Alright, here's an awkward topic but I need advice/insight
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U need to ask for ultrasound to rule out other problems in ur abdomen. That's not normal.
^ ^ ^ THIS IS GOOD IDEA Could be motility (squeezing movement of colon to move fecal matter along) or lack of WATER to lubricate the "pipe"
Which ever, this is GROSSLY abnormal, and I would ask to see a Gastroenterologist, immediately. Not to scare you, but you could also have some sort of build-up, that is causing a back up.
GOOD LUCK!
In my prayers,
Nicolette, retired RN0 -
I used to have the same problem, it got worse after I started eating clean. I'm also hypothyroid so that complicated the issue. What helped me, and I haven't had a problem one day since, was flax. I use 1T. whole flax seeds (flax meal doesn't work, only whole). Toast them in a dry pan until they begin to pop. Run them through a coffee/spice grinder for 10 seconds. I mix them with 1T. Fresh ground almond butter and eat it on toast. It was a miracle worker.0
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Please have this check by a specialist. I have a slow system and sometimes I don't go for 5 days and I know how much pain I'm in and how uncomfortable so I couldn't imagine 2 weeks. You're also at risk for a bowel blockage or obstruction which I'm sorry to say; I've had patients die from. This is not normal nor is it ok. Diet and water can only do so much as well as probiotics which ate what help me. 2 weeks consistently for you needs checked; immediately.0
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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.
^ ^ ^ ^ THIS TOO!!0 -
have you been tested for a gluten allergy? constipation is a common side effect if you're intolerant or have celiac's0
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You seriously need to see a gastroenterologist right away! My mom had that problem and it was a blockage in her bowels. It almost killed her! It probably isn't that serious but they can help you with your problem anyway. Good luck and <hugs> . I hope you get relief soon!0
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the juice from I/2 of a lime ,1 teaspoon[I use less] salt, add to 8oz luke warm water and drink right down0
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Try "Smooth Move" Tea by Traditional Medicinals, after a few days I tend to get backed up and a cup of this at night before bed helps.0
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I take magnesium citrate. One every morning. And as of late, I eat 3 dried prunes every evening. It has made a huge difference.
Yes magnesium is magic :bigsmile: I take one before I go to bed at night......relaxes muscles so I sleep better and the next morning going to the bathroom is never an issue :blushing:0 -
the juice from I/2 of a lime ,1 teaspoon[I use less] salt, add to 8oz luke warm water and drink right down
Really? I think I can tolerate that! I'll try that next time I'm past day 3; tired of taking Senna Plus!0 -
Not all fiber is alike. Go for more fruit.
Consider making an appointment with a dietition. You can print and bring your food record from MFP and get direct input from someone who is qualified to help.0 -
I know someone who has this same problem, she found out after years of pain, it is because she has food allergies. Benefiber helps, but what she eats really affects it the situation. She has gluten, lactose and fructose allergies. Talk to your doctor and ask to be checked.0
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I saw something about this on Dr. oz not long ago... i'll try to find a link for you...
Thank you
Sorry, I looked and looked... can't seem to find it......wish i could help.0 -
Persistent constipation can be a symptom of a bigger problem. Definitely get a referral to a gastro doc.
^^^^ THIS
Please please please see a specialist as soon as u can. Or see a different GP in the interim. If you are in so much pain after the laxative, and still havent gone, then some form of obstruction is probably present0 -
Once is day should be your goal. This is something my son has struggled with since he was a baby (he's 12 now). His doctor recommends higher fiber but when adding fiber you have to had more water as well. Exercise, and avoiding foods like dairy and rice are other things the Doc recommends. When my son is doing these things he's able to have a BM most days. Good luck.0
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Have you had your Thyroid checked?0
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Here's where I get all motherly: you should be moving your bowels at LEAST once a day. It's normal to be constipated every once in a while, but it sounds to me like you may have a chronic condition and I would highly recommend you see your doctor or ideally a specialist, although your GP would be a good place to start.
No offense to the people posting home remedies, but this is not a simple case of "Gee, I haven't pooped for a couple days."
Not trying to freak you out, but you want to be feeling your best, right!? Go see your doctor!0 -
i know the popular answer is fiber, but my mom has the same problem, and she has IBS--so she either had constipation or horrid diarrhea. Loading up on fiber can also actually cause constipation. If your diet is healthy and you drink enough water and still arent regular, you should go to a gastroenterologist. I know my mom is dependent on miralax and it makes her stay home from work every now and then. She attempted to get a colonoscopy, but woke up screaming in horrid pain during the procedure..the scope couldn't go up any further so the results were inconclusive. I suspect she has a redundant colon; basically your intestine can get so long it gets kinked and causes blockage. She still hasn't gotten to the bottom of it, but is going to a specialist soon.
