High anxiety and constipation?

[Peggyandkitty]

Sorry folks, another one of those poo discussions and tmi but I'm looking for some reassurance before I go bonkers.

Ive been anxious and stressed for the past couple of months, and for the past 4 weeks or so, Ive noticed a change in my bowel movements. Im going regularly, every day but its not coming out in one long bit, if you know what I mean, rather in small bits. Not rock hard pebbles and Im not straining or have blood with it. I do drink plenty of water and try to eat healthily but don't always.

Im just looking for reassurance really. Stress can do this to me but its been going on for too long, although I did have a normal size one a few days ago. Im going to docs about something else next week so I will mention it but I am extremely anxious about everything at the moment and jumping on one thing after another. The only warning sign is the change in consistency but Im focusing on that.

Help!

There was another thread I posted on a few days ago. Exactly same as you OP. I’m worried about the same thing.

Googling seems to suggest nothing sinister as there’s no blood or other symptoms. Probably just a sluggish digestion and things not moving through quickly enough. Another poster’s doctor is not concerned about it so that’s encouraging. I think they get more concerned about prolonged diarrhoea and if you were unable to go at all. That’s what I’m trying to tell myself anyway.

Hopefully someone will come along to help and put your mind at rest (and mine too).

Thank you. As I mentioned, I've got an appointment next week but that's another 7 days of worry.

Is this a normal thing for some people then?

If you look up the Bristol Stool Chart there are two types where the stool comes out in pieces - one related to constipation, one increased transit time (not diarrhea but just a bit loose). Do you feel constipated? You could have the 2nd type which isn't actually anything to worry about. Anxiety can speed up your bowel transit time so things don't get a chance to form fully and come out in pieces.

Thanks Cherryblossom.
Had a look at the chart and seems like I’m more the second one. I thought I was constipated, but don’t feel like it. That probably fits in with what I’ve got. Still feel worried though.

Can’t believe I’m on here discussing poo, but then again I couldn’t do it in real life 😳

Hey that’s interesting and lol to anonymous poo discussions.

I thought maybe I was constipated too so have been upping fibre intake etc. However (another tmi bit), yesterday a had a sachet of fybogel - gross, and two senakot tabkets last night and this morning went the other way. Couldn’t get off the toilet! At least it’s cleared me out!

Seriously though, anxiety does mess up your digestive system but that still doesn’t stop you worrying about things.