I don't know whats wrong with me, but I just can't use the bathroom. It take at least two days for me to release my bows(sp)

What should I do?

Are you in discomfort during these two days? Despite popular opinion, being healthy and regular doesn't have to mean going every day. As long as you don't have pains in between, and don't have stools that are difficult, painful, or cause bleeding to pass, then you probably don't have a problem. I don't want to venture into TMI territory, but I have similar habits, and am fine.

If you are discomfort or have trouble passing when you do, then the usual answer are to eat more fiber rich foods, perhaps take fiber suppliemnts, or try milk of magnesium or magnesium supplements.

Just make sure that things really are broke before you worry too much about fixing them.

Hi miss honey,

I don't have too much knowledge on this subject except that such things vary from person to person. It is not uncommon for some persons to release or well you know, much more less than others. Depends on a lot of factors, how much you are eating, what you are eating etc. I don't knowwhat your particular habits are but I am assuming this is something new (by your post), have you radically changed your diet recently? or are you restricting food a lot? It sounds like you may need some more fiber to help aid in your digestion. Perhaps some high fiber cereals or apples may help, and you may wantto avoid binding foods. I hope others can shed more light! As long as any phsycial reasons (other than eating pattern) have been ruled out, there are things you can do . Good luck and don't worry, I am sure you will get many helpful responses : )

Miss Honey, I was having this same problem while I was doing Atkins. (I don't know what type of plan you are using). My problem is completely resolved now that I'm calorie counting and eating at least 21 grams of fiber per day. I tried every known fiber tab and laxative, suppository or enema on the market and nothing was working for me. I would go 7-8 days at a time without release and have horrible stomach cramps. I know that my problem was that with Atkins you eat a lot of meat and cheese and I wasn't able to get enough foods with high fiber. If you are fairly new to this lifestyle change, it could be your system is just adjusting to less/different types of food. If you're in pain or having any bleeding I'd consult my doctor if the problem persists. I know that in my case, that I've had multiple abdominal surgeries and that sure wasn't helping the problem. But, normally 2 days without a BM isn't considered an excessively long time, unless this is a total change for you. I know that I have seen a lot of people on 3FC's recommend psyllium husk, Metamucil or Benefiber as needed.

Hi MissHoney. You've already gotten some great advice. Just to add. Before my lifestyle change I had NO problems going to the bathroom. Like clockwork. Every morning upon waking. Okay - then the lifestyle change and I drastically reduced my calories. Clock work - ummm those days were over. I would definitely miss a few days a week. Some days my stomach would bother me some days not. As I went along in my journey, I greatly beyond belief added tons of fiber to my diet. Every day for breakfast I have 1/2 cup of Fiber One cereal (14 gms fiber) with 12 cup Kashi Go lean cereal (5 gms of fiber) and 1/2 cup skim milk. That Fiber One cereal is AMAZING. 1/2 cup at 60 calories and 14gms of fiber. I add about 1 TBSP. to my daily yougurt for a little crunch. I add it to my salads instead of croutons. My lunch usually consists of some type of veggie burger and about 3 cups of cauliflower 84 calories and 12 gms of fiber. Dinner is always some low fat protein and tons of veggies, more fiber. I am eating way more then 35 gms of fiber a day and let me tell you - clockwork is back!!!! Berries are also very high in fiber, strawberries, raspberries, blue and black. It's a great snack with a squirt of fat free whipped cream and a sprinkle of fiber One on top. Pears, sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach, oranges and whole grain products are also high in fiber. You can do a search of High Fiber Foods on your computer and get a whole list of things to incorporate into your diet. Fiber also has the added benefit of keeping you full longer and you burn more calories in just digesting the stuff. It is a phenomenal weightloss tool as well as the best natural regulator you can get. I can not say it enough. Purchase Fiber One Cereal. Eat it for breakfast, sprinkle it on other things and you too will be regular. Good luck.

Just gonna mention.....it can also happen if you eat TOO much fiber and dont drink enough water. The fiber absorbs all the excess water and turns the bowel into cement. Especially if the majority of your fiber is from grain and veggies with low water. I had a week of low water and it is taking me weeks to get back to my previous "Dr Oz approved" state.

So...lots of fiber AND lots of water.

Also exercise helps a lot. Walking, running, anything that uses the glutes will massage the colon and help things progress

I agree on the water thing.

I have occasional bouts of IBS but have been doing better when I drink a lot of water. Before that (and before lifestyle change) I was lucky to go only 2 or 3 days a week. Now it is close to daily. I don't do any additional fiber unless I'm feeling the need for it, but the water is the biggest help for me.

Yes, absolutely. Water is essential. I am a huge water drinker. It does help getting the desired "Dr. Oz" shape. I was always a huge water drinker and not always a huge fiber person. So the combo is what's doing it for me. And I do exercise.

Question, I have these psyllium Husk caps but, I am afraid to take them. Why? last time I had the psyllium husk powder and I couldn't go to the bathroom and it was very painful. Should I try the pills?

Painful like cramping or actual rectal pain?

I really can't explain it. It was like my body was releasing but nothing would come out, but my body wouldn't stop opening out down there. it was very painful

Like others on here I find that drinking water throughout the day helps a lot, as well as the fiber. Also, drinking coffee on an empty stomach in the a.m. seems to really do the trick. Since it's a stimulant it, umm, gets more than just my brain to move.

If things are still in the "off" position you could try milk of magnesia to turn things "on" again, then incorporate the fiber, water, etc.

Jo

All the advice above is great, but I want to add one more thing. Get a colonscopy from your doctor to make sure all the medical aspect of it is not the problem. Never hurts to be sure.

Milk of magnesia is a nice gentle laxative. If the stool is actually stuck very low or 'near the opening' you may need to use a suppository just to get things started again this time. Ask a pharmicist, they'll find you one.

Hi Miss Honey!

My husband had trouble awhile ago after he started some new medication. I got him some Fleet supositories that you insert in your rectum. He was a bit squeemish at first to use them, but it helped him get out the bowel movement. He had been nearly a WEEK without a bowel movement before he mentioned it to me!

He got relief almost immediately! There are also Fleet enemas that you can use which are also wonderful for the occasional too-solid bowel. You can get any of these products without a prescription at any drug store.

Apple juice, apples, prunes, high-fiber cereal and pears are all great to KEEP you regular once the problem is cleared.

Keep drinking lots of water, and watch cheese for awhile. Cheese can block you up pretty badly!

I hope that you feel better soon!

Cheryl