Embarrassing Constipation Problem

coffee_fiend

When I was in the clutches of my eating disorder (restricting), I used to suffer from bouts of really bad constipation. Cramping, not being able to get out of bed, etc. A little over a year later, I am at a healthy weight and eating much much better, although there are still times when I do struggle and find myself restricting, although not as severely. I still have some ways to go, but all in all, I have made much progress.

I had not suffered from constipation since then, until the last couple of weeks.

I have not passed a healthy stool in one whole week (and was constipated before that, too), and since, it has been really small, hard to pass stools every 3ish days. I am currently in the middle of seeking out a new primary care physician, so going to the doctor is not an option for me right now, and I am not sure what to do.

I'm really worried that this is because of the damage I've done to my system, and of course, I only made myself more anxious reading about what long term constipation can lead to.

I've been making sure I have been eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, and have a bowl of raisin bran (with almond milk) everyday, and that I am drinking plenty of water. (I've even tried prune juice, warm water with honey and lemon, greek yogurt..)

Should I continue to eat naturally and wait it out, hope for the best? Or should I take some other kind of action?

Any help or insight would be wonderful! (I think partly, I just want my fears allayed.. hah.) Thank you!

86tigger

I have IBS so sometimes im not regular. Have you tried senna as that should make you go and get you back into the flow so to speak. Sometimes stress can cause it and then worrying about it makes it worse. Exercising can help to get things going. I know people swear by coffee but I hate the stuff. Just see if you can give it another couple of weeks and then if not try a doc. Defo suggest senna and also try sweet potato and also porridge.

TavistockToad

I never understand people who say 'I can't go to a doctor'

You only have one body, look after it, find a doctor...

Psychgrrl

Even if you're eating fruits and veggies you could still need more fiber. Use the fiber macro and see what your intake is. General recommendation is 25 g/day for women and 35 g/day for men. Be sure to increase slowly.

Maybe add a slice or two of high-fiber bread, some beans, chia seeds and/or some quinoa.

healthygreek

I use 400mg magnesium citrate tablets a day.

rosebette

I tend to become constipated if I don't eat enough fat. I have plenty of fiber in my diet, but sometimes that almost makes things worse -- bloating, cramping, and gas. The same with fiber supplements. I've found that eating something with fat, such as bacon (only a couple of strips) helps a lot. If you're a vegetarian, try nuts, which are a good source of both fat and fiber.

Liftng4Lis

magnesium citrate.

Kalikel

Lingering bowel issues are a common problem for those in recovery, although I've yet to hear of everything working fine and then suddenly stopping a year later. You absolutely must see a doctor about it. If you can't afford one, check for free clinics or churches that offer free services.

You're doing most of what is recommended, but didn't mention exercise. Exercise is probably the most important part. Even if it's just walking, you need to get up and be active if you want things to flow smoothly. Water is big. Eating enough fiber is big. Some people find that colonic massage helps (you can see examples on youtube.)

If you can, try eating when you get up. There is a natural kind of "kick" in the first 60-90 minutes you're awake and a little food may help ramp that up a bit. If you drink caffeine, have some early. But don't start drinking it if you don't now, lol.

If the poop is like hard little rocks, ask the doctor about taking Colace. It's an over-the-counter stool softener. It is NOT a laxative and will not make you go. But it does soften the poop up so that when the time comes that you naturally get the urge, it's easier to poop. If you get it, get the generic. Buying the name brand is literally paying extra money for the stuff on the label. Whichever label you choose, the stuff going into your body is the same, so don't pay extra for what gets thrown in the trash. I'm sure your doctor, if he approves the Colace, will approve the generic.

But see the doctor. Better safe than sorry!

meritage4

Umm You say you still restrict calories-but not as often as before. If you are still going every 3 days- you are not bunged up. You want softer stools. Up your water and keep eating at least 1200 calories daily. Add some metamucil for extra fiber and you'll be fine. Really.

Christine_72

I third magnesium oxide, on an empty stomach before bed. Metamucil a couple times a day too.

nickatine

Liftng4Lis wrote: »

magnesium citrate.

First thing when you wake up have 5 dried apricots followed by a cup of coffee,then have 5 more and another cup of coffee. Other things that work for me usually are big spinach salad with Tbs of olive oil, a few beers, blackstrap molasses. Kashi products. Play around with magnesium find you tolerance.

SToast

Metamucil

VeryKatie

Even though you may not have a primary care doctor, you should at least go to a walk in clinic. No reason not to.

uconnwinsnc1

You only have one body. You cannot go out and buy a new one. Go to a walk in clinic or something. We can't give you accurate medical advice.

dancinrascal

my doc prescribed 2 citrucel pills 2x a day, plus one dose of miralax a day or as needed. works for me! one time i couldn't go for 12 days and it was awful

mykaylis

milk of magnesia - the magnesium acts as a lubricant and makes your crap slippery. not appropriate for regular use.

senna - stimulant laxative. irritates the bowel to cause it to spasm and push the stool out. not appropriate for regular use.

PEG3350 - miralax, clearlax, restoralax, lax-a-day, goes by a few other names too. absorbs water and makes your stool softer. appropriate for use long term until the underlying issue is resolved.

so says my pediatrician as well as 3 doctors i know socially