I haven't had a normal stool in ages. I have the constant urge to defacate but never the need. When I DO succeed in relieving myself, It is as if I am squeezing a tube of toothpaste and my stool appears as the paste. I am taking Fibercon which helps but is no solution. Metamucil causes intense bloating. Without the Fibercon I may as well live in the bathroom. Any diet suggestions or ANY help would be greatly appreciated. I have been tested for EVERYTHING. The doctor says I am NOT dying, even though it feels like I should be. Please HELP!

For your gastrointestinal system to work properly you need to intake 20 to 30 grams of fiber Daily. There is no other way but everyone is different--- you are just not eating enough fruits and veggies. There is no fiber in Meat or dairy products. If you haven't had a GOOD BM in years-- I'll bet your diet does not contain enough FIBER.

I think you need to take a water soluble fiber supplement like Metamucil. It is a natrual fiber so it is broken down by your intestinal bacteria and will cause GAS. So, start off very slow until your system gets use to it then increase the dose until you get to 2 doses daily. The gas does go away with continued use. Psyllium is a bulk forming agent--- it'll work for you if you take it slowly. Alot of people have the problem you're having.

Fibercon is really not a fiber product.

You may also want to start eating a good brand of yogurt to make sure your intestinal flora is properly balanced.

I wish you well---Harry

Hi, sounds great Harry, if I could just add a little to your fiber advice...

Broadwaynight, Harry is right, the fiber could be your lifesaver, but fiber spikes could cause you problems that you can mistake for food intolerances. You should count your fiber intake, first week 5 grams per day, increase 5 grams per day each week, so the second week would be 10 grams, third week 15, fourth 20, etc.
When I did this, at the first of each week, I would have symptoms, but not as bad as before I had started. Toward the end of the week as my body was tolerating the increase, I would feel great, it is a bit of a nuisance building up to the 20 - 30 grams, but it is very worthwhile.

The yogurt is wonderful, but it may be an idea to change one thing at a time, I would suggest you get your fiber levels up to 20 or 30 grams before starting the yogurt.. & when you do, you probably know from reading in this forum, the yogurt should contain active cultures.

If you don't know what fiber foods contain, there is an article in here [by me http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif ] that lists fiber content. If there is a food that is not listed, just search on the web for fiber & dietitian, should be able to find it.

When you had all the tests, was gluten allergy one? If not, I would strongly suggest you have one, so you know if you can tolerate wheat products.

I hope this is helpful, the fiber control has certainly helped me. There is very little that I cannot tolerate now.

Good luck with whatever you decide to try.

I just finished a book on IBS and other related disorders. A good way to help your intestinal flora is yougurt, but I would not recommend any that is based on cows milk. Use goats milk. It is much easier on the stomach and intestines. You can also find goats cheese that is raw and cultured for up to 30 hours. I hope this is some help?