Digestive and Bowel Disorders Forum - Straining with bowel movements

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Q: Straining with bowel movements

asked by: DoctorQuestion on May 5th, 2009

For the past few weeks, I have been having some very uncomfortable bowel issues. All of a sudden the sudden urge to have a bowel movement. This is often accompanied by very strong smelling gas. I rush to the bathroom, but once there, I cannot go. I feel like having diarrhea (I have the cramps and stomach gurgling associated with it), but it is as though I am constipated.

I have to strain very hard to go and have very bad gas while doing so. When I finally go what comes out does not resemble normal stool. It looks like mucus.

After that, I feel like my bowel movement is not over. Sometimes I have to make numerous trips. My stool isn't always mucus-y, after straining for awhile I have very loose watery stools like diarrhea.

What do you think this is? I have been told it is IBS, but I'd like a professional opnion.

Thanks!

Replies(2)

Dr. Robert Wascher , MD

replied on May 5th, 2009

Digestive and Bowel Disorders Answer A6548

Your symptoms could very well be due to IBS, but you should be fully evaluated by a gastroenterologist to rule-out anything more serious.

Sincerely/ Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS

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