I just wanted to say, loading up on fiber is not the answer to severe chronic constipation. Do you have any other symptoms or related issues? good luck!0 -
I had this problem. I actually had a bulge in my left abdomen so large that it has caused stretch marks on that side and it still looks misshapen even though I am regular now.
I was just really on a poor diet of processed foods and did very little activity. Once I started to lose weight and eat better, it cleared right up.
Increase your water intake and do something every day that will increase your heart rate.
Also GREEN TEA with a tablespoon of honey works wonders. Both are natural laxatives.0 -
I really know your pain, I had dealt with this problem for pretty much the entire year of 2011, and it really bogged me down! I started drinking tons of water and did exercises for constipation relief , and it has helped me out a lot. I really hope you will feel better soon. Take care!0
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WebMd says the length of time between bowel movements varies, but if it's longer than 3 days it's considered unhealthy. And the fact that it hurts is a bad sign too. I'll add my vote to "see a specialist."0
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Here's where I get all motherly: you should be moving your bowels at LEAST once a day. It's normal to be constipated every once in a while, but it sounds to me like you may have a chronic condition and I would highly recommend you see your doctor or ideally a specialist, although your GP would be a good place to start.
No offense to the people posting home remedies, but this is not a simple case of "Gee, I haven't pooped for a couple days."
Not trying to freak you out, but you want to be feeling your best, right!? Go see your doctor!
Thank you for being motherly Yes, I think you're right. I should go get this looked at. I have been negligent about it0 -
Agree with everyone else, it's not normal for it to be uncomfortable like that. At your age, real bad stuff is rare, but it can happen, so you should not ignore a change of bowel habits.
Many people are constipated because they're too busy to be regular. Your bowels depend on your brain. Normally they start moving when you start thinking about eating, and you go after eating. But if you grab a meal and rush out the door, if the bathrooms are too gross at work to sit down, if the kids won't let you have five minutes peace when you're sitting on the throne, your bowels "cooperate" by not moving under those circumstances. Most people don't move their bowels in unfamiliar places, and they often go as soon as they get home from things like shopping. If you've changed your diet and schedule, that can be enough to cause problems. Set aside a half hour a day after a meal when no one will interrupt you and just sit on the toilet. Read something you don't read other times of the day, so your brain starts to associate that with going poop.
Too-Much-Information Alert: In women, especially those who have had children, there can be something called a rectocele. It's basically when the tissues down there get stretched, so when the rectum is full, it bulges into the vagina. It means the poop can get in there sideways, and it won't come out until it gets lined up properly. The rectum naturally pushes the poop back up into your colon a couple times to roll the little balls into those big logs, but when you're too full, it can't. If it gets stretched enough, its muscles no longer have enough strength to push at all -- it's called an impaction. The easy answer? Put a finger in your vagina and push. If it's not too large, it may pop right out. If it is, you can at least give it some help.0 -
If you're eating enough fibre but not drinking enough water that can actually make things worse as can milk or milk products ( speaking from personal experience)...Dr Oz was talking about slippery elm tea today...it's supposed to help with constipation.I have a bowel problem and take Senekot every night,it's more of a stool softener than a laxative and might help get you on track...hope you find something that works for you..0
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Water plays a big part and 5 cups a day isn't enough. At least 8 is necessary. Also exercise can help a lot. So try walking and jogging some yoga positions are great for getting things moving. I think any exercise would help you if you don't already do some. See a doctor to make sure there is not something else going on that needs other treatment.0
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Another thing that may help is Flaxseed, and not the oil. Ground flaxseed, I normally add 1 Tbs to my egg in the morning and this helps me go. If I want more I add another Tbs to yougart or a smoothie.0
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I would see a GI specialist0
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I'd ask for a referral to a GI specialist. Water and exercise are great, along with the fiber, but less than once a week is something that needs to be investigated by a specialist, especially if your primary is downplaying your issues.
Do you take a stool softener on a regular basis? Like Senna, colace, or Miralax?0 -
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!!
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(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.
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You definately need to see a Specialist. 2 weeks?!? A bowel obstruction can be deadly.0
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