What can I do about my ongoing constipation?
I believe I am currently suffering from constipation and I’m under 18! Without medication or high fiber drinks, I am unable to excrete. I can go up to more than a week without excreting, causing my stomach to feel very uncomfortable. In addition, I pass a lot of gas, up to 10 times an hour. What should I do?
You’ve described fairly typical symptoms of constipation. You have large hard stools that pass slowly through your intestine. This causes discomfort in two ways; the intestine is cramping, trying to push the stool along, and gas builds up in pockets throughout the intestine. When people are constipated, more gas is produced because the stool stays in the intestine, digesting, for longer than usual. The gas escapes periodically but the frequency is embarrassing.
To treat constipation you need to get the stools soft and regular. The most effective way to do this is to take Miralax, an over the counter medication. It does not cause cramps and is not habit forming. It goes directly to the large intestine and pulls water into the stool. Take one capful of the powder in a glass of water each day. Once the stools are soft, CONTINUE THE MIRALAX FOR THREE MONTHS before trying to taper off. Your intestine needs time to get its tone back and shrink to a normal size. You also need advice about diet and should have an examination to make sure this is regular constipation, so please make an appointment with your doctor.
