Have I got IBS?

I've noticed I go quite a lot recently. It's probably due to the fact that I'm nervous about work but even when I don't have work, I'll 'empty my bowels' 3-5 times before 10am. Its not diarrhea but it isn't exactly completely solid either. Really sorry if tmi.

Things that make me have to go is if I've ate my cereal and especially if I've drank coffee. Is it possible that I need to cut back on the fibre?

Thanks

To be considered having IBS, you need to be having symptoms at least three times a month for at least 6 months. As this has only started happening recently you can't tell yet, I think. It might just be a temporary thing. If these symptoms persist it's best to go to your GP because IBS is usually diagnosed when other things (celiac, IBD, intolerances) are ruled out, and it's important these things are ruled out.
You do seem to be describing classic symptoms though, as there's a strong connection between stress and IBS, caffeine is also a problem substance for IBS sufferers. Perhaps try decaffeinated coffee first and see how you get on?
Forgot to mention, eating stimulates the gastrocolic reflex, which is why you find the need to go to the toilet occurs after having your cereal. You can try not having a warm drink at the same time you eat your cereal, regardless of whether it has caffeine, and if you can eat a smaller portion of cereal?
These links are useful, have a read through:
http://ibs.about.com/od/glossary/g/gastrocolic.htm
http://teeccino.com/images/uploads/pages/File/colon.pdf

I've noticed I go quite a lot recently. It's probably due to the fact that I'm nervous about work but even when I don't have work, I'll 'empty my bowels' 3-5 times before 10am. Its not diarrhea but it isn't exactly completely solid either. Really sorry if tmi.

Things that make me have to go is if I've ate my cereal and especially if I've drank coffee. Is it possible that I need to cut back on the fibre?

Thanks

Because of work I have a large bowl of bran. I find it keeps me going until my shift is over. Sometimes I don't have to eat to experience this. It's always in the morning though.

To be considered having IBS, you need to be having symptoms at least three times a month for at least 6 months. As this has only started happening recently you can't tell yet, I think. It might just be a temporary thing. If these symptoms persist it's best to go to your GP because IBS is usually diagnosed when other things (celiac, IBD, intolerances) are ruled out, and it's important these things are ruled out.
You do seem to be describing classic symptoms though, as there's a strong connection between stress and IBS, caffeine is also a problem substance for IBS sufferers. Perhaps try decaffeinated coffee first and see how you get on?
Forgot to mention, eating stimulates the gastrocolic reflex, which is why you find the need to go to the toilet occurs after having your cereal. You can try not having a warm drink at the same time you eat your cereal, regardless of whether it has caffeine, and if you can eat a smaller portion of cereal?
These links are useful, have a read through:
http://ibs.about.com/od/glossary/g/gastrocolic.htm
http://teeccino.com/images/uploads/pages/File/colon.pdf

I've noticed I go quite a lot recently. It's probably due to the fact that I'm nervous about work but even when I don't have work, I'll 'empty my bowels' 3-5 times before 10am. Its not diarrhea but it isn't exactly completely solid either. Really sorry if tmi.

Things that make me have to go is if I've ate my cereal and especially if I've drank coffee. Is it possible that I need to cut back on the fibre?

Thanks

This is wrong.

OP - Doctors often push IBS on patients when they cannot explain the issues you are having, and I know this from first hand experience. You need to go to your GP, explain your symptoms, and ask for a colonoscopy. It's not exactly pleasant but you need to be sure there isn't something else going on down there such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease or Colitis, mainly).

All the best.

I've noticed I go quite a lot recently. It's probably due to the fact that I'm nervous about work but even when I don't have work, I'll 'empty my bowels' 3-5 times before 10am. Its not diarrhea but it isn't exactly completely solid either. Really sorry if tmi.

Things that make me have to go is if I've ate my cereal and especially if I've drank coffee. Is it possible that I need to cut back on the fibre?

Thanks

Why is that wrong? Symptoms like that need to be persistent to show there's any real problem. OP implies that it is a recent thing.

The bit I highlighted specifically, is incorrect. I agree with what I have just put in bold on this post. I simply disagree that you need to have it for 6 months, blah blah blah, like completely disagree.

The other poster suggested lactose intolerance, does that sound like a possibility?
Have you always eaten that for breakfast, or is it a recent change?
You said you don't have to eat to experience this, on these days what seems to trigger it?

I really doubt I'm lactose intolerant, unless it has suddenly just come on. I get it more often when I have cereal for breakfast, but it doesn't matter what cereal... Bran, Shredded Wheat, I get it still. It's less sudden if I have something like poached eggs.

Sometimes a glass of water can trigger it. I must stress it isn't every day. Like not this morning, but for the past few days it has been like this.

I really doubt I'm lactose intolerant, unless it has suddenly just come on. I get it more often when I have cereal for breakfast, but it doesn't matter what cereal... Bran, Shredded Wheat, I get it still. It's less sudden if I have something like poached eggs.

Sometimes a glass of water can trigger it. I must stress it isn't every day. Like not this morning, but for the past few days it has been like this.