[cosmiclight]

Hello, I have been suffering from this problem from the past 10 years, but not sure if its IBS.1.I never get the feeling of empty stomach after bowel movements.2.I am always constipated.Sometimes stools are semihard and sometimes pencil like.I always have to use a finger to bring my stools out.3.I suffer from stomache and abdomen pain.4.There is mucus sometimes in my stool.5.Theres a burning senstation in my abdomen, lots of cramps, and gas.Is this IBS.If yes, is there any specific diet that I acn follow so that I can have free painless bowel movements?Thanks

 

[Kathleen M.]

1. Really common in IBS, especially with rectal hypersensitivity issues (so may get "gotta go" signals when it should be just hanging out waiting to get full enough to send the "gotta go" signal.2. Common in constipation predominate IBS (but could be from any reason you have constipation)3. Abdominal pain and/or discomfort is a required symptom for an IBS diagnosis.4. Mucus is non-specific (happens for a lot of things) but is quite common in IBS. It is used to lubricate stools so if they are hard to pass you may make more mucus to try to get the stool out.5. More discomforts common in IBS.There is no one size fits all diet. You might see how fiber level effects your stool, or try adding either foods that act as osmotic laxatives or osmotic laxatives. Unfortunately most of the foods also increase gas. Apples, pears, peaches, cherries and plums/prunes (raw, dried or juices) can help to keep stool wet. Osmotic laxatives are magnesium supplements, Milk of Magnesia or Miralax. Start low and work up to the dose that just keeps you going. You can take enough to cause diarrhea for a lot of people and you don't want to go too far.