Constipation problems

I have suffered with occasional constipation since I was 17. I am now 62. I eventually was diagnosed with spastic colon (now called IBS) and soon after - ulcerative colitis. I always wonder if I had known better ways to manage the constipation, maybe I would have had a healthier bowel. My biggest problem was and still is, that I would wait until I had the urge to go. The better way is to attempt to go approximately the same time as part of your morning routine. This is key. Also, you have to eat breakfast so that the GI tract starts functioning and moving food along. There is a lot of info on the web about this. When I was young, I was up late and didn't give myself enough time in the morning before rushing off to work or school. If it still is a problem after modifying your habits, then talk to your physician about whether it could be IBS-C. You may want to keep a food diary and think about excluding dairy (dairy with whey can be a trigger), gluten and FODOP foods to see if that helps. Show this to your doctor. If they don't seem interested and helpful, then confront  them about that or change doctors if you can. I know how uncomfortable and even painful this can be and how it can negatively affect your quality of life. It's important for you and your doctor has to be willing to work with you. Good luck.