constipation for roughly 4 years
Posted , 7 users are following.
Hi everyone,
First time on this forum (or any health forum) so hello first of all!
So down to the issue! I've been constipated for about 4 years straight now, my stools are always soft, I can easily go a week without going to the toilet. Sometimes I'll have this 1 day where I seem to be constantly flatulating and it always stinks really bad. Within the 4 years I've always been in full time work but it got a bit much for me so I quit my job this February to focus on my health. I also have strong headaches on a daily basis which seems related, whenever my stomach hurts or cramps I then get a strong headache.
Since quitting my job I also changed Doctors as within those years I never got anywhere. Movicol seemed to be the only thing that helps me go at all, I've tried Lactulose and another stimulant laxative which name I forget, it did nothing for me though other than seriously hurt my insides. Problem with Movicol is if I stick to it, I end up going to the bathroom like 6 times a day and even then every time I go practically nothing is happening. Again of course the stools are very soft.
I've had blood tests for IBD which game back negative. Had loads of them 
Just came back from one of those X Rays where I take a pill the Wednesday before but apparently it's went straight through me. That makes it look like I have nothing wrong with me but clearly I do.
I can't have any sort of relationship. I tried but i feel terrible every day, mentally and physically so it wasn't fair on her.
Sometimes i notice the stools are very sticky and stick to the side of the toilet. Also sometimes a little light blood on toilet paper from a cut that never seems to heal.
Alcohol usually hurts my stomach, especially the morning after so I rarely drink. It seems to make going to the toilet more difficult. If I have a lot of sugar in the day such as an energy drink it seems to help me go (I don't use these as a remedy, just some info).
You can probably tell I'm trying to tell you everything I know so sorry for all the writing :D
I've tried massively increasing my fiber and water intake but nothing seemed to change at all. Tried fiber supplements too such as psyllium husks and dried fruit such as figs but nothing changed.
I'm not sure I'm missing anything. I know it's difficult but does anyone have any ideas? The doctor will probably think I'm fine at this point but I'm really not 
my last 4 years have been miserable and I can't work as too many days I have heavy cramps and headaches and I can't focus. Not to mention sometimes I need to rush to the bathroom.
Final bit of information is I never feel as though I have fully had a bowel movement. I always feel like I'm not finished.
Thanks a lot for your time everyone.
Brandon
0 likes, 20 replies
p39774 brandon96411
Posted
Hi you said you've had blood tests for IBD but they can give a false negative and if problems have gone on this long you should be seeing a gastro. Have you had X-ray, ultrasound, MRI? All useful tests. Have you had blood work for thyroid function, diabetes? Consider your diet as this could be IBS linked to food intolerances which don't show up in tests, you'll need to eliminate the common triggers such as wheat and dairy for two weeks and see if that makes a difference, if you're confident you can do this alone but with your history a referral to a dietician would be helpful. Headaches are a sign of intolerances and a complete change of diet could be one solution. You may find you need to cut out several foods and a dietician can ensure you don't miss out on vital nutrients. Also consider stress management as high stress can cause severe constipation. If you think you have other issues such as nerve issues your dr can refer you for tests at your local hospital, they're quick and painless. If you think you have piles or fissures Drs can help with these too. Just find a dr who will help make you an action plan.
brandon96411 p39774
Posted
Hi, first of all i really appreciate your long explanation and taking the time to do it..
In all this time I've only ever seen my local GP (been to 2 of them as the first one was useless) who just keeps wanting to try different laxatives. When she gave up she passed me onto a specialist at the Hospital (I think this is a Gastroenterologist). We did that test where you take a pill and then get an X-ray about 5 days later, the pill had apparently gone through my system by the first X Ray.
Since then the next Hospital appointment they gave me is a 3 month wait
so not exactly regular advice.
Those are the only tests I've had. Barium pill. Loads of blood tests which always come back saying I'm fine and laxatives. I also had a quick rectal check and he said he didn't find any swelling or anything.
I'm not sure what the blood tests checked. No diabetes, I'm sure they checked thyroid function and said it was fine too.
Maybe a dietician is a good idea, I'll check for one thank you. Truth be told I havent known what to do so I've just been relying on my Doctor but appointments are months apart
Thank you for your time! Sorry for long reply