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TMI but need some advice
I have lacked in regularity in the BM (not bridesmaid) area for a couple of months already. Last week I tried increasing my fibre and still nothing. Thursday evening I took a laxative and that didn't clear things as I had hoped. I had some cramping over the weekend and yesterday and today I've had very irregular BMs. (This is where it may become way TMI) I feel constipated and then all of a sudden I really have to go but then it's either very loose and watery (but is still difficult to get going) or it's very soft. I have had terrible stomach pain along with this. I have not taken any more laxatives and I have been drinking quite a bit of water in the last week and a half trying to flush out my system. I have been working out more then usual and eating lots of fruits and veggies.
I don't know if this is worth trying and seeing my doctor over. I figured the irregularity was stress induced with school but it hasn't seemed to get better.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Re: TMI but need some advice
Apparently if you don't eat enough fibre it can cause constipation. However also if you greatly increase your fibre you will also cause constipation. You have to slowly increase the amount you eat.
The onset of these problems for you seems more sudden, and along with pain I am a little bit concerned. Although I have never taken laxatives, maybe it is the laxatives causing you pain (I think it stimulates the bowels or something??). I think if it is causing you a lot of discomfort you should see your doctor about it.
You mention you are drinking more water, fruits, veggies etc, is there anything NEW you introduced to your diet that maybe you're allergic/intolerant to? For example oranges, or a new cereal or something. Maybe you were intially constipated 1.5 weeks ago and now you're having symptoms due to something else you've changed. Did you start taking any new medicines in the last few weeks?
good luck, hope you get some relief soon.
(edited to remove TMI)
Disclaimer that none of this is medical advice. Any blood or darker than normal? Is the diameter very thin (like a pencil)? Either of these previous two, you need to see a doctor quickly. When you are able to go, afterwards, does it still feel like you could go again? What laxative did you take?
Andrea's right about the increasing in fibre. One of the most important things about regularity is making it a routine - a time of day where you're not rushed and can go. Also, not ignoring the urge to go if it's not convenient is important too. If you have trouble getting going, putting your feet up on a small stool can help as well. Stress and changes in routine can definitely screw things up.