TMI--but haven't gone to the bathroom since Saturday

First of all, make sure it's not a medical problem. As for me, I take Flaxseed daily. That helps but when things get "slow" I like to drink LaxaTea by Celestial. It's gentle and hasn't caused cramping. It also tastes good. You can find it in the tea isle at most grocery stores. Watch out for some diet teas...they can give you cramps and "explosive" results.

I used Eliminex.... it is a herbal tea.... usually two cups in a day gets things going the next day. But not to be consumed for a long period of time.... read the box if you buy it.

I had the same outcome when i started drinking protein shakes. proteins in meats and such dont effect me at all but for some reason the protein powders back me up. are protein shakes part of ur daily routine? if so based on my experience id just turn to other sources to help with ur daily protein needs.

I had a bowel obstruction once & there was no pain until 6 hr before I got to the ER. The pain faded off after the first bout but was in full agonizing swing 5.5 hrs later. The only thing I did have was a niggly little ache in the fronts of my thighs, up near the groin, for a few weeks beforehand. I would go to the Doc now to be on the safe side because if it is an obstruction, the pain is worse than anything you could imagine!:flowerforyou:

I'd recommend checking for thyroid problems or food intolerances, both of which can develop at any time.

I had similar issues (or lack of issues, LOL) and it turned out that both cowmilk products and anything containing wheat/gluten were creating lock gut (and giving me nasty headaches). Eliminating those foods from my diet solved the problem. But thyroid changes can do the same thing so my doc had to rule that out along the way.

Grapes are sooo sugary...and I've also had bathroom problems when I eat alot of grapes....be careful girl hope you feel better soon...

First of all, are you feeling bad? (sorry if you already answered that question...I didn't read through all the responses.) It IS possible that you're mostly just eating things that your body uses and you simply don't have much to expel. But if that's not the case (and reasonably, that's not the case for most people), definitely hydrate as it keeps things moving more comfortably, try a natural laxative like raw fruits/prunes/omega-3 oils (flaxseed, avocado, olive oil), and relax. Your body will react better if you try to relax (stretch, deep breathing, meditation).

If you're actually feeling pain, you probably need to see your doctor. Good luck! I hope you find some relief soon.

If you notice increased intestinal distress after consuming high fiber cereal it could be a warning sign of gluten intolerance. That was a big clue for me. I had a big bowl of Fiber One cereal (wheat based) and WHAM! Headache and then I couldn't go for days.

I have dealt with similar issues in the past, but not to this degree. You are clinically constipated (1-2 bowel movements a week). One thing that will help you right away is magensium citrate. You can find it in the laxative aisle and it's clear and comes in a glass bottle. It only costs a few dollars and comes in different flavors. This will help clean you OUT. Also castor oil and water w/ sea salt will do the same thing. The water/sea salt is not good at all, but it does work. Now after you clean out, for maintenance, buy Miralax. Miralax dissolves in any drink you put it in. Drink the whole glass. It will keep you regular, also Fiber One products work well, eating LOTS of green veggies, and drinking alot of water. I hope this helps you.

I've had major GI problems over the years and the only thing I can recommend is Miralax and then an appointment with the doc. Miralax is different than other laxatives. Other laxatives make your muscles work harder, and eventually if you take them too much your muscles don't work on their own. So you can easily become dependent upon them. Miralax gently draws water back into your bowel (gross I know).

Stay away from all stimulants — coffee, anything with caffeine, laxatives (other than Miralax). I would also cut down your carbs and fiber intake until you get rid of what's in your system. Fruits and veggies are good — though they have fiber, they aren't as bulky as grains.

Also, peppermint tea or eater's digest tea helps.

And one guy said something about a bowel obstruction. I would make an appt. with your GI just to make sure that's not happening. This is super gross — if you're taking laxatives and haven't moved anything, you likely have something like that because the longer something sits in your bowel, the harder it becomes because it dries out.

Hope that helps!!

and PS — somebody said something about gluten intolerance. I cut out all gluten and my bowels started working like a normal person's bowels again. Just something to try!