Bowel movements (you have been warned!)

Think you need weetabix for breakfast

I think it's an ageing thing. (sorry!) Food doesn't go through so quickly and so the poo gets dry and hard.

(discuss anything me)

Chocolate is good. Actually, anything sweet.

I often wonder how things go for the Queen in that department.

Well, not often!

Coffee works for keeping things shuffling along

jings It's not actually dry & hard, just my bottom seems to decide to pause halfway through the process!

I find coughing helps a lot, pushes things through and stops straining.

Prunes, they are really nice and do work. Just don't have too many to start you have to find the right level. Tescos are good

Rock back and forward,I find that helps speed things up.

Sorry Phoeix...can't respond for laughing!!
Seriously though, same problem here...used to be jet propelled but now.......!

You need more "roughage " and more fluids as you get older , maybe take a book in and relax , not War and Peace , something lighter

Drink more? Oranges are pretty helpful too. I once had a very oblique discussion with a doctor when I was pregnant - he asked 'do the trains pass through the station or do they remain stuck on the platform'!

Phoenix same problem here. You might have a rectocele (look it up). Poo gets sort of trapped in a pocket and needs a bit more oomph to get it out. Do NOT do any of the things you mentioned above (I've done them too...except for the loo roll thing). Straining makes it worse. Do not get constipated. You need more liquid and more fibre. Lots of Rasins (recommended by colorectal surgeon) and bran. As mentioned before coffee can help stimulate things but more liquid is a must. I can't believe I'm talking about this on GN but I don't want you to make the same mistakes I made. Unlike having a baby... Do not push!!! You have been warned. Carry on straining and your insides may become your outsides.......

As others have said, more fibre and liquids. You cannot be eating your 5 a day.

I agree with crafting possible rectocele but I don't mean to be looking for trouble! I'm a nurse and we both are speaking from experience!

Thanks for the responses all! Just to reiterate, not constipated, just a slight (!) problem with "going".

I've always been " regular " , cup of tea first thing, then a cup of coffee after my shower, then bingo! Off to the loo and job done!

Only lately had the "stuck" problem

If it is only lately then perhaps you should see the GP to investigate what is different now.

Coffee is thought to not be so good as it acts as a diuretic rather than hydrating your insides.
Those ready to eat dried figs work but you must take enough liquid with you meals.
Also take notice of medical advice and see your doctor if there is a change in bowel habit.
My mum had terrible problems with constipation, but I have generally been OK.

I did get into trouble when taking strong pain killers after I had my frayed arm tendons repaired.

I think I have developed a bend or change in direction halfway along the passage way. Procedure now is to sit towards the front of the toilet seat, lean forward and puuuuush, take in a deep breath, lean back and puuuuuuuush. Repeat as necessary. Works for me.

Phoenix I wasn't constipated either but had exactly the same problem as you and no amount of wriggling or shuffling would shift it!! You don't need to be constipated to have a rectocele (as usual age and gravity take their toll on our bits). I am not saying you have one but whatever the problem, constipated or not....rasins, roughage and liquid is really worth a try.

If you have not had this before and you are concerned seek medical advice. I had an episode like this whilst I was on holiday in August and went on to have a condition that required treatment, it was probably a symptom but I did not realise at first.

Yup Granny23 done that too and it does work for a while. Pushing and straining is bad for you believe me. Squatting is supposed to be the best position. Not tried it myself..I'd never be able to get up again.

Ok Phoenix you have the collective GN answer to your problems. Whip up a smoothie of weetabix, chocolate, prunes, oranges, dried figs, rasins and bran. Slug it down with loads of coffee then head off to the loo whilst coughing violently and sit there rocking away whilst reading War and Peace.....if all that doesn't work, phone the Queen for advice ????

P.S. You might need that 9 pack of toilet rolls if you try this