AboutMiranda Expertise I can answer most questions pertaining to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis) as well as the medications, surgeries and tests associated with it. I am not a doctor so please don't ask questions that aren't related to this specific area or close to it because it is not my area of expertise.
Experience I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease for over five years and have dealt with the disease since I was twelve years old. I have been through every medication, numerous exams as well as surgery. I have also worked at a camp for chronically ill children the past three summers and two of our sessions are Crohn's and Colitis so I am very familiar with both conditions.
Organizations Crohn's Colitis Foundation of America, IBD Campus Connection
Education/Credentials I will be finishing up my Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Biology this spring and I am currently applying to nursing schools to become a nurse practitioner.
Expert: Miranda Date: 3/27/2008 Subject: weird stomach
Question I am 15 and living in Canada and have had stomach problems as of the last 6 months. I find myself having to go to the bathroom (#2) regularly. However before and during my "release" I feel incredible amounts of discomfort in my lower stomach. It doesnt hurt really, but its so uncomfortable at some times, I would rather it hurt. What's weird is, it doesnt happen very much, if at all, at home.
Also, when i was younger i almost never was nervous for anything. But now my body becomes nervous in situations that i am not. I get that nervous feeling in my stomach. And in turn that makes me have to go to the bathroom(#2) and i get this feeling again. Im getting this every day now (at least once) and i fear it will get in the way of other parts of my life. My body becomes nervous for things as simple as going to school. I read some things online and it said this may be linked to anxiety. However neither I nor my parents think i have any other anxiety feelings or symptoms.
Anything would be appreciated.
Thank You
Answer Well from what your are describing it sounds like anxiety or slight panic attacks to me. However I am not a doctor so this is just my opinion. Although you may not feel like you are nervous about something when you think about the situation that doesnt mean that your body cant have an anxiety reaction. For example generalized anxiety disorder is basically feelings of anxiety or panic without any particular reason such as a phobia or intense fear. Sometimes being in public or in areas where you may not be comfortable can cause anxiety, which can cause you the urge to use the restroom. If it isn't causing pain I'm not worried about some serious disease, but if it just feels odd I would lean more towards anxiety. Once again I'm not a doctor, and I am just sharing what I think it may be. I encourage you to make an appointment with your doctor because it does seem like it may be affecting your everyday life, and it is better to get control of something before it gets to difficult to deal with. Here is some info about Generalized Anxiety Disorder that you can look through. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/generalized_anxiety_disorder.htm
It is also not a bad idea to have blood work to check for any infections or possible inflammation.
