Digestive and Bowel Disorders Forum

Hi,

i have been suffering from constipation for several months now. I have had ibs in the past, but it had cleared up because I was taking stool softeners and fiber.

For the past several months, I have had constipation problems. I have stopped taking the stool softeners and fiber because I was looking for a more natural way to regulate my system. I have been on and off the stool softeners and fiber. I have gone off it before and not had any trouble.

For a while, I was having a bowel movement in the morning--nothing spectacular, but I would go. I was doing a show outside about a week ago and was drinking about one gallon of water every day and that helped quite a bit. I do drink a reasonably large amount of water, anyway.

I went to my local health food store and bought barlean's greens (with probiotics). The recommended dose is 3-12 caplets per day. I was up to taking about six per day, but I stopped because I have recently become very constipated. I don't know if the barlean's product caused it or not. I haven't been able to have a real bowel movement for three or four days. What does come out is small and hard and only after a lot of pushing. I seem to be completely stopped up. I have taken laxatives before, but they often make my stools very loose and I have to go to the bathroom constantly. I would really like to get some immediate relief, though. However, taking a laxative now won't solve my problem.

What should I do? Is there a product that I can go buy at a health food store? I don't have a credit card, so I can't order anything off the internet (and i'd really like to take care of this as soon as possible.) is there anything to internet products like colonix available at a health food store? I'm also taking apple cider vinegar and am on one prescription medication. I do exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet (no fast food, no junk food). Any advice would be appreciated.

Constipation Problem