Bowel problems

Go to the thread Anal trouble

Ask the doctor for a bowel testing kit. So simple and my doctor explained it can show up even the tiniest drop of blood which may (but probably won’t) mean something needs to be investigated. Your problem could mean you have an irritable bowel which is annoying but not serious. There are many non-serious bowel problems so just get it checked rather than worrying.

I seem to have an overactive bowel and an overactive bladder so, yes, I’m the same. No harm in doing a bowel test, though.

OP says they’ve had a clear bowel/FIT test.

Depending on your health authority a CT virtual colonography may be available, it's a non-invasive scan that's an alternative to a colonoscopy. I think in England you can chose where to be treated so you could maybe check if you can get one outwith your health authority area if it's not available where you live

Agree with OldFrill - the virtual colonoscopy is less invasive, so I’m told

I had food poisoning few weeks ago and since then I have something like IBS .
Saw GP - completed the FIT test - results came back clear, but my bowels are still not 100%
If it carries on, I think I will ask for a virtual colonoscopy.

If you have a diet rich in fibre, it’s perfectly normal, in fact quite good, to have bowel movements that correspind to your eating patterns. So if you have three meals a day, it’s normal to have three separate bowel movements. If you snack in between you might have more.

But my guess is you are not emptying your bowel fully each time you go and then the residue prompts the feeling that you need to go again.

crazyH

I had food poisoning few weeks ago and since then I have something like IBS .
Saw GP - completed the FIT test - results came back clear, but my bowels are still not 100%
If it carries on, I think I will ask for a virtual colonoscopy.

It’s not unusual to become lactose intolerant for a few weeks after a gastric upset. That could give IBS symptoms.

Thankyou knittingacat

I had exactly the same problems as this. I was very interested to read about the lactose intolerance. Funnily enough since my recent stomach upset which lasted nearly a month I have experienced loose stools after eating chocolate. My tests all came back negative but my doctor did suggest cutting out dairy. However he didn’t explain why. So I will try to do that though it won’t be easy. I suppose as we get older our bodies change and what was ok for us once is no longer able to be tolerated.

I became dairy intolerant after eating some unpasteurised cheese which was probably after its use by date and then having a mild stomach upset. The symptoms didn't improve over the next 2-3 weeks so I tried lactose free products but it didn't seem to make a difference. After that I cut dairy completely and within a couple of days I felt back to normal. I am still dairy free one year on but can tolerate small amounts of butter. I now use oat milk and vegan cheese as well as other vegan options. I must try to see if I can tolerate more dairy but the time never seems to be right to risk it!

It can be a firm of constipation, if the bowel isn't fully emptied.

Yes, incomplete evacuation is part of my problem, also.

I requested a virtual colonoscopy, but they said no.
I fear it’s due to cutbacks.

I was just pondering today on the way that everything in life has speeded up. Including going to the loo. Wasn’t there a time when people would sit on the loo reading a newspaper? For ages. So this morning I decided to take my time: not rush things. Going to make that part of my daily routine from now on. No longer have a daily newspaper, though.

I had a virtual colonoscopy a while ago and it really was much easier than a normal one. You still need to take some bowel prep beforehand but it’s not as bad as the usual stuff and the procedure itself was far quicker. I do urge you to get checked out and, if you can’t get it done on the NHS, perhaps look at a private procedure if you can afford it. Set your mind at rest.

Greciangirl

Yes, incomplete evacuation is part of my problem, also.

I requested a virtual colonoscopy, but they said no.
I fear it’s due to cutbacks.

Why did they say no? Have they offered an alternative or do they not think you need any investigation? Is virtual colonography available in your area? Ask for clarification. Good luck

After what seems a lifetime of bowel efficiency - stage 4 Bristol Chart every day - I’ve suddenly changed to stage 5. Same pattern, no other problems re. pain, blood etc, just a whole different category shapewise. No change in diet or lifestyle so all a bit perplexing. Should I be worried ?

Greciangirl
According to my Dr the FIT test is not as thorough as the one your Dr will send off.

Greciangirl
Do you do pelvic floor exercises? It would help a lot.
There is a very simple one ( advised by a nurse) which you can do while cleaning your teeth.

MayBee70

I was just pondering today on the way that everything in life has speeded up. Including going to the loo. Wasn’t there a time when people would sit on the loo reading a newspaper? For ages. So this morning I decided to take my time: not rush things. Going to make that part of my daily routine from now on. No longer have a daily newspaper, though.

Evacuating the bowels the far east way helps.
That’s not very practical for western toilets, so, the next best thing is a small low stool which will raise the knees.

senora

After what seems a lifetime of bowel efficiency - stage 4 Bristol Chart every day - I’ve suddenly changed to stage 5. Same pattern, no other problems re. pain, blood etc, just a whole different category shapewise. No change in diet or lifestyle so all a bit perplexing. Should I be worried ?

I don’t think anyone on here can reassure you on that. A difference in bowel movements should be reported to your GP.
Probably nothing but better to be sure.