I Feel Like I Have Very Little Control Over My

Posted on Fri, 5 Jun 2020

Question: I feel like I have very little control over my bowel movements and bladder. when I have to go, I have to go. being in a situation where I feel like I'm not in control makes the feeling even worse. like if I have to travel in a car with others. when I travel alone, I usually do ok. the urge to use the restroom can be pretty strong whenever I start to worry about it. it makes staying in meetings at work extremely difficult, even though I know I can excuse myself at any time. I went to a doctor a while back who ran some blood tests and nothing came back. is this just a physiological thing or is there anything that can be done?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
How many times does this happen?

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

I have reviewed your information fully. Have a few more questions to ask before making any recommendations.

1. How often does this happen?
2. What is the consistency of your stool? Liquid/watery/Solid?
3. How much stool do you pass at once?
4. Is there any blood in your stool?
5. Do you have any other symptoms such as pain in the abdomen or anal area?
6. Has this ever happened in the past.

With these, I will be able to guide and provide helpful tips while we evaluate fully and address the root cause.

Looking forward hearing from you.
Until then, i recommend scheduled restroom trips to avoid embarrassments.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (37 minutes later)

It only seems to happen when I'm in a meeting. Or driving with someone and I worry about being able to get to a restroom. The frustrating thing is I usually don't even need to go. Once I get to a spot where a restroom is available, it stops. I can't sit through a 30 minute meeting at work without feeling the need to pee though. My stool is normal. No bleeding. No pain. It started to be an issue in 2019 when I got sick before Thanksgiving. I couldn't keep anything down and had diarrhea. Ever since then, I've had issues being in meetings or taking road trips without fear of having no restroom

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This seems more anxiety-related than a digestive problem.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for these responses.

I have read thoroughly. Your symptoms and associated circumstances raise concerns about a possible anxiety disorder. I am not a fan of medications unless extremely essential, but I would recommend you seek cognitive behavioral therapy on ways to address this. This should help. Bring my recommendation to your primary care doctor and s/he will guide with this.

Let me know if there is more you would like us to talk about at this time before you see your doctor. Until then, I wish you well.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee