[Jessyd88]

For four years I have had an issues with constipation. I have been to doctors who all insist on telling me it is simply a symptom of a poor diet. I have tried everything. Cutting out white breads and pasta's, drinking lots of water, taking fibre supplements, eating prunes/drinking prune juice, eating bran, eating wholemeal foods and fruits and vegetables etc.. You name it, I have tried it! A doctor referred me to have an ultrasound but all they could see was a packed colon but assured me there was nothing abnormal. I am convinced that there is something going on as I am only 21 and this is not a common complaint of other my age. It affects my life in such a big way because it is not socially acceptable to be gassy all the time! I am concerned because I am required to take twenty laxatives at a time to empty my colon or else i get really ill and bloated. This affects me socially as well as I cannot leave the house when I have to do this and sometimes it doesnt even work! I find eating high fibre bloats even more. I am concerned that my bowel will not be able to function at all if i continue on this path and fear that i will have to get a colostomy bag by the time I am thirty!I have explained this to doctors but they don't seem to take it seriously. Is there something else that could be causing this issue or am i doomed for a life of constipation??

[RD]

Medical Complications of Laxative Abuse

The medical complications of laxative abuse depend on several factors, including the type of laxatives used, the amount used, and how long they have been used. Some of the more common complications of laxative abuse follow.

Constipation. Repeated use of laxatives actually causes constipation. This may lead people to increase the dosage of the amount of laxative, which in turn only worsens the constipation problem...


How long will laxative withdrawal last? This varies greatly. A few people have these symptoms for 2 days; a few others have had them for 2 to 3 months. Most people have symptoms of laxative abuse for 1 to 3 weeks after stopping laxatives

http://www.gurze.net/site12_5_00/laxativeabuse.htm

[Bored chemist]

"I am required to take twenty laxatives at a time to empty my colon "
"I have explained this to doctors but they don't seem to take it seriously."
Get another doctor, but RD's post is a source of useful information.

[Jessyd88]

yes i think i need to go to another doctor. I have been to three already but no luck. I may need to go to a specialist but i think you have to be referred to one. I'm not sure.