Defecating Three Times A Day

[Andreas84]

Some weeks ago I had diarrhea, but stopped it by taking some pills. Then a week later or so, a new problem arose: I now need to shit three times every day. Often, I need to go to the toilet something like an hour or less after every meal. But it is not really diarrhea. And I am not eating THAT much. This conditioned has remained for 2-3 weeks by now, and it is starting to irritate me.

I tested my blood, to see if there was any infection or something which could explain this. The doctor gave me some medicine, something called Antispasmodics, which I believe should make the food pass slower through the intestine, and something called Gastrobismol. I took these for a few days, but it did not help.

Anyone have a clue what could be the reason for this condition, what I could do about it, or where I should seek advice? The doctor at the hospital did not have anything more to say, but perhaps I should try some Anti-diarrhea pills and see if that would help, as the condition has some similarities with Diarrhea?

Edited June 13, 2010 by Andreas84

[ALFREDO]

I have sometime the same condition. Real Diarrhea and later changes to the 3-4 time a day trip to the toilet.

Can be from Stress, Psychological problem whatever, give it some time and wait. I would not eat Diarrhea medicine, when it is not a Diarrhea.

After some time probably it comes back to normality.

[endure]

Needing to crap an hour after you've eaten is a natural physiological reaction. It's called the 'gastrocolic reflex'.

[mommysboy]

I recognise this: I'd suggest it could be a touch of IBS worsened by anxiety/agitation.

The worst thing about stomach upsets is they make you nervous, which in turn makes the symptom worse.

Don't eat any spicy food. Go back to a bland diet.

If you can't relax consider a mild sedative.

It'll pass.

[Robby nz]

They used to tell me that: "if you dont eat you dont shit" so there could be a fix.

But it was also said that: "if you dont shit you die" so may not be a solution after all.

But seriously:

I had an OP for rectal cancer about a year back and it first appeared as having to crap 3 or 4 times a day because my colon was blocked by the tumor, previous to that I had been very regular.

If you are really worried about it go get a colonoscope. You will find a thread on that here somewhere that I started not long ago.

[Sheryl]

Do not mess about with anti-diarrheal medication. It is quite possible that the medications you took previously has led to the current problem.

My advice: take nothing other than possibly a pro-biotic (or just eat some fresh yogurt, preferrably unsweetened, can get at Villa etc) and give it a bit of time. If it persists, see a GI specialist.

[skipvice]

Do a google search about Giardiasis and see if you may have it. see a Doctor and have your stools tested for parasites.

Giardiasis is common in Thailand. I got it just by drinking the water from the hotel in Bangkok. It was in the Tap water the hotel was using to fill the jugs in the rooms. I only will drink bottled water now.

[moe666]

Do a google search about Giardiasis and see if you may have it. see a Doctor and have your stools tested for parasites.

Giardiasis is common in Thailand. I got it just by drinking the water from the hotel in Bangkok. It was in the Tap water the hotel was using to fill the jugs in the rooms. I only will drink bottled water now.

If the stools are well formed and not watery i wouldn't worry about it. I crap 3 sometime 4 times a day and feel better for it. You want that waste out of your system as soon as possible.As Sheryl said some yogurt would be of help especially if you took a antibiotic earlier, it kills every thing in your gut.

[Shotime]

"....and it is starting to irritate me."

Not to mention your anal opening.

I would agree that you should watch your diet. Eat in moderation, and try to keep it as bland as possible. Above all, stay hydrated. It could be some sort of worm or virus.

[kermitzkitchen]

I caught salmonella in thailand, stuck with me for 6 months (this is rare) basically the only symptom i had was needing the bathroom 4 times a day, one when i wake up, one after breakfast, one after lunch and one after dinner. i didnt know what it was for a long time, when i took imodium it made my stools solid however if i wasnt taking imodium (ceased quite soon after realising it wasnt working) stools were more like diahorrea. You can get your stool checked at the hospital for around 2000baht, i got mine checked in Udon where they then lost my stool, went back to Laos and just lived with it until a trip home to Australia where i checked again and i was told i had salmonella. so it could be this but also a vast number of other things, if you are new to thailand possibly just the chillies in your meal and also dehydration. if your not up to seeing a doctor eat plenty of rice, avoid spicy food and stay hydrated. hope it gets better!

[Andreas84]

 Thanks for feedback, everyone!

I guess I should have my stools tested, to see if I have Giardiasis, salmonella or something else. Because the condition has not improved, although I have eaten simple food with no spices etc for the last days. It is simply impractical and irritating for me to shit 3-4 times pr day. I have the same pattern as the last poster; go to toilet in the morning, and after breakfast, lunch and dinner. I can perhaps hold it in, but then I will feel very weird. hehe. especially if traveling, this is not convenient!

Robby nz; sorry to hear about your rectal cancer. That sounded bad.

This condition could have been triggered by stress and anxiety. But it has persisted now for 3-4 weeks, which is a bit long...

[WarpSpeed]

Yes could be IBS with other mitigating factors, also might try eating more bananas the potassium is helpful in this regard..

[Andreas84]

I already eat a lot of bananas, but might start eating even more :-)

[Robby nz]

Can only repeat what I wrote before Andreas.

There are lots of things it could be but if it is something serious it can develope and spread quickly to an untreatable stage.

Robby

[Andreas84]

 yeah Robby,

I will take a colonoscopy, and I am also taking stool samples now. They said the need stool samples on three different days, to make sure whether or not there are parasites etc. 

I would like to add that although it does not treat the underlying cause for the condition (shitting 3-4 times a day), there is a product called Smecta which can be helpful to relieve the symptoms. It is a grey powder which is mixed with water, and consumed three times a day. When i used it last year, when i had some kind of diarrhea, it made me go to the toilet  only once a day. It seems that it slows down the movements of the intestine, and the powder envelopes the shit.