Alright, here's an awkward topic but I need advice/insight

nataliemarie387

Can we talk about poop?

How many times a week is one supposed to go to the bathroom?

I am lucky if I can go once a week, it's usually once every other week. It's very uncomfortable. It's been like this for a couple of years. I'm not sure why I have so much trouble - I always hear things like eat more fiber etc etc but I eat lots of veggies/fruits and I really don't think it's a fiber thing. Once in awhile I will take a laxative and sometimes those don't even help me. Sometiems I will be the sodium citrate solution (the thing you drink before a colonoscopy) and that will usually make me go. I went to my doctor and she just tries to give me diet advice but I feel like it's gotta be more than that since my diet isn't BAD (it isn't pefect, but it's mostly clean with some treats/cheats thrown in).

I just took a laxative pill tonight because it has literally been about 2 weeks and I am in so much pain. If you look at my belly from the side you can see it protruding and I am sure it is because I am (literally) full of *kitten*.

Does anyone else struggle with this??

MariaMariaM

This is not normal. You need add more fiber to your diet. At the very least every other day but also causes discomfort. I think once a day is good.

Try Super Seed by Garden of Life. It is a really good product.

Now, is this question for real?

NotGoddess

You may need to see a specialist to track down the problem. Ask your doctor for referral.

TheMissingSock

I heard somewhere (dunno where) that twice a day is healthy. I've also heard that once a day is the norm.

with that being said, you need to talk to your doctor, add some apple juice into your diet or something. Are you on any medications? Have you tried taking a stool softener? After I had my son I didn't go for 4 days and thought I was going to die.

MrsRawwwr

I guess I am one of the lucky ones...I usually go twice a day. I'd try adding more fiber to your diet. If that doesn't work, maybe consider a second opinion?

Kamilask

U need to ask for ultrasound to rule out other problems in ur abdomen. That's not normal.

shrinkingsuccess

I saw something about this on Dr. oz not long ago... i'll try to find a link for you...

ZugTheMegasaurus

I would suggest getting a referral to a gastroenterologist; not only isn't it normal, but it's causing you serious pain and the usual solutions aren't working.

nataliemarie387

This is not normal. You need add more fiber to your diet. At the very least every other day but also causes discomfort. I think once a day is good.

Try Super Seed by Garden of Life. It is a really good product.

Now, is this question for real?

Yes - I am serious. I think if I could go I would lose 5 lbs automatically. I have an OBGYN appointment tomorrow - I will speak with her about this problem.

nataliemarie387

I saw something about this on Dr. oz not long ago... i'll try to find a link for you...

Thank you

columbus27

Drink more water with the fiber. And also see a doctor. I go two + times a day. My mother has these issues. Have you had your colon checked?

stayxtrue

I have bowel issues and I see a specialist... My last appointment I am all good and healthy at the moment, I still go to the toilet for upto 4-5 times a day but its solid, so its okay..

She then went on to say some people are more regular than others... But it should be at least once every 2-3 days... So definitely get it checked out

cheechlover

I would go to a different dr if they havent already referred you to a specialist. Also, a friend of mine had that happen to her son(11) out of the blue he stopped going regularly. He would have horrible pain. After testing, different drs, they found out he had a gluten allergy.

I can't imagine the pain your going through. Try a different dr and ask for a referral to a specialist.

Chrissy979

I was just at a gastrointestinal specialist not to long ago. Have you tried benefibre, my specialist recommended starting at one teaspoon exact measurements, I keep a set of measuring spoons at the office every day for two weeks, and bump it up by 1/2 teaspoon incriments every week until you find what is working for you. It is clear, odourless and you can put it in anything, I usually put it in my coffee or water in the morning.

glenner

I read a book that said if the human body is fed correctly we would go poop within an hour of waking up and it would come out so cleanly we don't really need toilet paper. When I am eating good, I do accomplish that (although I do use t.p.!!!) But I also take Metamucil twice a day- 4 teaspoons in a glass of water each time. I take it for lowering cholestrol - you are supposed to take a glass of water with 3 teaspoons of metamucil three times a day- I read it wrong and just stuck with the four spoons (have to drink it quick because it thickens fast) because I only do it twice a day. It works great and it is healthy for you since it will also lower cholestrol!

nataliemarie387

Drink more water with the fiber. And also see a doctor. I go two + times a day. My mother has these issues. Have you had your colon checked?

Hi - never had a colon check.. Also, good point on the water, I KNOW that I don't drink enough (about 5 cups a day on average) and I'm sure that isn't helping.

