faeces

[mighty duck]

ok everybody know this is such a sensitive issue for me and i really am so embarressed by this but i need help desperately! all my life i have had a irreguar digestive process, i only go 2 the toilet at the most 2 times a week and i have terribly smelly wind! recently it has become very hard to me to pass faeces, it feels like its too big 2 come out and i haven terrible trouble and pain. this is so embarrasing i cant belieive im doing this, but i am genuinly getting worried! i really dont know why this is, can anybody help me?! thanks

[5029]

It sounds like you could either have irritable bowel syndrome or a food intolerance.  You can be tested for intolerances in some health food shops, which will tell you what is annoying your digestive system, and you can then eliminate these from your diet

[pjm007]

Couldn't you try a colonic irrigation for a major cleanout, then try to change your diet to improve your digestive system.

[5029]

NO! Colonic irrigations clear out all the good bacteria and can actually cause more problems!

[Bottom]

hi mighty duck, I to suffer with this problem, it is down to my diet, if you eat plenty of veg and drink fresh juice, and cereal you will find you go a lot more. my mother in law eats prunes and they really work for her. let me know how you get on.

[jno]

plenty of fruit (grapes, oranges) and nuts does it for me, often more effectively that I really want

[netibiza]

You are not alone.  Yes your faeces can cause a plug and this needs to be softened by using a harmless suppository.  Then all will happen.  You have to insert the suppository and leave for approx 10mins(very difficult) but all should be well.  Good luck.

[GucciGal]

And lots of water!! you poor thing, it must be very painful at times. Def gotta change your diet.

[mighty duck]

thanks everybody for your input. one other question though whats a suppository? im not sure about that. sounds like its a problem with my diet then, il try having a major change and il let you all know how it goes! many thanks ABers

[FP]

Andy is right.  You should see a doctor for advice.  It might not be a food problem.  You could have a medical problem which could be treated.  Do not delay. 

A suppository is a little pellet that you insert into your anus which causes you to go (usually very quickly!).

Please see your doctor.  It is a common problem and they probably see loads of cases during a normal working week.

[trionam]

I also have this problem for many years now I am due to have a colonoscopy next week to find out why, I know its mainly down to poor diet but at least when this has been done I will no for sure, you need to speak to your g.p who can advise you what step to take next,good luck.

[brawburd]

Loads of water, dehydration causes constipation.  You can eat as much fibre as you want, but it will be ineffective if you don't have water to bulk up the fibre and flush it through,  And as well as all the other dietary advice already given, try a pro-biotic yoghurt every day.  But also follow FPs advice and visit the doc for a check-up. 

[flaming]

I have IBS - mostly of the too loose sort, alternating with your problem. I am veggie. which proves it's not just a question of eating less meat although you ought to try that for a bit.   I have tried all sorts of food combinations but in the fruit/veg line.  Colonic irrigation is OK providing you have pro-biotics after i.e. replace the "good" bacteria but that only reduces the problem for a while.  The gastro-enterologist I saw recommended "Beneflora" a product not widely known about, which might be beneficial.  That gives the gut "good" bacteria and has to be taken for only a week in every month.The water drinking is good advice, but we mean a lot per day.  It's hard for people to get into the habit of drinking enough water. For me an iron liquid supplement I have just started taking is helpful but would be very unhelpful to you.  A lot of coffee, on the other hand, is bad for me when I am,at my worst, but would be good for you!recently  I am having a colonoscopy soon, too, as I had a particularly bad bout again. The trouble with any over-the-counter laxatives, I understand, is that in the long run you would be worse off.  You shouldn't need them.

[FP]

Flaming, being an IBS sufferer, I was just wondering what Beneflora is and where you can get it.

[netibiza]

The immediate problem to solve is to get the blockage moving, so whatever you take by mouth will not do it.  You have to soften the plug - I've suffered this for so many years.  Taking laxatives or coffee will only make it more painful.  The suppositories I use are Glycerine - you should be able to buy them over the counter.  Then sort out your diet, but I think some people are more prone to this, as I eat a very healthy mediterranean diet and still suffer occasionally.  Best of luck!!

[mighty duck]

thanks again everybody, now i dont feel so alone! i think im going to try and change my diet first, im a bit nervous about going to a doctor, i know theysee it all the time but i find that quite hard, my diet is pretty bad and i didnt really think thatitcould make that much difference to be honest. il try everything you say and see what happens. thank you ABers

[evenstar]

My son suffered with this problem. the doctor prescribed Fybogel, a sachet dissolved in water, to drink. It worked and you can buy fybogel in chemists. Hope this helps