sorry this isn't the most pleasant question, but does a lack of bowel movements for a long time cause weight +

Question

I've been having stomach issues since I was very young (i'm 22). I get nauesous a lot and have an upset stomach at least once a week. I don't go to the bathroom often at all. I have been paying more attention to it as I get older, and I remember at one point I went about 10 days without going. Other times I'll go maybe once a week, but usually following an upset stomach. Could this be what is preventing me from losing weight and causing me to feel sick so often? Anyone have a similar problem or know if this is IBS or some other illness? I asked my doctor about a year ago and she said it was normal, but I don't feel normal! I'm not overweight, but I would like to lose a few pounds and it's nearly impossible. I'm sick of always feeling sick. It makes it hard to go out and do things

Answer 1

You need to go see a gastroenterologist ASAP. It is not normal nor is it safe to go that long between bowel movements. You could have blockages (inflammation inside the bowel) and they actually can cause you to die if left untreated. I'm not a doctor or anything even close, but if you are having pain and even throwing up along with your other symptoms, there's a good chance you could have some form of IBS or IBD. I have had Crohn's Disease (IBD...not IBS) since I was 10 years old and because of doctors not being able to figure out what was wrong, when they finally DID figure it out, I had to have surgery to have a large portion of my bowel removed. It is not something to play around with. GO SEE A DOCTOR....a different doctor than the one that said it was normal.

Answer 2

I would suggest you start with something like Metamucil, the doctor will probably prescribe this for a start, but, I won't go any further and won't give you anything off the counter. I would suggest you stay away from anything over the counter or, from a health food store unless prescribed by a doctor. You may have further problems we can't see here and using something , even something simple like an over the counter drug, can be harmful, the ER's are full of them.
So, be careful what you take until you see a doctor.

Going this long can rupture your bowl and create a dangerous situation. It can even be life threatening. I suggest to you strongly that more then a week, ten days is way to long, especially when it's consistent in someone like you. You may already have some damage that he may want to look at. Good luck

Answer 3

You have the wrong type of bacteria in your gut (you could even have fungus if you have taken antibiotics that also kill off the good bacteria that you need). Try taking acidophilus or bifido bacteria (collectively referred to as 'probiotics'. I do not recommend the fruit yogurt in the store as they have too much sugar.

NOW and Nature's Sunshine brands makes an excellent probiotic. Basic Vitamins (inexpensive) acidophilus is in some grocery stories and is what I use most.

Here are some websites for buying:

www.iherb.com
www.drkowalski.com
www.naturessunshine.com
www.herbsmd.com (SLOW shipping)

You should also consider echinacea tea (if you are not allergic to daisy-type flowers). I get Traditional Medicines brand. It helps promote the growth of the GOOD bacteria. Jasmine green tea (I just drink Twinnings) could assist with bowel movements on a more regular basis.

Doctors are taught that if you fall within what is commonly considered the 'norm', you must be fine...well, as you have experienced first hand, they have taken generalizations way to far and made medicine into a 'one-size-fits all', 'cookie-cutter' treatment.

Do a Google search on probiotics, stomach and/or digestion.

Answer 4

If you aren't going to the bathroom, then you aren't eliminating waste, which is NOT healthy. If your doctor said that was normal, your doctor needs to stop practicing medicine and learn how to get in and out of tiny cars with a dozen other clowns. Go see a specialist if your insurance will allow it, or at the very least go to a different doctor. You deserve some quality in your life, not obsessing about your chronic problems...find someone who will treat you right.

Answer 5

going ten days without going is not normal....what is your diet like...i don't think this has anything to do with losing weight, but I would think it would make you feel sick, full, belly pain and bloating....people with IBS usually have bouts of diarrhea, not your problem. I'd seek the advice from another doctor so you can feel better...

Answer 6

Sorry to hear you are feeling so poorly.

I would suggest you go and see another doctor.

Your inability to empty the bowel is the cause of the weight gain, nausea etc.

Eating a healthier diet may help.
Try drinking more fluids and adding fruit, veg and fibre to your diet.

Good luck, hope you are feeling better soon.

Answer 7

This is far from normal and you need to find a new doctor. It can be so many different things it is best for you to see an internist and or a Gastroenterologist ASAP.

Answer 8

Definetly get it checked out as your backing up for someone reason. If one doctor won't run the test to find out what is wrong then find one who will. That is NOT normal!!!

Answer 9

i find it odd that your doctor said this was normal. my friend has IBD, and his experience has been one very similar to yours, i believe. he's even the same age... weird. anyway, ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist. your doctor isn't following one of the basic rules of medicine - listen to the patient!

Answer 10

It could be IBS or possbly something worse you need to go to a doctor immediately. (my wife had IBS when she was 20)