impossible relief for constipation

i have had constipation before and usually i take some laxatives and after i go, i am back to normal. but i have been constipated for about a week now and i go after i take a laxative, but after that, if i don't take it again, i cant go. i don't want to take more laxatives because i'm not too sure of what it is actually doing to my body. any suggestions? or ideas on what it could be or what i should do? any help would be appreciated

[ggreg]

It's okay to keep taking laxatives for a while, just not forever.  The way to prevent constipation in the first place is how to deal with it until you get regular.  The three things to prevent it are:  Drink plenty of extra water (shoot for at least six glasses per day), eat enough fiber foods (to include oat cereal, whole wheat bread, salads, vegies and fruit), and exercise regularly.  If you are on a medication that tends to dry you out, you may wish to have your doc change kinds or cut back on anything over-the-counter that does that.  One thing that I do when I get really stuck is to eat spinach or whole potatoes, that seems to let waste go out much easier.

[ggreg]

It's okay to keep taking laxatives for a while, just not forever.  The way to prevent constipation in the first place is how to deal with it until you get regular.  The three things to prevent it are:  Drink plenty of extra water (shoot for at least six glasses per day), eat enough fiber foods (to include oat cereal, whole wheat bread, salads, vegies and fruit), and exercise regularly.  If you are on a medication that tends to dry you out, you may wish to have your doc change kinds or cut back on anything over-the-counter that does that.  One thing that I do when I get really stuck is to eat spinach or whole potatoes, that seems to let waste go out much easier.

[Weffette]

Please STOP laxatives!!!!  Your colon is losing the needed bacteria to properly digest and move the waste in an appropriate and healthy manner.
Do you drink alot of coffee??? If so..STOP! Coffee will dehydrate you immensly.
Also, in addition to a diet change as ggreg stated...drink a few glasses of HOT water. You can also use an additive to your water that helps regulate your bowels...softeners...NOT laxatives!  There are pills also, but some pills you need to take about 6 a night, and they are huge horse pills.  I use MiraLax, but there is BeneFiber (clear and tasteless) and metamucil (not sure if its clear and tastless). These are to be added to your diet regimine.
Fresh fruit is an excellent fiber source...so are Wheaties and oatmeal.
Best wishes!!!