Im a 21/F and have been constipated for over 2 years now. I dont eat the best food but I eat a lot better than most people and I am always constipated. For the record I am about 140 lbs. I have gained over 20 lbs in 2 years since I moved out. I had really bad cramps so I went to the emergency room and I found out the cramps were being caused because I was extremely constipated so they gave me some powder to mix into water that I have to drink every morning for like 3 days. So I did that and it worked and I was ok for about a week and then my constipation came back. I am now eating better than I have been and am eating salads and vegetable soup and I drink about 2 bottles of water a day and I am staying away from cheese!.....but nothing has changed, im still really constipated!! Besides the emergency room I havent been to a doctor in almost 4 years now because I dont have insurance. Could I possibly have a condition that is causing the constipation? Could it be colon cancer?
2006-11-07 07:25:34 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
Funny you're asking this, because I have the same problems as you (also 21/F). The way it sounds, you could have a condition called IBS. It's characterized by bloating, either constipation or diarrhea, lower abdominal cramps, and mucus along with a bowel movement. I have IBS, and I also am constipated most of the time. What really helps (and I swear by this) is taking fiber supplements like Metamucil. The best form of taking this is by mixing the powder into water. It helps your stool become soft and pass through quickly. I highly recommend this as a long-term solution to constipation.
There are some foods that help as well: anything containing fiber (especially oatmeal!), lots of water, and prunes (either dried or fresh, doesn't matter). Fatty food such as chocolate or cheese sometimes aggravates the problem.
It's good that you're drinking lots of water, but sometimes, it's just not enough to get rid of constipation. Try Metamucil, and you will see instant results if you take the recommended dosage.
2006-11-07 07:40:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
not colon cancer, but constipation can cetainly cause colon cancer so you need to take care of it right away. do an herbal organic colon cleanse. you cna find it at the health food store. I did this and haven't had any trouble with constipation since, and it has been almost a year. the brand i used was renew life. you can look it up and order it on the internet at www.renewlife.com
after you do the cleanse make sure you get enouigh water each day. this will ensure you dont' get the problem again. good luck
2006-11-07 07:32:30 · answer #2 · answered by Honey pot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be something as simple as a food intolerance causing your constipation. I have Celiac Disease and one of the symptoms for that can be chronic constipation.
Make sure you're getting plenty of SOLUBLE fiber. That should help. If it doesn't and you don't notice any trends with the foods you eat, you may want to consult a doctor or free clinic. Constipation can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
2006-11-07 07:37:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
SEE A DOCTOR!
Worry about paying later. Find a free clinic or charity hospital or something.
I am not a doctor, but I do know that being regular does not mean once every two years.
If nothing else get some more of that powder and use it regularly.
2006-11-07 07:38:25 · answer #4 · answered by deepndswamps 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Th e use of bulk laxatives such a Metamucil taken with a large amount of water should help. Other similar products are available.
2006-11-07 07:31:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