Sorry to bring up an unpleasant suject but for about a year and a half I have suffered with constipation. In September 2006 I went to a casualty department because of serious stomach pains. I thought I was going to pass out. (first and only time in a casualty dept). Doctor said I was constipated and prescribed Movacol. This worked although I always thought there was something still hanging on in my stomach. February 2007 went to my GP as stools were varying between small hard pellets and soft "fast moving" motion. Senkot and a sugary liquid were presribed. The world moved!!!!! Since then problem has been variable. sometimes normal stools, sometimes pellet like.....today really bad stomach cramps.......
I exercise regulalrly, and have a varied diet...maybe a bit heavy on coffee
My husband is similar - he eats a high fibre diet, plenty of fruit and veg and drinks plenty of water. Good foods are spinach, prunes and he also finds blueberry juice helps. Avoid banana's!
Despite all the above, he still rarely goes naturally and has to use Dulco-Lax and or/ glycerine suppositories - Sennacot has no effect whatsoever. He has had various examinations including the camera up the rectum and everything appears to be fine, he just has a sluggish system.
I would try all of the above - if you can, it is obviously better to find some way to go naturally without drugs.