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

dutchdoll

Oh my gosh, you need to go girl, your body is toxic with that stuff in you. Reject medications and go the natural route and drink magnesium citrate. A great brand is Natural Calm by Natural Vitality. You can check them out on the web to find a location near you where you can buy it. You make it with hot water and drink as a tea about an hour before bedtime (this usually allows you enough time to pee before you lie down to sleep) you will sleep like a baby and in the morning, you should poop no problem. I generally use 1 1/2 tsps. of the regular Natural Calm but have used 3 tsps. I believe the directions say you can use up to 3 tsps. twice a day. You'll kow if you've used to much if you rstool gets too loose then you just know to back off a little. Try using it every night until you feel regulated. It's not harmful and so good for you in so many ways. Like I said check out the website.

stablesong

I always had constipation issues when I was younger, and in the past few years, it's been quite the opposite. Very sensitive stomach, frequent diarrhea, or ...movements... so big and hard they clog the toilet. Yep, those are probably the worst out of everything I've experienced, and embarrassing! When I was little my grandmother would make me eat raisins, which I love now but ate chocolate-covered as a kid. Now, trying to eat a balanced diet and plenty of fiber helps me out. I still only go maybe four times a week but that is better than nothing at all.

Ribena145

Looking at your food diary, it seems rather low on the fibre side. Flax seed meal is a good idea, so would a bran cereal. I use President's Choice Fibre 1st which has 13 grams of fibre for 1/2 cup. Another item I've just started using not that long ago, which really seems to help, is from the health food store called Schinoussa Sea Vegetables. I mix it into a smoothie each morning. Something to mention though, is to gradually increase your fibre, as too much too soon can have the opposite effect. And then there also is the almighty water to help flush the system. But the recommendations to see your doctor are also a really good idea, especially if none of the above works.

cazzincali

First of all... EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT! MOST people go 2-3 times a week. Some more, some less. I have patients that only have a BM 1-2 times/week. But what you are describing ISN'T normal and you should have it checked out. NOT by an OB/GYN... a gastroenterologist!

PLUMSGRL

OK, "normal" is food in, food out...so a few hours after each meal.
You may have subluxated lumbar/sacrum (lower part of your spine), this area controls your bowel. Only a Chiropractor can fix that.
OR
Gastropariesis (slow emptying of the stomach), but your bowels would still move at least every 3 days.
Partial blockage, or telescoping could be other reasons, but all would need a GI MD to diagnose.

Sennakot is an OTC med, natural stimulant.
Colace is an OTC med, softens the stool (if taken on a regular basis).

Good luck, but go see a GI (gastrointestinal) MD soon.

cookie61206

Try this it help me go every morning, I take it at night. (Naturalvitality.com natural calm) ingredient: magnesium citrate

IvoryParchment

But what you are describing ISN'T normal and you should have it checked out. NOT by an OB/GYN... a gastroenterologist!

Start either place. Colon cancer is even less common than ovarian or cervical cancer in a 25 year old.

nicew0

Going that infrequently is definitely not "normal" or healthy. My daughter has always had a problem with BMs since she was a young child. She was actually hospitalized at one point because she literally couldn't poop.

There are several conditions that could be the cause. In my daughter's case it's slow transit constipation. This is when a digestive system simply works very slowly causing a buildup. She has to eat a high fiber diet, and it is a big help, but it's not enough. Our GI specialist put her on Myralax, which has been a HUGE help. Good luck.

ucaminax

Try a magnesium vitamin supplement. Works like a charm!

NewTeena

My dr recommends senokot. It doesn't make you go, it just makes it easier to go.

kristinL16

I've struggled with constipation since I was a baby (according to my mother). Lately I have been going every day or every other day for the most part, but it is not uncommon for me to go 5 days between bowel movements. Usually I am not that uncomfortable until the last day or so and then it is horrible. When I do go I have to go when I have to go. No waiting and it will often clog the toilet. So embarassing! I take Miralax and stool softeners, drink lots of water, and eat fiber rich foods.

I would definitely see another doctor. Trying the Miralax and stool softeners could help but I think you need to make sure there are not other problems first.

