Ever heard of intestines just quiting?

Question

For the past month or two it seems as if my intestines have just stopped working. I'll eat and eat and for the most part, nothing comes out. Every 5 days or so I might empty the hatch, but what gives? (Laxatives have helped me out, but I'm afriad of using them to much. Is there a laxative that isnt harmful in the long run like Ex-Lax is?)

I actually did go to the doctor a month or so ago and he told me it was probably Irritable Bowel Disease. I was still a bit worried since that seems to be a very broadly-defined condition, but I had a physical a couple of weeks later and I was in perfect health. Oh, I did think it was colon cancer for awhile, but I'm 18, and the doctor said it definitely wasnt.

Answer 1

Have you had any lifestyle changes?
Less activity? A new medication.
A change in diet?

The most common thing that causes those symptoms, is a combination of eating less healthy roughage like high fiber fruits and grains, and less physical activity.

Though narcotics will deifnately slow the lower digestive tract to a crawl.

See you doctor...

Answer 2

My husband recently had serious surgery and his intestines literally went to sleep. It was caused from the anesthesia and painkillers he was given. Doctors gave his suppositories but with limited results.

When I got him home I started him on 2 teaspoons (measuring spoon) of Benefiber in 8-10 ounces of orange juice each morning. By the second or third day his intestines were wide awake. He still takes it and has no problems because IT IS NOT A LAXATIVE. His stools are soft and comfortable and not watery like those caused by laxatives.

It is clear, tasteless, not grainy and can be mixed in food or taken with water, juice, tea; most anything except carbonated beverages.
Benefiber can be taken every day for the rest of your life and will not harm you because it's fiber.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is usually caused by stress, certain spices and nuts, and, in the case of most people, ends up in diarrhea. Narcotics and some other drugs can cause constipation.

Answer 3

you don't want to become dependant on laxatives, because over the long term, they become ineffective and then you are really in a pickle. I would suggest that you need to add fiber to your diet in a big way, and also a lot of water, the body needs a minimum of 2 liters of water a day to function efficiently. Eat more fresh fruit, be sure to be active, a sedentary life style will slow a bowel big time. And if that doesn't work, consider adding Citrucel to your regimen, but be sure to drink a lot of water, or the citrucel or any fiber supplement for that matter, will turn to concrete in the gut and make your problem worse.

Answer 4

If you have had any change in your bowel function, diarrhea, constipation, blood in your stool, etc. for a month or two its time to see the doctor... you may not want to hear that but if you are having this problem it is imperative that you go see the doctor and don't just keep taking laxatives to make you go... good luck..

Answer 5

My husband will kill me if he knew I am writing this. He gets this problem occasionally. He doesn't know why but Metamucil every day seems to help.

Oh, and stay away from cheese. It's a binding food and can slow things down.

Answer 6

add fibre (apples, pears, etc.) and LOTS of water to your diet. (water is key to helping fibre do its job, otherwise, it works in complete reverse) It is normal for some people to only "go" once a week.... so if you're not suffering, then don't worry about it.

Answer 7

yes, but it's very painful. try eating more fiber and drinking more water. bran cereal is best, any whole grain food will help.

Answer 8

You need to see a gastro doctor ASAP!