Anxiety causing frequent bowel movements

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I've been having frequent loose bowel movements for about 4 years now. Got lots of tests done and after colonoscopy last year I was diagnosed with mild proctitis and it was treated. Symptoms went away for a couple of months then quickly came back, got retested for proctitis but didn't show. Every time I leave the house even to just go to the shop I suddenly and urgently need a bowel movement. It happens everytime I go out yet if I stay in the house I could just go once or twice a day. Also I could eat something in the house and be fine but I'm out and eat I need the toilet immediately. It's had such an impact on life to the point I don't go anywhere anymore because I am currently working from home. Been on propranolol 80mg slow release for 4 years which was just changed to 40mg 3 times a day and I was on 10mg citalopram for two months and have been on 20mg for two weeks now but its still happening all the time. Has anyone experienced this. Is it anxiety causing it? What can I do? I'm so fed up feeling like this. Thanks. P.

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  • Posted

    Hello, I have the same tummy issues with my anxiety. I can be fine one min and then all of a sudden if i start feeling anxious I need the loo. It could be that ive popped to the shop for milk and ill be walking round and come over all sweaty and my tummy with gurgle, I would have to put down whatever I had and find the nearest loo. I also find that on the odd occasion my anxiety has allowed me to go out for a meal I will get half way through eating and then the sweaty panic feeling starts. It is such an annoying side effect to anxiety as it makes the panic worse, always needing to know where the nearest toilet is and not being able to enjoy a meal out. I hope this passes for you xx

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