How to firm up chronic loose stool?

[Flowersinthewateringcan]

Firstly, I have to say I am absolutely not a poo troll. I am in a constant state of anxiety over my gut issues and am hoping someone may be able to offer some advice?

I have had gut issues for many years and I’ve had lots of tests (cameras up and down with biopsies, scans including gallbladder and a bile acid test, stool tests etc- literally all the exploratory digestive health tests). Luckily, all have come back clear but I am still having daily issues.

Lots going on within my digestive system (bubbling, gurgling, lots of gas - up and down, bloating…..) but the thing which I really, really despise is morning ‘diarrhoea’, I say that as it’s more quick and loose than watery (sorry I won’t divulge any more) but it sets off my anxiety about how many times I’ll need to go in the am (often need to go as soon as I wake and sometimes up to 3 times in the morning) and it stops me doing anything in the mornings and if I do have to go anywhere etc I’m constantly worrying I’ll need to go.

I have tried everything I can think of to ‘bulk’ up everything - I don’t consume diary or wheat/gluten, no alcohol or coffee (I only drink water and mint tea), I follow the low fodmap diet, low fat, no sweeteners and nothing which I believe triggers it off but I’m still getting this every morning.

I have tried the standard IBS meds but nothing helps. I take imodium on the two days a week I work as a safety net but it doesn’t really help other than to slow things down on that day and then it all starts up again on the days I don’t take it. My gastroenterologist says not to take it all the time as it can lead to a lazy bowel.

What can I do to bulk it up? I am actually envious of people who suffer from constipation!

Thanks ouch44

@Flowersinthewateringcan just wondering how you're getting on and whether the psyllium husks have helped? I hope so. If so when do you take them for best effect - morning or night? I am wondering whether or not to give them a go.

I found the psyllium husk a bit too harsh on my gut tbh, didn’t have a great time taking them.

I am having a little bit of success though. I’ve gone completely wheat/gluten free and now eat Nairns sourdough flatbreads and I am making my own gf flatbreads. Both seem to be quite gentle on my digestive system. I also started taking Enterosgel, it’s very effective but super expensive (£14 for a 90g tube which empties in less than a week and that’s not at full dose recommendation!), not something I can continue with sadly.

Thanks for the update. Will have to try gluten free too I fear.

Good luck with it.

I see someone else mentioned iron tablets. Do you take iron? Makes my stools hard. I think most of us are a bit low in iron, so could be helpful anyway?

I was chronically low on iron for many years until my ferritin dropped to 3. I can’t tolerate iron as it gives me crippling stomach pain. I ended up needing infusion.

There are other medical conditions that can cause this and really, you shouldn't be diagnosed with IBS until they're all ruled out.

On the more frightening end of the scale is something like medullary thyroid cancer, which produces calcitonin. Excess calcitonin causes diarrhoea. But, it's a vanishingly rare cancer and blood tests are not routinely done for calcitonin. The blood sample has to be iced and sent to a specialist lab.

That's a scary example, but there are other, more benign conditions that absolutely should be ruled out, things like thyroid issues more generally, and other things.

This isn't normal and you shouldn't have to endure this. You need to see your doctor again, and they need to do more for you.

Jeez! That’s has done my health anxiety the world of good, thanks 😂

I have had this for 25 years though, it’s not a new thing.

I have had full blood panels taken and most (except for my iron levels for which I’ve had infusions) have come back as ‘normal’.

Sadly, it is normal for IBS sufferers. I am on endless support groups and there are many, many of us suffering in silence. Doctors, gastroenterologists in particular (I’ve seen 6 in the last 10 years) really don’t care a hoot once you have an IBS diagnosis. I’ve exhausted all my money put aside for private consultations and the NHS? Well we all know how great they are these days.

Just seen your update. Glad to see you're seeing some improvement going gluten free.

DD is getting closer to her exams so tummy has been causing more trouble again. She's been back to the GP who thinks it's anxiety induced IBS. Was told by her to give it 6 weeks of avoiding high FODMAP foods and then she'll refer her to a dietitian.

Anyway main reason I relied to your post was that she's been having Psyllium husk powder and Peppermint oil for a week and has seen some improve. Just one trip to the loo yesterday! Just 3g of powder in juice. Maybe powder is easier to digest?

Glad to hear they are helping your dd.

My IBS is so bad when I’m stressed I really feel for her. My dd is taking her GCSE’s soon and she’s getting anxious too.

I also listen to the Calm app which helps.