Really need some advice...

Okay, I know, I know... many women deal with constipation.  Not unusual.  But there's more to it.  My belly is rarely ever really okay.  I don't know if it's BECAUSE of the constipation but yes, I do suffer from it, often not going for 5 days to a week.  I guess it's not unusual that I shouldn't feel quite right by day 5 or 6 or 7!!!!!
But to be perfectly honest, I don't know if this is actually constipation and I'm sorry to get into the details but... I never thought that was what I was dealing with because I always thought constipation was when you want to go but physically can't.  But I have no desire to go at all.  It's like there's some (almost) bottomless pit inside me.  Then when I would finally go, it was a hideous and painful experience.
I did take laxatives for a while but was afraid of getting hooked on them and then a doctor told me about Lactulose (that come sunder various names) which is a fruit-derived sugar and come sin syrup form.  Apparently you don't have to worry about side effects because it's natural etc... and all it does is it helps absorb water into the colon thus making the event itself easier.  And it has made going far easier.  It's also made it more frequent but really not by much at all !!!
This is nothing new and has been going on and building for the last few years but partly I'm REALLY fed up and more immediately, I'm going nuts because a short while back, I gained about 12 pounds and I started making an effort to lose them.  I lost 6 so far but size-wise, I don't seem to have changed AT ALL.  My clothes are just as tight and I keep measuring my waist but it hasn't changed one iota!!  It's driving me nuts.
But the thing is, I can't help thinking there's more to it.  I mean, you can't lose six pounds and not have it show.  It's not like I'm all that big.  I weigh 140 lbs.  That's after losing the 6.
But I can't help thinking that my belly's just bloated and all messed up and that's why I'm not noticing a difference.
In fact, I often feel my belly's bloated and never know what to do about it.
However, a few days ago, I finally went to the bathroom after a week and thought that by the next day my belly might be less bloated but instead I woke up in the morning feeling terribly bloated and feeling like my stomach was in a tight knot.  It felt hard and painful.  This was 2 days ago and it's a bit better now but it's still not right.
Does anyone have any advice on any of this????
I'm really at my wit's ends.Thanks in advance.

[Johanna4kids4me]

Geez, that sounds miserable. You could try Metamucil. It adds bulk, but I'd be afraid that you have more than enough bulk in your colon to begin with. Have you tried a stool softener like Colace ? I have a feeling if things were a little softer that you might go more often and easier. Have you been to a doctor ? That would be the best idea. Either a GP or if you have insurance and it doesn't require any funny stuff, I'd go right to a Gastroenerologist. It's really not healthy to have all that in you for so long.It's there foir a reason...to get out.I think you should really get to the doctor.
Good luck,
Johanna

[Belly_boop]

Thanks Johanna.
Unfortunately, i've tried pretty much all there is to try.  Including Metamucil and stool softeners.  The Lactulose is essentially a stool softener and it does work.  The event itself is well... less eventful.  It's just that I'd really like to see it occur a little more often.
And I'd really like to know why I'm not losing inches when I'm losing weight!!!
I did take an intestinal disinfectant today and my stomach seems to be feeling a touch better so that's one plus!