I was given iron supplements as a baby, grew up and have experienced constipation off and on as long as I can recall. I am 30 years old now, have taken Miralax on a daily basis for over a year (a friend of mine who was a nurse said it was safe as it does not alter your colon, only draws in water), and have no problems defecating. I am active (exercise almost daily), eat very healthy (fruits, veggies, no processed foods, no sugar, low salt), and take supplements (multivitamin w/no iron, glucosamine, quercetin, ginkgo, l-glutamine, omega-3 fish oil). I also have protein shakes made from whey or casein when I work out.
Anywho, when I do not take Miralax for a few days, or not take it at all, my stool is very rocky, to the point where I almost have to force it out, which can be painful and at times I may see streaks of blood on my stool. Has anyone ever heard of some kind of condition where your stool is simply not holding water, or is there some condition where my intestines are not retaining water needed for the stool? Any thoughts?
Please do not tell me to see a doctor, I work at a hospital and interact with them on a daily basis and I would be very awkward in having to see the doctors that I help as a patient. I just want information and then will make a concise decision from there.