[Longhornsfan78]

OK, it seems that once a week, I have loose bowel movements. Should I see a doctor?

I don't think it's diarrhea, since I only go to the bathroom once.

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

Does not sound like a health emergency to me. Perhaps you ate rather more food of the loosening variety than usual?

Consider this: Diarrhoea - Diagnosis - NHS Choices

[googley]

I would recommend checking in with your PCP. Just to see if they have recommendations.

[Perna]

Sounds like it is related to food or medicine. I'd do a little detective work and see if it happens every time after you X? Do you have any cramping or other problems? are you eating Mexican once a week? do you tolerate dairy well -- I have to take a Lactaid pill or I'll get in trouble eventually, a day or two later, with certain dairy products and I don't always remember/think of it so the problem gets worse over time.

If you cannot discover the pattern or what is causing it, then I'd go talk to your doctor, just to see if s/he can. Keep a food diary for a week or two and see what happens?

[Longhornsfan78]

Originally Posted by Perna

Sounds like it is related to food or medicine. I'd do a little detective work and see if it happens every time after you X? Do you have any cramping or other problems? are you eating Mexican once a week? do you tolerate dairy well -- I have to take a Lactaid pill or I'll get in trouble eventually, a day or two later, with certain dairy products and I don't always remember/think of it so the problem gets worse over time.

If you cannot discover the pattern or what is causing it, then I'd go talk to your doctor, just to see if s/he can. Keep a food diary for a week or two and see what happens?

I don't have any cramping.

I mostly eat carbs and protein, but I would think that'd cause the OPPOSITE problem.

[convalescence]

You don't have any cramping, but have a loose bowel movement at least once a week? I have IBS & GERD. Read through the criteria section here.
I'm not a doctor, so I can't really tell you. All I can tell you is to go see one, lol.
I'm sorry that you are suffering with this. Best of luck!

[possum220]

Originally Posted by Longhornsfan78

I don't have any cramping.

I mostly eat carbs and protein, but I would think that'd cause the OPPOSITE problem.

Think carefully about what you ate prior to the event. Carbs have the opposite affect on me. Sometimes stone fruit are culprits. It could be anything that you're eating. Its never a bad idea to get things checked out medically especially if bowel problems run in your family.

I suggest you keep a diary of all the items you have eaten and drank, noting when the bowel issues arise too. See if there is a pattern. The diary MUST be specific, e.g., if you eat a baked potato then also note if there was butter and / or sour cream with it.

A lot of people, myself included, become lactose intolerant as they age. It's not easy to notice since it doesn't bother some people all the time. Keep track of all the dairy products you consume on the diary including milk in your coffee and cereal.