bowel movements?

Question

i haven't gone #2 since thurday, but i haven't felt like i have to go? is this something i should be concerned about?

Answer 1

hope it all comes out all right.

Answer 2

The saying goes, "Once every three days to three times a day" but seeing how you haven't gone in about 4 1/2 days that is a little bit of a concern. 2 of the best things that you can do to promote #2 are 1) Fiber and 2) Fluids (water in particular). Ask yourself these questions....
*Is this normal for me (i.e. has this happened before)?
*What have I done differently in the past 5 days to perhaps cause this (i.e. taken any pills...particularly opiates, pain pills, etc)?
*What have I eaten (i.e. enough fiber)?
*Do I notice any unusal signs/symptoms OTHER than the fact that I haven't gone #2 in 4 1/2 days (i.e. cramping, extreme fatigue, nausea, etc)?
*Have I swallowed anything that could be obstructing my bowel?

You might want to take a laxative (something mild) to promote #2....you can also try hot liquids, as they stimulate the intestines. Also, if you have a friend who owns a stethoscope *the same type that a doctor uses to listen to your heart)...put it on and listen to your tummy. Do you hear sounds? If you do that is a GOOD thing and you will likely go to the bathroom soon....if not there could be something unusual going on and I would recommend seeing a doctor. If you go more than 5 or 6 days I would DEFINITELY see a doctor.

Answer 3

Some people go twice a day, some people go every other day and some people go only 3 or 4 times a week. So, where do you fall? I would suggest that you take a stool softner or a laxative to get things going again. Using the stool softner every day will not cause you problems, but using a laxative often can cause dependency. If you need a laxative once in awhile, it will not cause you any problems whatsoever. Senekot is a good one.

Answer 4

It can sometimes depend on how active you are and what kind of foods you eat. If you are a pretty active person then your body will use up much of the nutrients you ingest which will leave less for waste.
If you aren't very active and you eat a lot of fatty foods then your body will create more waste than usual and you will go more often. If your body isn't telling you it's time to go then you should be fine. You'll know if you're backed up because it can lead to cramping and some discomfort.

Answer 5

You may be fine but it does sound like you could be backed up. If you don't have a BM within a week I would definately call your Dr. and especially if you experience gastrointestinal pain, or bloating.

Answer 6

You might want to take a laxative, if you start to feel uncomfortable. Otherwise I wouldn't worry yet.

Answer 7

Eat more Fiber!