IBS and on-going constipation

Hi everyone,

I've had IBS since I was about 13, the past few months have been the worst I've ever had with my symptoms.

I will be constipated for about a week, until I take a laxative, then I have the runs for a day, then I'm back to being constipated again.
I have spoken to the doctor about this and she just gave me some different laxatives to try, but I didn't find they helped.

Sometimes I can go to the toilet and feel like theres still more in there, but nothing comes out. It's really getting to me now, because it makes me feel nauseous, bloated and I'm in pain alot of the time.

My diet is high in fibre, which I know should make you regular, but it doesn't seem to be helping.
I just don't know what to do anymore, I really shouldn't be taking laxatives most of the time because I know it can do more damage than good, but it I don't take anything then my constipation just gets worse.

Does anybody have any advice for me? I cannot see my doctor for a few days, as she's on holiday

Maybe this might relieve your mind a bit, I also have this exact same issue. I jog around 4-5 times per week for around an hour per day but it really makes very little difference. I've been countless times to see my GP and all I get is, "it's normal not to go toilet everyday, somepeople clear their bowels every 2-3 days." It is not normal for me when it makes me feel so uncomfortable and helpless and just so out of it. All my life I've gone to toilet everyday to poo and have felt fine and about a year ago this issue started and Its made life so stressful. You just never feel like you've cleared your bowels. Drinking water makes no difference, not even fibre and exercising, you never get that 'aah I've cleared my bowels' you always feel like there's more to come.

Gailc, I've had a similar experience this summer. Eliminating gluten has improved my motility issues, but not altogether. Glad you're feeling better.