Constipation all week every week - so fed up

[Marthame]

I don't understand why I'm constipated every single week without fail.

This has been going on for at least 5 years now if not longer.

By mid week my tummy is so swollen and bloated I look 6 months pregnant! I'm very windy and get terrible pains if I don't pass wind.

I can't wear any of my 'normal' clothes as the waistband is way too tight. The only time I manage to go to the loo is on a Saturday morning if I've had a couple of glasses of wine on a Friday night!

Can anyone help me please? I'm at the end of my tether.

This is what I eat daily typically;

2 litres of water & 1 cup of redbush tea.

For breakfast I have shredded wheat with semi milk and 2 tablespoons of milled flaxseed.

Mid morning - sugar free yoghurt

Lunch- ham salad sandwich on Wholemeal granary.

Dinner- chicken with lots of veg and no potatoes.

Please tell me where I'm going wrong?

For someone who is trying to not have lots of carbs every meal is quite full of them! Shredded wheat, milk, bread, plus plenty in vegetables if you have the wrong sort!

I only have livlife bread which is very low carb and all my veg is low carb too.

I will try swapping shredded wheat to all bran for a while to see if it helps, also put prunes on my shopping list this week.

If that doesn't help then I'll try cutting our diary. Pray that something works and this is bloody awful

I had constipation as a child - it's horrible and yours sounds particularly bad. Are you stools hard or soft when they come out - hard stools may indicate your not drinking enough throughout the day.
Your bowel could have got lazy - yes to exercise, yes to having some fruit first before anything else - if I have not been for a few days I have an apple or two and then wait to see if they send me - pears are effective too - prunes too - try your preferred choice on a daily basis.
Not to scare you but my mum was constipated - she was always having lactolose prescribed or calling the emergency GP- she did have a poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoked and was nearly 70. It was never investigated - she had bowel cancel which spread to her liver.
If your constipation doesn't improved I would ask for further investigations. You could be empacted ( when your bowel is full of stools) I'm surprised with your GP - have they felt your stomach around your bowel? You could ask for an ultrasound - they used to do enigmas years ago to clear the bowel but I'm a bit out of touch.
Do people drink olive oil to help them pass through? Take 2 tablespoons daily? I wish you well - and push your GP for more tests if it doesn't improve.

Finally found out I'm allergic to milk!
I've cut it out for a few days abd has zero problems, no pain, no bloating & no constipation! I'm so happy to finally have an answer. Now I just need a milk alternative!

Is it odd that I'm extreamly happy with my diagnosis?!

On a serious note op, glad you've got it sussed. It has been grim for my dd and at 6 we're still struggling a little. Must be awful for you.

Lots of water, she has a cup with every meal. Almond milk and occasionally soya (I can't get used to the taste of either myself...) much better range of milk alternatives online to in-shop. Although aldi do a cheap good almond milk. Look at the milk ladder - it will give you an idea of what is causing your intolerance and what you can and can't eat.

My daughter was also advised to 'retrain' her bowel, so she goes and sits on thd loo for 5-10mins at the same time everyday. No pressure (reads a book/plays on phone), but more often than not produces the goods!

Good luck!

Gilly I'm so chuffed you diagnosed me right . It's just a relief to know what it is so I don't have to suffer every single day. I can't believe it's taken this long to realise what it is! Wish I'd have known years ago!

Good idea about retraining my bowel, I did hear that the bowel becomes lazy very easily so it's worth doing what you suggest.

Thank you!!

Wow, that's amazing. The power of mumsnet.