBS. Not really sure whether I have IBSC or D. Basically, I have no issues going to the bathroom. I tend to be able to go first thing each morning. However, I never feel like I’ve fully emptied bowels. This leads to me having a lot of pressure and discomfort around the anus and my coccyx throughout the day. Does anyone else experience anything similar and have any recommendations?
I’m unsure whether a laxative or colon cleanse supplement is suitable for me considering I don’t have ‘proper’ constipation.
It would just be nice to be able feel empty.
Thanks in advance!
Great question, we are so glad you reached out to the community about this. You are definitely not alone with this "unfinished" feeling after a bowel movement, and I deal with it myself. When I am in more of a constipation mode where it is difficult to have daily bowel movements, I take a couple of softeners each night before bed, often with a laxative pill, and that has been very effective.
Although you have a daily bowel movement, you don't feel that you have completely emptied. That could be called constipation too, but a milder form. You might try taking one stool softener before bed. It might gently make your bowel empty more the next day. If it doesn't, you could try taking 2 stool softeners. Stool softeners are much gentler than laxatives.
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Trial and error is the name of the game when we have a chronic condition. I hope others will chime in with their own experience and advice. I hope you'll soon find a way to empty more completely and feel a bit more "normal." Hugs, Kim, moderatorThank you for your advice.
Would you advise attempting this if my bowel movements are already quite soft?
I’m newly diagnosed with IBS, but have had bowel issues for a few years.
I appreciate the support and will look into both yours and any other responses to see if things work for me.If your stool is already soft, a stool softener would likely make it even softer. If you haven't already, you might ask your doctor about your concerns. While there is such a thing as a colon cleanse, it is rather harsh and involves clearing the bowel completely, much like prepping for a colonoscopy.
Another thought I had: Is it possible that you have the sensation of not completely emptying, but actually DO empty? I ask because there were times when I had such irritation with a bowel movement that my nerves seemed to be "overactive" for a short time after a BM, giving me the sensation that there is more to come. Eventually that feeling disappeared, however.
Also, some questions I have are: what symptoms brought you to a doctor, and what led to your doctor to diagnosing you with IBS? Was it something more than feeling that you don't empty completely? Best, Kim, moderator
Once again, thanks Kim.
I plan to speak with my GP this week. I’ve just found myself at the hospice quite a lot recently, and it never really addresses my concerns. I’ll mention ‘next steps’ to them. As I’m already trying to monitor my food intake and track against a FODMAP diet. I’m interested in Nerva and the Rheal products, if you’ve experienced them?
My symptoms at the time of heading to the Dr. were abdominal cramping (I was getting a lot of gurgling and spasms in my stomach). I also had an urge to empty my bowels quite frequently. Often experiencing a sense of urgency.
I was also experiencing acid reflux and a burning sensation in my stomach, alongside frequent burping.
At this point I was prescribed Mebeverine and lanzoprazole. Both worked for me, but I’m trying to come off of the medication as the lanzoprazole isn’t the best for my health for long-term use.
With the urge to go, I was also often producing mucus. This was experienced when I was pooping very little or not at all, despite the urge to go.
Apologies, but I’m unsure what you mean by DO empty! I do feel like my bowels are overreactive. My bowel movements are often quite a good size first thing. So it is strange when I get an urge to go, although this happens almost every day.
Thanks again!ground psyllium husks is sugar-free so I prefer it instead of metamucil fiber. I sprinkle it on oatmeal while microwaving it in the morning but add extra water to bowl and drink a cup of hot water while eating this. Works well. the fibre supplement I have is ispaghula husk. Not sure if that’s good not bad to be honest!
Honestly not really seen any major improvements.
I’m still struggling to completely empty my bowels and having rectal pressure. GP always seems confused when I tell them that I am poking regularly (3+ times a day), but having this rectal pressure and discomfort and that feeling that I haven’t passed all the poop. Poop still isn’t really sausage like. I noticed the best appearing poops I had was when I was on codeine for an unrelated surgery.
Just been advised to increase my fibre supplement intake to two daily. Previously had just been taking one sachet in the morning.
Also been advised to start taking a probiotic.
Having bloods and a course of antibiotics as GP believes I could have rectal discomfort cause by prostatitis.
I'm sorry to hear that it didn't provide much relief. I hope the second dose and the probiotic will help.
Have you started the antibiotics yet?
I'm also wondering if you or your GP have ever considered that it might be due to some pelvic floor dysfunction? I'm going to link some info here: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/pelvic-floor-therapy in case you're interested.
Please keep us updated on everything!
Sending hugs, Karina (team member)
We haven’t discussed this, although it’s a conversation I’ve had at home. I occasionally try the Kegel exercises.
I think my problem is that I don’t know if I have IBS-D or IBS-C or a mix of both. I feel like it’s more IBS-D given my frequency of going to the loo. But the feeling of not being empty is a constipation symptom. Very much considering speaking to a specialist soon, but the cost puts me off.I used ayurvedic medicine to clear my bowels but the problem is my fart is very smelly whatever I take I can ot get rid of it. I don't eat meat products now a days due to this I’m glad Ayurvedic medicine helped you clear your bowels.
Do you see an improvement in this symptom when you don’t eat meat?
Karina (team member)
