Posted 9/17/2014 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
Have you talked with your doc about your concerns? Some people have good luck with Miralax to help w/ constipation. It's not a stimulant, just a stool softener, might be a good place to start. Just know that when you start it, you may have to sort of play with the dose a bit to get it right for you....I mean, some people don't need a full dose, some do, some need more. Best to first try that out on a day you will be hanging around home, just in case it's a bit too much for you. I would really encourage you to talk to your doctor about this though. If you're kind of back and forth between constipation and diarrhea, you may need the advice of a doctor (with lots of training and understanding of how the body and meds work), they may be able to help you determine more about what's going on, the underlying cause, and therefore be better able to help you treat it. Sorry if I'm rambling, just had oral surgery this morning and am on pain meds. I do know what I'm trying to say. My GI system is pretty screwed up, mostly chronic constipation, but occasionally I have a day with like 15-20 BMs, out of no where. Frustrating because it's hard to know how to treat it.
But, as I said, I would start with talking to the doc about your concerns. Be totally honest with them, the more they know about what's happening, the better able they are to help you. And if the constipation is the main issue, then I personally would start w/ something like Miralax, over the counter, gentle but effective for most people, and unlike other pills, you can adjust the dose to fit your body.
I know anxiety certainly does mess with GI stuff. Stress too. Maybe working on controlling the anxiety would help things too. Like only go with someone else driving if it's a short distance/time away, and for the longer trips or when you'll be gone longer, take your own car, then you have a way out if you need it. Sort of build up on doing longer trips with friends over time, as you feel more comfortable with it. Do you have a therapist? Someone who can help you learn strategies to manage the anxiety? I'm no doctor, but I'd guess that the problems you are having are likely from a combination of anxiety, stress, and just regular GI problems.
One last thing, have you seen a GI doc, or just a primary care doc? If things don't get better, maybe it's time for a referral to a GI doc. IBS should really only be diagnosed when everything else has been ruled out. I apologize if you already know all that or have done all that stuff!
Good luck and hope you get some relief soon!!