Yeah, 1st post. Stress effects the body in many ways. I am learning to not dwell on negative things as much. This is helping my IBS symptoms.
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Jammin' lo'flo's since 1977.

Traveling as frequently as I do over the years, I've noted that racing around trying to meet deadlines and keep appointments--sometimes in other states--can produce irregular symptons in my habits. Sometimes, things don't move as fast; and at other times, it's like drilling for oil. (None of this happens when I'm at home in my regular routine.)

I try to keep the hurry to a minimum, though. It's just that you can't control traffic delays sometimes, and your body interprets the mental stress you're feeling as an alert. Whatever is in the pipeline is going to be affected one way or another.

I have noticed that stress does make pooping worse--it's either more urgent or I don't poop. Either way, something's wrong when I get stressed.

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I'm so good at clogging up toilets, I can make mine back up when there's nothing in it.

I've noticed that everything is also funnier after I've had several belts of bourbon. Therefore booze is good for my poop.

OK, so it's a reach, but I tried.

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.....hugging bunnies since 1969
www.daphneszoo.com

Stress affects bowels huh? After doing that quest on runescape, I now expect some diarheaa.

Thank you, Motherload, for another great answer. I wholeheartedly agree that one should look for a reason to have a good laugh when they're feeling stressed. Laughter helps put worries and fears aside, even if for a short while, and sometimes helps to remind us of the good things we still have going for us. Life is never too bad if you can find reasons to laugh.
It's healthy. It feels good.

If some one "laughs their ass off", do they lose the ability to shit without a colostomy bag?
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Sir SamDamnit!
The Emir of Crapistan
Join The Poop Reporter's Lounge

Word up, when I went to basic, noone pood for about 2 weeks. We would all be exited, and tell each other about it in the common room after it finally happened. I still remember mine. Much to short to make a story though. I was escorting someone to the hospital, and we were sitting in the waiting room. I felt the urge like a Ding(for serious. Like a lightbulb turning on.), grinned at my comrade, and scooted to the can. It was very small, and very dark.

Another spin on nerves and poop... I get nervous doing public speaking / small presentations at work and that "worry" stops the bowels until right at ground zero for the speaking event....then it's ahhhhh, I got to gooo! To boot, I'm a shaaaameful shitter at the home office. My solution is to get up extra early that day and move around alot.. not as good as laughter, I'm sure, but moving that body gets the morning constitution a'rolling so I don't have the freak-out at work w/ my gut a'boil. Stress is horrible for us shameful shitters!

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Conquering the world, one poop at a time....

I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and when I am under any kind of stress, I go at least 8 times a day. Usually more.

I teach. I was very stressed today about a class, to which two extremely disruptive students were returning after a week's [blessed] absence. I must have worked myself up into a state. During the class, I exerted the most extreme control over the students that I have all year--and the class went very well. However, as it neared its end, I felt the familiar gut rumbles that forecast a mandatory evacuation. I made it through the class; then a boy came up and asked a question, as I felt my sphincter threatening to loosen. I finally made it to the men's room and had an excessively urgent movement, not quite diarrhea [definitely a 6 on the stool scale], but with cramps and weakness. About 40 minutes later I had to do it again--diarrhea that time, but not much volume. I hoped I wasn't getting sick--but then, since the offending class was over, my insides slowly settled down, and now I feel fine, even hungry. I attribute my two unexpected b.m.'s to nerves and stress. I have that class again tomorrow and Thursday, so I must address it with less stress.