Bowel Issues and Anxiety
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About 2.5 years ago (Sept 2019) I started experiencing having to go to the bathroom/having multiple bowel movements within the span of 1-2 hours in the morning. My normal "schedule" would be to go once not long after I woke up (maybe 10-15 minutes), but it has increased to 2-4 times in most circumstances. And when I feel the need to go, I need to go -- I can't "hold it" for more than a few minutes at best.
I've done stool samples to test calprotectin levels, but those came back relatively normal. A few weeks ago my doctor suggested trying a low FODMAP diet which hasn't really changed anything (granted, I haven't been able to fully follow that diet but I've been trying). I've also been taking 1-2 fiber pills in the morning for a few months now, but that doesn't seem to have made a big difference.
The biggest issue isn't necessarily having to go a few times (although it's annoying), but that my bowel movements seem to get exacerbated/accelerated by anxiety about not having access to a toilet. Some examples:
- When I need to commute I'd have to go to the bathroom (again) right before I leave to make sure I won't have to go en route.
- And/or, while driving, I would constantly be thinking about whether I need to go and about how there's nowhere to stop along the way.
- When my partner wakes up and has to use the bathroom in the morning, I might have the sudden need to go just from knowing that I can't go while he's showering.
- There was one time when I was on a subway in the city and I felt like I needed to go, was considering ditching my friends and getting off the train to find somewhere, etc, but kept distracting myself to keep my mind off things. I didn't even end up needing to go at all -- but the anxiety of knowing I didn't have easy access to a bathroom made it truly feel like I needed to.
This has negatively affected several aspects in my life as I now need to plan my mornings around when I may need access to the bathroom. I'm not sure if this is more a bowel issue or an anxiety issue. Any insight would be appreciated!
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