OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling with Stomach Issues - 17-Year-Old Female

Hello everyone, I’m new to Reddit and still figuring out how to navigate this platform. Apologies if my process isn't perfect! I’m a 17-year-old girl who has been suffering from severe stomach issues for about three years now. My troubles began in March 2023, escalating into something much worse than what I experienced as a child, when I would sometimes have nervous diarrhea or constipation along with nausea—typical IBS symptoms. In March 2023, I had an unsettling experience that changed everything. I went to bed as usual but woke up the next morning feeling extremely constipated. Initially, I didn't think too much about it because this had happened before, and usually, a cup of iced coffee would help me get back to normal. However, on this occasion, after consuming my coffee, I felt overwhelmingly sick—I thought I might pass out. Although I experienced what felt like diarrhea, nothing substantial happened. Throughout that day, I visited the bathroom several times, but only small amounts were eliminated, leaving me unsatisfied and uncomfortable. After about a week of this discomfort, a nurse friend of my mother suggested trying a Miralax cleanse. I took it and ended up having an overwhelming release, thinking that the issue would finally be resolved. Unfortunately, I was mistaken! Soon after, I returned to the cycle of sickness and inability to fully empty my system. I started feeling notably bloated, and even laxatives no longer worked effectively. By the summer of 2023, I began consulting a gastroenterologist in hopes of discovering the underlying problem. Her suggestion was to take laxatives daily and also see a counselor. Additionally, she instructed me to undergo a Sitz marker study, where I ingested small rubber-like markers to track their journey through my digestive system through X-rays to evaluate my motility. All tests returned normal, even with my regimen of four senna tablets and a Miralax dose each day. While I experienced some relief from persistent diarrhea—albeit the feeling of it being stuck—I was still spending excessive time on the toilet, pushing but getting nowhere. Eventually, that gastroenterologist retired, leading me to seek a new specialist, as certain reviews of her practice concerned me. By November 2023, I was seeing a different gastro doctor who recommended a stool sample test, which also came back normal, and an anorectal manometry. The results indicated that I wasn’t using the proper muscles to push efficiently. During this time, I had also started Linzess, beginning with the lowest dosage of 55 mg, now increased to 105 mg. While it has made it easier for stools to pass since it acts as a softener, the pressing problem remains—the urge to push without any results is still present. By this point, doctors had resolved to label my condition as IBS, suggesting dietary adjustments as the primary solution. However, my dietary changes haven’t impacted how I feel; whether I indulge in chips and fried chicken or consume a well-balanced meal rich in proteins and fibers, the results are the same. I pride myself on maintaining a healthy diet, limiting junk intake, and consuming sufficient vegetables and fiber. In the past year, I have continued to face these issues, often spending hours on the toilet feeling incomplete even after my sessions. If I can’t fully relieve myself, I experience an urgent sensation after a few hours, leading to sudden bouts of diarrhea. I’ve had a few unfortunate accidents due to this unpredictable urgency. One doctor suggested pelvic floor therapy, which I tried for five months with no observable improvement. Additionally, I completed six biofeedback sessions, also without success. Although my pelvic floor therapist mentioned it could be a motility issue, I remain unsure of what steps to take next. Moreover, I'll be starting my freshman year of college in just two weeks, and I'm anxious about how this might affect me while away from home and my healthcare providers. I apologize for the lengthy message, and I hope it all makes sense. Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated. I’m really exhausted from this ongoing struggle—and it's been almost three years now. Thank you for your support! P.S. – I’ve tried various laxatives, including enemas of both types, senna, Miralax, Metamucil, fiber supplements, and more, but they offer only temporary relief and have become ineffective recently.

Answers (1)

8/10/2025, 3:50:53 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm really sorry to hear about the struggles you've been facing with your stomach issues. It sounds incredibly challenging, especially as you prepare to start your freshman year of college. Let's break this down and explore some ideas that might help you.

Main Points:

1. Persistent Symptoms with IBS: You're experiencing complicated digestive symptoms that may be due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and possibly underlying motility issues.
2. Previous Treatments: You've undergone various treatments, including medications and therapies, but they haven't led to significant relief.
3. Stress and Anxiety: Moving to college can be stressful, and stress may exacerbate IBS symptoms.

Explanation:

IBS can manifest in various ways, including constipation, diarrhea, and the sensation of incomplete evacuation, which you’ve described. It's not uncommon for treatment plans to require adjustments. The ineffective response to dietary changes may suggest that stress, physical factors, or even the psychological component of IBS plays a role in your symptoms.

Prioritized Steps Forward:

1. Maintain a Food Diary: While you’ve tried dietary changes, tracking what you eat and your symptoms could highlight specific triggers. Sometimes, keeping a diary can help identify foods that may not be obvious irritants (like gluten, dairy, or specific high-fiber items).

2. Explore Mind-Body Therapies: Given your previous experience with pelvic floor therapy and biofeedback, consider trying stress-reduction techniques. Practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or guided relaxation may help manage anxiety and provide some symptom relief.

3. Consult a Nutritionist: A dietitian specialized in gastrointestinal diseases can tailor a meal plan that considers your IBS needs better. This might include exploring diets like Low-FODMAP, which has shown promise for IBS management.

4. Discuss Medication Adjustments: Since Linzess has offered some help but hasn't resolved the feeling of urgency, discuss with your gastroenterologist about other medication options or combinations that may target your motility issues more effectively.

5. Routine and Environment Preparation: As you begin college, develop a routine that includes regular meal times and stress-management practices to minimize flare-ups. Familiarizing yourself with the campus restroom locations can also provide peace of mind.

6. Support Network: Establish a support system at college, including friends, counselors, or student health services, to help navigate any stress related to your condition.

Additional Tips:

• Stay well-hydrated, as hydration can help with digestion.
• Engage in regular low-impact exercise, which can stimulate bowel function.
• Gradually introduce any new medications or dietary changes to assess their impact effectively.

It’s important to keep communicating with your healthcare providers and advocate for your needs. Remember, you’re not alone in this challenge. I wish you the best as you start this new chapter in your life! If you have further concerns or updates, feel free to reach out.