Circa1964

My doctor did a scan and determined my large colon was *extra large* therefore I wasn't going as often and causing the same uncomfortable feeling (couldn't imagine two weeks, ouch). Anyway he said very important to keep things moving along. He suggested Metamucil or something like that plus the old fiber & water thing. Good luck. See that specialist!

sailorsiren13

My son and I were having issues i wouldn't let us go this long without going to the restroom but i tweaked our diets and was quick to find out we are lactose intolerant. Dairy in quantity helps clogs up the pipes bad. The cleaner we eat the less problems we have. I also had to get him some children's probiotics to help get him regular. flax actually stops us up as well but loosens my husband and daughter. The body is such a funny thing. I always try to go natural before having to get prescriptions. good luck to you that would make me rather grumpy!

Karalopolous

So here's my take, everyone is different and some people go 1 a day, 2 a day, 3 a day or once every couple days. Going WEEKS is excessive and I would totally talk to a specialist. I can only imagine how uncomfortable that is. If your body doesn't feel right, it probably means it isn't.

Sabine_Stroehm

You're going to hear a lot of: eat more fiber. That may be it. Or it could be something else. Consider an elimination diet to see if something triggers your constipation.

It could be wheat/gluten and all the grains you eat.

Check with a GI doc.

MissNations

Is there some reason you haven't gone to see a doctor? Seriously, that is the obvious answer.

utes09

I've actually passed out from having too much stuff backed up. Woke up in the morning with a sore abdomen, thought it was from my awesome ab workout the day before, went to go and BAM I fell on the floor. My mom rushed me to the ER and they found out I was very very backed up. Had to take an enema to get it all out. It was horrible.

Go and see someone. It was through an ultrasound they could tell what was wrong.

kerrykipfer

I found a fantastic product called Cleanse More by renew life. It draws matter into the colon making your stool large and soft and on pretty much cleans you out but not in an irritating way Its magnesium and some herbs but no senna. Flax plus cereal helps too!

calalily77

Oh I totally feel your pain. I have been like this basically my whole life. My doctor is always saying eat more fiber and such but I know that it doesnt always help. I also have a thyroid problem so that also contributes to my issue. I'm not sure if your thyroid is fine but if you have already been diagnosed with something in that area it might have a bit to do with it. I dont think that it is something you need to worry about though if that is the only issue. I know how uncomfortable it is though. Alot of people tell me to drink coffee or something because it works for them. Maybe that will help you? I wish I could help you but I myself can't seem to get a hold of it either. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

misty0413

hope you are ok. I would make an appointment with a doctor tomorrow. You don't want to become dependant on laxatives either that is not good.please let us know when you get better.

jelndcl4ever

Try massaging your stomach daily going clockwise. This is the direction that your intestine are running. Things may not be moving along and "getting stuck." If you like yogurt, eat it daily also, it'll help stabalize your intestinal track, the good bacteria!
If you need a more details on a stomach massage. Make a massage appt and ask if the therapist is willing to give a stomach massage and show you what to do.
I always do this with my little girl when she hasn't gone in awhile... it always helps!

iamnoangel

My youngest daughter has been like that her whole life. Just recently she stopped eating bread and she has been a different person, regular, less bloated, she doesnt get cranky. She just stopped eating anything bread carbs, basically anything white.
\Worked for her.....hope you get to the bottom of it! I know how uncomfortable it made her. Really hope you get some help!

lincolnpalmer

The question isn't how many times a week, the question is how many times a day...

When you eat, and especially chew, it should trigger a natural contraction of your bowels called peristalsis which moves things through. This happens for me almost every meal.

The longer matter stays in your bowels, the more unhealthy it is.

If you have an open mind, go to this site:
https://www.herbdoc.com/index.php/Store/5-Day-Bowel-Detox-Program-Capsules

I've done this cleanse and it works miracles. All natural.

If you try it you WILL move!

Some people just have naturally slow bowels and it takes some waking up and exercise for them to act regularly.

Jacwhite22

Wow. I go 2-3 times a day. Maybe drink more water and eat more fiber?

Sarauk2sf

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

Thank you

If its from Dr Oz its probably cr*p - no pun intended!!

joannezuk

I had a look at your diet, and it appears that most days, you are eating close to what you should for fibre. Women require about 25g of fibre per day for normal functioning. However, what stuck out to me was that almost all of your fibre is coming from vegetables, which is generally soluble fibre. You also need insoluble fibre, which absorbs water, and helps to move things along in your intestines. Insoluble fibre is found in whole grains, bran, seeds, and nuts. You don't seem to have much, if any, in your diet.

