Hi
I've been suffering bouts of what I think is constipation recently. It's been and off for a while and affects me both at home and when I have been in the office. My GP initially thought I had irritable bowel syndrome after medical tests ruled out more sinister possibilities. But I don't really get pain, just discomfort. From what I've read, it's probably 'functional' or chronic constipation and is largely affected by stress and anxiety which I have suffered from a lot in recent years due to issues at home and at work.
I have just been diagnosed as autistic in the last week and from what I've read, there may be a connection between my autism and my toilet problems.
I have been seeing a counsellor and he suggested I may be hyper focussing on my bowel/bodily sensations. I often have difficulty knowing whether I'm about to pass wind or need to pass a stool. When I get to the toilet, it's often just wind but my fear/anxiety is that I will poo myself and that in itself can lead to stool withholding temporarily. I wear incontinence pants most of the time for protection. I usually end up passing a stool at least once day, sometimes more but I need to relax more and not overthink it! I'm also taking a herbal tablet to help with the anxiety which does a bit with overall anxiety.
Sorry if this is rather long. It's a little embarrassing writing such personal information.
Does anyone else have these issues?
