this is kinda gross but i need to know i'm not alone

rmcconn85

Regular Member

Joined : Aug 2010

Posts : 60

Posted 11/25/2010 2:26 AM (GMT 0)

my stomach makes alot of noise through out the day. i don't notice much discomfort, just here and there esp when i'm going to have a bm. I do have anxiety and notice that after a bout of more serious anxiety or an attack i experience a change in my bowel habits along with yellow mucus. This morning for instance, I felt a great pressure and thought I was going to have a really good healthy bm but when I went it was a huge fart, then some watery stool, then a solid piece, then more gas and when i wiped there was nothing there but mucus. This happens to me more and more over the past year as my anxiety has flared terribly. I am seeing a therapist and have mentioned my gastro concerns and she suggested that i see a doctor to ease my mind but that it sounds like IBS triggered more so by my anxiety (i'm pretty sure i've had IBS all my life... i've always had issues with my stomach/gastro and doctors never found anything wrong) I just need to know i'm not alone with the mucus. I take acidophilus daily with meals, eat healthy, and have lost a good 70 pounds this year... and despite feeling and being healthier i am discouraged about my bowel problems. Like i said i'm pretty sure it's anxiety related but i just needed to know i'm not alone. thanks

Ides

Forum Moderator

Joined : Nov 2003

Posts : 7204

Posted 11/25/2010 8:30 PM (GMT 0)

Gastrointestinal mucus is normal. It plays several roles in bowel health. It protects the intestinal mucosa [lining] from being invaded by bacterial. Mucus also to aid the bacteria in synthesis of certain vitamins and reabsorption of bodily fluids like bile. My GI equated intestinal mucus to the mucus that lines the nose. It's a protective coating. Sometimes the gut passes mucus out just like a nose does.

The bacteria in the colon break down byproducts of food and this can cause gas. EVERYONE produces gas. Some people have more gas than others depending on their diet. For example, I get much more gas if I eat onions or cabbage, both known gas producers.

Noise coming from the abdomen is also normal. I quote MedLinePlus: "Abdominal sounds (bowel sounds) are made by the movement of the intestines as they push food through. Since the intestines are hollow, bowel sounds can echo throughout the abdomen much like the sounds heard from water-pipes. The majority of bowel sounds are harmless and simply indicate that the gastrointestinal tract is working."

I hope this helps. As your therapist suggested, perhaps you want to bring up the issue with your GP. Also, CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss! That is a significant reduction and takes lots of commitment.

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