SBgettingLean

Try adding probiotics to your diet. Raw sauerkraut and Kefir ALWAYS give me regular smooth poops.

candctaber

I'm right there with you. I have done the same things as you said you have tried without any luck. My doctor just put me on one dose of Miralax EVERYDAY. So far, there hasn't been a change, but it's only been a couple of days. Good luck & if you find something that works, let me know!

kurenaikumo

That Depends (no pun intended). I know that after 3 days of no-go, you're constipated. Beyond that, I wouldn't know- I was blessed with the opposite problem- IBS... I'd go see a doctor if this has been a consistent issue.

liog

I agree that you need to see a doctor asap. I can't imagine not going for that long. 2-3 times a day is normal for me. Last week I went three days without much movement and felt absolutely awful. If I were in your shoes, I'd have to go to the ER for an enema. You could have a blockage from being so impacted.

madeinforks

Two of my daughters go through this..They too ate lots of fiber and still had problems..they are very active and eat healthy..but it is a medical thing..they take medication for this..message me..I will ask them the name of it..but you do need to get help for this..not good to go that long without going..

Spanaval

As others have said, this is not normal. In addition to talking to a doctor, here are a few things I'd do (based on having a kid who is easily constipated).

Some foods are constipating. Bananas, apples (also applesauce, but not apple juice), and carrots, specifically.
'P' foods are generally good - plums/prunes, pears, peaches, etc.
Drink LOTS of water. In your shoes, I'd avoid stuff like coffee and alcohol, which can be dehydrating.
Make sure there sufficient fat in your diet. Your diary shows that you're often under (sometimes WAY under) on fiber as well.

Pebble321

If you're eating lots of food with fibre but not drinking much water, that could well be the culprit. Fibre is bulky in your intestines and needs water to help it move along. I'd suggest dramatically increasing your fluid intake (doesn't have to be water - juice, tea, coffee, soda etc can all help though you will get lots of empty cals with juice and soda) for a few weeks and see if this makes the difference. If not, I'd definitley get this investigated, once every two weeks is not healthy.

iwantahealthierme13

I go every other day, sometimes a few days in a row, sometimes twice a day depending on what I've eaten but when I was a kid there were times when I was known to go 5 days without going. Once it hit I think 8, and I was rolling on the floor in pain and throwing up, my parents brought me to the ER and they gave me suppositories (fun), those work... but it's hella uncomfortable to stick something up your butt.

When I know I'm a little backed up, I usually have oatmeal and a banana for breakfast, it's uncomfortable for a half an hour up to two hours but it works.

debbylee22

I take magnesium citrate. One every morning. And as of late, I eat 3 dried prunes every evening. It has made a huge difference.

gregavila

It definitely isn't normal to go so long in between visits. You should definitely be using a daily fiber additive like Miralax to help get you fiber. When my son was having such issues the doctor actually had him on 2-3 cap fulls a day. In addition, I would think that significantly changing your water intake might also help, and by significant I would recommend drinking 100+ ounces a day.

And I would also recommend talking with a doctor, and if yours won't listen then asking for a referral.

xrayk8te

This topic come up at work today. I was talking to the Radiologist at work and he was saying how twice a day is healthy. He was saying fluids and vitamin D and fiber are critical aspects of a diet. You should definitely see a GI specialisit. It sounds gross but a barium enema might help to visualize your large intenstine and same goes for a colonoscopy.

KristiBell1

I can't believe the first time I am responding on a message board it is about poop! Ok here is my story I used to go only every couple of weeks and was always uncomfortable. I have always had issues going to the bathroom. I just don't like to. I hold it in until I can't anymore. I hate public restrooms and when I am traveling I can't go until I get home. Even when I am uncomfortable I still make excuses for not going. I think my problem with not going was a learned behavior and not a real medical issue. I really was tired of living my life uncomfortable so even when I didn't have to go I would sit and try for 5-10 minutes after dinner and early in the morning. Also when I felt the urge to go I went in a sat for a few minutes. At first nothing happened but slowly over time my body has learned what I want it to do and now I usually go once a day to every other day. It has taken me a few years to get to this point. I now try to never ignore the urge to go. Adding more fiber was not the answer for me because my mind and body just didn't want to go. I fought the feeling to go and ended up even more uncomfortable with more fiber. I am so sorry you are so uncomfortable and I hope maybe this will help.

nataliemarie387

Wow, this is a popular topic - thanks all for your help I am going to try to increase my fiber and water intake, and also take some supplemental stuff (Miralax or Citrucel). I will make a doctors appointment if it doesn't help. Honestly, if the laxative I took tonight hasn't done something by the morning, I might make an appointment anyway. I feel like I need to take something to make me go, and maybe I need something RXed. Thanks for your help!!

Pebble321

Wow, this is a popular topic - thanks all for your help I am going to try to increase my fiber and water intake, and also take some supplemental stuff (Miralax or Citrucel). I will make a doctors appointment if it doesn't help. Honestly, if the laxative I took tonight hasn't done something by the morning, I might make an appointment anyway. I feel like I need to take something to make me go, and maybe I need something RXed. Thanks for your help!!

Sounds like a good start - just make sure you are drinking lots of fluid (mostly water) with your laxative too. It really does help!

misscristie

Persistent constipation can be a symptom of a bigger problem. Definitely get a referral to a gastro doc.