Constipation

I have chronic constipation and am unable to go regularly without the help of stool softeners or laxatives.  What could be my problem.  This has gone on now for about 4-5 months.

[FurballsMom]

Sounds like a possibility of IBS.  Your doctor needs to do a colonoscopy to be sure there is nothing else going on.

[vmitchell830]

I have the problem of constipation and have for 15+ years. I am now 61 and it has gotten worse as I have aged.  I have had many colonoscopy's every other year only to find I have a very long, twisted, looped colon making it hard to pass things thru without help. I take 6 Peri-colace at night to go what I call normal.   I have been told I need surgery but just can't do that yet, then you have to stay close to all bathrooms. Anyone had this surgery and besides the RX drugs that cause so much bloating, I can do them anymore. I am tired of trying to fix this, is it too late?

[vmitchell830]

I just had another visit with gastrologist. He told me had many paitents who were constipated and in their 80's and took twice the amoutn of laxatives than I did. He said they opt out of the surgery and still thriving. So I am not alone, he told me that and I feel so much better. Still have the problem but again, acceptance is the magic that makes change happen. Acceptance of what is happening and my attititude changes and then my life gets better. Make sense. Hope this helped it sure did me when I see surgery is an option but not the only one. And I am not alone. V