Bowel movements (you have been warned!)

What a thread! Good to start the day with a good laugh, although the problem itself is not funny I know. In addition to all the positions mentioned, my physio, who is a pelvic floor etc specialist, told me to relax, and exhale deeply. You can feel the movement and then it just plops out. Doesn't always work but does about 80% of the time.
Spelt bread is delicious made with olive oil and a good starter dough to give it some oomph. Best made by hand though with cold water, not tepid, and left to rise for a long time on both risings. A good activity for a rainy day when you're confined to barracks possibly.

Syrup of figs or caster oil

A constant problem for me.
I have found Ortisan cubes are very helpful and don't cause an over-reaction. I am very wary of Dulcolax as it can have quite drastic effects on my sluggish system.
I do wish I could get to grips with this as, especially on holiday, it does become a problem. I just seize up totally if there is a substandard public toilet or - worse still - unisex facilities!

I read on GN a while ago to soak a tablespoon of golden flax seed in water overnight and then drink it down in the morning. It certainly worked for me (after the second day) but I did end up feeling a bit bloated, so I am going to try again with a smaller amount

Have you started on medication recently? This can affect our bowel movements...

Almost every day, I suffer from incomplete evacuation of the bowels.

Nothing seems to shift it. In the end I have to use toilet paper.

I was told by a doctor that I have a weak anal muscle.

I eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, so it's not always diet to blame.

It's the bane of my life because it happens every time I go.
I sometimes have feocal incontinence because of this as well.

Sorry to be so explicit, but nice to know you are all so understanding.
Will look up rectocele.

I sometimes have problems, although not constipated. I use the natural methods as given on here like lots of water and fibre to achieve the consistency of mash rather than sausage, if you see what I mean!

In Holland & Barrett they sell tea bags called Slimatee. Of course it makes you (temporarily) loose weight because it has a mild natural laxative in. It's not particularly pleasant taste but taken before bedtime gets things moving in the morning.

Was advised by Dr.to eat cauliflower he said "cauliflower is natures toilet brush" seemed to work.

Natures toilet brush----love it!!!!

Exercise works a treat. I’ve found that if I feel a bit bunged up, going for a walk loosens up the problem area. If we look a little at history i.e. before industrialisation, many of our health problems of today didn’t exist. Unfortunately in today’s times, our lives are more sedentary and our organs get cramped in our inactive lifestyles. Try to add a little walking t your today. It will help.

Mango chunks with Greek yoghurt, two dried figs and a hearty portion of spinach works!

#feelfreetocongratulate

When is this thread going to make it to "Discussions of the day"?

I didn't know about cauliflower either. I eat loads of it so I must have squeaky clean innards.

All my grandmother used to do was take the occasional Beechams Pill (remember them?) and she lived to be 96!

I think Dee could be right about excercise. The next time I get bunged up I might have a go on the DGC's trampoline and shake the bugger out

Weetabix.

merlot

I'm told I should raise my feet with a small stool, but am currently managing the lack of vroom with a Fibrogelsachet every 3 days.

Why can't anyone spell the name of that flippin' stuff?! F Y B O G E L !

Just drink more water !!!

A bowl of high fibre cereal last thing at night makes it important to book a bathroom slot first thing in the morning.

I had a similar problem (going a bit then needing to go again a short while later). I had a colonoscopy and they found a malignant tumour in my rectum. Fortunately the cancer had not spread outside the bowel wall so was operated on and all well now. But you might want to have it checked out quickly just in case. Don't want to be alarmist or anything but better to be safe than sorry.

Try using a probiotic. The healthy bacteria works wonders for your digestive system.

I was the same angela030, now my bowels empty into a bag.

Fibogel sachets are brilliant and taste ok to.

Apologies if this has been suggested before, but I didn't have time to read all 6 pages. I've been 'constipated' since I was a small child (I remember my mother discussing it with a friend once and wondering what she was talking about) I've solved my problem thanks to an earlier Gransnet thread when someone recommended an 'Aquaflex' pelvic floor exercising device for urinary incontinence. It didn't work at all for the reason I bought it, but I found that within minutes of inserting it each morning I had to 'go' easily and comfortably, it has also completely cured the piles (I can't spell the medical word, sorry) brought on by constant straining. Honestly I can't thank the GN contributor - whoever you are - for your recommendation (about 3 years ago) you have changed my life!