I agree that you should see your doctor. This isn't normal. But unless you have a sensitivity to grains, I would suggest that you start adding some in each day. Always supplement with lots of water (as mentioned by many others, it's very important).

I used to have issues, going only once every 4-5 days. I'm not a sandwich person, and don't eat bread with my meals, so I had difficulty adding insoluble fibre to my diet until I changed my breakfast habits. I now start my day with a big glass of water (16 oz, 500 ml), followed by a serving of Red River Cereal, which is a hot cereal of unprocessed whole grains (unlike sloppy oatmeal, this actually has texture). A small serving (with a touch of cinnamon, some brown sugar, and a handful of raisins) fills me up, and all but guarantees me a daily BM.

Sarauk2sf

The question isn't how many times a week, the question is how many times a day...

When you eat, and especially chew, it should trigger a natural contraction of your bowels called peristalsis which moves things through. This happens for me almost every meal.

The longer matter stays in your bowels, the more unhealthy it is.

If you have an open mind, go to this site:
https://www.herbdoc.com/index.php/Store/5-Day-Bowel-Detox-Program-Capsules

I've done this cleanse and it works miracles. All natural.

If you try it you WILL move!

Some people just have naturally slow bowels and it takes some waking up and exercise for them to act regularly.

I am sorry - but there is absolutely no need to do a cleanse and you do not need to "GO' multiple times a day.

cressievargo

Use Miralax and Benefiber daily. you can add them to anything, they are tasteless.

You don't have to drink "just water". Try flavored water (lemon, cukes, etc), crystal light...anything...

Sarauk2sf

First let me say how sorry I am for what you're going through!

Normal, as you've seen in the responses here, is a relative thing. Most people void about once a day to every other day.
If it's been two weeks since you eliminated it certainly merits further investigation. I BET you're in pain!!

My suggestion is threefold:

#1: Most Important: I agree with folks here who suggest going to a GI doctor--honestly sooner rather than later. You're super young to get a lower endoscopy or a barium study but with your symptoms and inability to void it might be indicated. They might want to look inside and see if there is something going on.

#2: Helping the bowels evacuate is idealing a two-way job. Attack from above--with one or two of: water, fiber, laxative, prunes, apple etc etc whatever feels right. But also--attack from below. Use a suppository or an enema. If there IS a blockage nothing you put in your stomach is going to help. It has no where to go--and might only increase your pain and discomfort--all without effect.

#3: See the GI guy or a nutritionist about prevention. So hopefully it won't be a problem anymore!! Obviously natural solutions are better than pharmacutical--but hey--whatever gets you to go!!!

Cuz everyone loves a good poop!!

ps and bravo for being uncomfortable about bringing it up...and doing it anyway!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(From WebMD)
Constipation is usually caused by a disorder of bowel function rather than a structural problem. Common causes of constipation include:

* Inadequate water intake.
* Inadequate fiber in the diet.
* A disruption of regular diet or routine; traveling.
* Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility.
* Eating large amounts of dairy products.
* Stress.
* Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, which is sometimes the result of pain from hemorrhoids.
* Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, over time, weaken the bowel muscles.
* Hypothyroidism.
* Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
* Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum.
* Medicines (especially strong pain medicines, such as narcotics, antidepressants or iron pills).
* Depression.
* Eating disorders.
* Irritable bowel syndrome.
* Pregnancy.
* Colon cancer.

In some cases, lack of good nerve and muscle function in the bowel may also be a cause.

Warning About Constipation

Call your doctor if:
Constipation is a new problem for you.
You have blood in your stool.
You are losing weight even though you are not dieting.
You have severe pain with bowel movements.
Your constipation has lasted more than two weeks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

^^this

chelledawg14

I have a similar problem - I am lucky to go once - at most twice - a week. I'm always bloated and miserable and having pains. I've upped my fiber, taken over the counter pills but nothing helps. I see a doctor routinely for fibro so I will be discussing this with my doctor on my next visit in May. I've always been embarrassed and attributed it to poor eating. I could remedy my situation now by eating Long John Silver's everyday, but..... lol.