Water = stomach cramps

Hi everyone - hoping someone can shed some light on this for me. I've never been diagnosed with IBS, but it seemed like the category in which to post this problem.

I've had an ongoing issue all my life that seems to wax and wane; it is that when I drink water, I am seized by intestinal cramps, which soon after results in repeated bouts of diarrhea that can last for an hour or two. It's not something that happens every day, and sometimes I am lucky enough to go a month or two without it occurring, but sooner or later it returns, and when it does, it lasts for weeks at a time. It can get to the point that I can barely drink water during the day when a 'flare up' is going on, as it causes such pain and diarrhea that I literally cannot be out of the bathroom for more than ten minutes at a time.

This is of concern to me, because as a result of decreasing my water intake, I developed a kidney stone last summer that required surgery. Because of that, I am in terror of ever experiencing such pain again, and have raised my water intake sigificantly. But, as I mentioned, I have these 'fits' of not being ABLE to drink, because it makes me non-functional due to diarrhea, which impairs my ability to work. I have had days where I did not even consume 20 oz of water during an eight-hour work day in the office, simply because I literally could NOT drink it without having severe abdominal cramps.

Does anyone know why I periodically can't drink water without it causing immediate, painful diarrhea? I spoke to a doctor once about it years ago, and he was very dismissive; seemed to feel it was psychosomatic, but I know it's not the case. This happens at home just as often as at work, so it is not stress-related. It's being caused by water - I just don't understand why.

Also - I only drink distilled, bottled water. No tap water. I made that switch back in 1995 and it seemed to help a little, but I still have these bouts. If anyone can shed some light on this, I'd be most grateful. Thanks!

Little or lot - either one. I have been gripped by cramps after only a small sip of water. Not kidding.

Empty or full stomach - it's happened with both, but more likely to happen after eating, as you say. I've known for years that I can't drink directly after a meal unless I wish to be incapacitated. I literally decline to order any drinks when I go out to eat at restaurants (have faced more raised eyebrows from waiters and waitresses than I could ever count: 'Nothing to drink? Are you sure?'). But this does happen on an empty stomach as well.

You should check with your doctor---If you are only drinking distilled water, you could be lacking vital electrolytes due to mineral loss both from chronic diarrhea and the fact that distilled water is devoid of minerals.

Also, if you have intestinal irritation already, drinking plain water in itself can be very irritating. It may be better to try gatoraide or clear chicken soup for example.

I get the same symptoms if I drink anything in moderate quantities, I think there might be a partial obstruction and the liquids push everything through to fast and that's where the pain comes from. I am thinking there might be adheasons causing the problem. Just my 2 cents.