So I've been constipated for about 5 weeks now. I've taken multiple products in the last 5 weeks that have helped, but I keep returning to my incredibly frustrating state of constipation. Now, I know that not everyone goes daily, but I do. Without fail, 10-15 minutes after breakfast and coffee - even when I was eating like crap. Now, I'm eating 35g a fiber a day on a low-fiber day, averaging closer to 50g, and some days as high as 75g.
So, after a couple weeks, some research, and many trips to Walgreens, I emailed my doctor. I was very clear about my diet, my regular exercise, my water intake, and the fact that this was a sudden, abnormal change. Her response, take some Colace, add Metamucil, and get more exercise.
I tried the Colace - it worked for a couple days, then stopped. I upped the dosage to the max for the next 4-5 days with no change. Tried to make an appointment to see her, but she was out of office for awhile, and I couldn't get in until March 31st.
Tuesday this week, I couldn't take it anymore. I saw a different doctor (Kaiser, HMO). She said she didn't feel any masses after doing a quick feel-around on top of my clothes, but she did order a thyroid test (which came back normal).
Since I still have the appointment scheduled for the 31st, I sent an update email to my doctor letting her know that I was still having problems, and asking whether or not to continue on generic Miralax (the one thing I found that did work after the Colace stopped and that wasn't a stimulant laxative). I let her know that even with the Miralax, I was still feeling uncomfortable and bloated, but no sharp cramping or pain. Her response..."well, not everyone has a bowel movement daily." She said I should stop taking the Miralax (which I will stop), told me to go back on Colace, and said to eat more fruits and veggies.... REALLY!!! Good God, I swear she only reads the subject lines of my emails! I emailed back, being as crystal clear as possible - so, we'll see what she says...
I am not a hypochondriac. I've been to the doctor about 6 times in the last 8 years, and that includes trips to my gynecologist. I don't think I'm in danger; I don't think I have some huge problem; however, I'm getting pretty sick of just being dismissed ---
and I apparently feel the need to vent a bit
I'm really hoping the office visit will go better than the emails~