help with passing a hard, painful stool

I have a hard stool I've felt at the end of my rectum that I cannot pass; first came across this two days ago.  As of yesterday I've started to take stool softeners and drinking lots water and taking in fruits, vegetables, bran.  Any other tips on how to make it pass (I have no problems getting an urge to go, so I haven't taken a laxative, just the stool softener) that isn't an enema, or do I have to resort to that?  Thanks in advance for your help.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
The first step in the treatment of functional constipation is to take high fiber diet, fiber supplements and drink plenty of fluids. If you do not find any relief you need to go for the second step which is taking osmotic laxatives.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D