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Thread: How can I stop obsessing over my bowels?

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  1. #1
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    How can I stop obsessing over my bowels?

    I've posted here a number of times about my continuing worry about my bowels. I have been completely focussed on my bowels for almost 2 and a half years now and I can't imagine ever getting back to normal.

    Going to the toilet causes huge anxiety for me and I worry about the size, shape, colour, consistency, frequency every single time I go. Any small sensation in my stomach and I worry that I will have to go to the bathroom. It's got to the point that I try to have a bowel movement multiple times a day if I have even the tiniest sensation. Normally I can manage to pass a stool although usually quite small. Then I start to panic and think that i've gone too many times. I do have ibs and incomplete evacuation can be a part of it, I also have a prolapse, a rectocele, and I know that stool can get caught there but I still panic and find it really difficult to rationalise.

    Don't know if anyone will be able to give me any reassurance but wanted to write it all down.

  2. #2
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    Re: How can I stop obsessing over my bowels?

    Nobody relate to this?

  3. #3
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    Re: How can I stop obsessing over my bowels?

    Quote Originally Posted by rainbow View Post
    Nobody relate to this?
    I think it’s an extremely common behavior with HA to be honest. I’m not sure I have any tips outside of just flushing and not caving to the urge to inspect. After a while I think the habit would begin to dissolve.

  4. #4
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    Re: How can I stop obsessing over my bowels?

    Quote Originally Posted by AMomentofClarity View Post
    I think it’s an extremely common behavior with HA to be honest. I’m not sure I have any tips outside of just flushing and not caving to the urge to inspect. After a while I think the habit would begin to dissolve.
    I have tried not to look but I usually give in and look and then sometimes i'll find something to freak me out. I'm emotional exhausted by all of this.

  5. #5
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    Re: How can I stop obsessing over my bowels?

    Quote Originally Posted by AMomentofClarity View Post
    I think it’s an extremely common behavior with HA to be honest. I’m not sure I have any tips outside of just flushing and not caving to the urge to inspect. After a while I think the habit would begin to dissolve.
    That's really it. You HAVE to train yourself to stop this behavior. I've always recommend a "courtesy flush". Before you stand up, reach around and flush sitting down. Don't stand up until the flush finishes.

    Positive thoughts and don't inspect the poo!
    __________________
    "Eat. Drink. Enjoy the work you do. Be thankful for the blessings God gives you in this life. Live, love and seek out the things that bring your heart joy. The rest is meaningless... Like chasing the wind." King Solomon

    The best help is the help you give yourself! http://cbt4panic.org/

  6. #6
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    Re: How can I stop obsessing over my bowels?

    Quote Originally Posted by Fishmanpa View Post
    That's really it. You HAVE to train yourself to stop this behavior. I've always recommend a "courtesy flush". Before you stand up, reach around and flush sitting down. Don't stand up until the flush finishes.

    Positive thoughts and don't inspect the poo!
    I should do this but scared i'll miss something important.

  7. #7
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    Re: How can I stop obsessing over my bowels?

    Quote Originally Posted by rainbow View Post
    I should do this but scared i'll miss something important.
    That's just it. There's nothing important to miss. It's a catch 22 for you. You look and freak out, or you don't look and freak out. I think not looking eventually will pay off. The initial anxiety will eventually wear off.

    Do it in stages. Start with one day. Monday you don't look. The next week, Monday and Wednesday etc. A small victory gives you the strength and confidence to continue. It's like exercise. Start slow and build up to it.

    The bottom line is you have to do something. You can't go on the way things are and expect to overcome this. Other than real life professional help or the resources here, what choice do you really have?

    Positive thoughts
    __________________
    "Eat. Drink. Enjoy the work you do. Be thankful for the blessings God gives you in this life. Live, love and seek out the things that bring your heart joy. The rest is meaningless... Like chasing the wind." King Solomon

    The best help is the help you give yourself! http://cbt4panic.org/

  8. #8
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    Re: How can I stop obsessing over my bowels?

    What red flag symptoms do you have, rainbow? Symptoms enough to merit a colonoscopy which is an invasive procedure?

  9. #9
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    Re: How can I stop obsessing over my bowels?

    Quote Originally Posted by pulisa View Post
    What red flag symptoms do you have, rainbow? Symptoms enough to merit a colonoscopy which is an invasive procedure?
    My symptoms are occasional diarrhea, maybe twice a month, sometime going up to three times a day, different shaped stools, mucus when my stools are harder, sometimes the mucus looks a dark orange colour which at first glance can look a reddish colour but when I wipe it, it looks more yellow. My mind won't let me think i'm ok.

  10. #10
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    Re: How can I stop obsessing over my bowels?

    Over here we don't have screening colonoscopies automatically in your 50s.

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