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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 2/29/2012 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone! I am new to this forum and would like to gain insight from some people that have experience with constipation problems. A little about me first; I am 21 years old, 5'6" and 140lbs. I have suffered from constipation for as long as I can remember, but in the past two years it has gotten significantly worse. I am lucky to have a normal bowel movement twice a week. As of today I have not had any bowel movement whatsoever for 6 days. Tomorrow will mark 7. I eat plenty of fiber, drink at LEAST 2 liters of water everyday (normally 3), and am an active person. I always am somewhat bloated but it can become extreme, to the point where I easily look 7 months pregnant. When it gets to that level it is very painful. I have frequent gas also, but no bm..any advice on how to become regular? I have tried using peppermint teas, aloe pills, etc but really would prefer to avoid the laxative route. I am quite nervous about how this could affect me long term, especially since it appears to be getting worse. Thank you in advance for your response!
Posted 2/29/2012 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have much experience with constipation long term but I wanted to welcome you to Healing Well. Have you consulted your physician and if so, what was recommended? Hopefully someone will come along with more experience and suggestions for you.
Posted 2/29/2012 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you! My physician is recommending laxatives...which I would prefer not to do unless absolutely necessary :/ I feel I should also add that when I do have a bm there is no need to "strain." They are just rare in occurrence.

Thanks again for the welcome!
Posted 2/29/2012 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there, a question, since you have such infrequent bowel movements. How much do you go when you do have a bowel movement? It seems like it would be a lot. Please don't be shy out here in describing what is happening to you since we often have to be a little graphic to get the point across.

Since the fiber products do not appear to be working and you are drinking at least 2 L of water, I am not sure I would stick with them. Taking fiber products and still remaining so constipated would only add to the amount of stool you need to release.

Some gastroenterologists recommend various probiotics for regularity ... I personally have not found them helpful, but you might give them a try such as Align or another brand with good flora for your gut. What I am concerned about is how distended you are and that you are having so much pain when you do go. I think it would be fine to take at least an occasional laxative while you explore what else might be going on with a gastroenterologist, which I do urge to see, although finding a good one can be a challenge as well.

Are you the nervous type? Are you clinching your sphincter out of nervousness> Are you afraid to just let go of things? There can be psychological components that can result in somatic (bodily) illness.

I'm just trying to put some things out there for you to consider. I hope you can open up a little more with what is going on in your life such as pressures, stress, etc. and what your diet consists of beyond the fiber products and water.

Here's wishing the very best for you and hoping that you can find a solution or solutions to your problems with constipation.
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