Question: Hi, I'm a 44 y/o female, slightly overweight. Have never really had problems with constipation or anything like that. Recently (last 2 weeks), I've needed to go a LOT (several times in one morning, several mornings in a row), and have bloated achy feeling in the belly most all of the time, whether I've eaten or not. Additionally, once I do go, there is horrible itching at the rectum. I thought I may need a stool softener, but haven't yet taken one, and today, the stool was "softer" and floated. Any insights?

Thanks for your response. I will answer the questions in the order you asked them.

1) The symptoms seem to be worsening, and I'm noticing they bother me more in the early part of the day. There is some slight cramping in the lower left side of the abdomen, and the bloating makes me feel like there is a "gas bubble" in the upper abdomen, but no belching/relief comes. Lying down feels better than sitting.
2) The stools are pretty foul smelling, but no, not loose at all, but they are quite SOFT (leaving smears in the toilet and on the toilet paper.)
3) There seems to be no difference whether I eat or not, I do not necessarily feel the need to pass stool after eating.
4) The only recent dietary change I've had is that I've started drinking Coke Zero. However, I have been consuming diet sodas for year, so unless there is a way different ingredient in the Coke Zero, I haven't really considered that as the possible culprit in a real way.

Thanks again for your response.