[shirlpax]

I never seem to have a good bowel movement, but about every 3-4 weeks. My stomach starts cramping horribly and I have a really large bowel movement that ends in very loose stool. For about a day afterward, I'll have occasional cramping with loose stools. This seems to be some sort of cycle. Any experts out there who might know what causes this?

[tickle]

Are you stating that you only have a bowel movement every 3 to 4 weeks, or only have this particular symptom every 3 to 4 weeks? It really isn't necessary to eliminate every day as usually believed. So some get upset and think there is something wrong if they don't eliminate every morning, or so. 4 or 5 times a week should be normal.

Consistency of stool should be like a cow flap, if you have ever seen cow feces in a field.

If you are only going every 3 to 4 weeks then I would seriously think of visiting your doctor for a proctology referral.

Tick

[J_9]

Is this new for you or have you always been like this? How old are you? Are you on any medications?

[shirlpax]

I'm 61 and have had digestive problems since my teens. They've just continued to get worse over the years. The current problem has been going on for 6-7 months.

[shirlpax]

I have a BM daily, though I have to strain to get it started. I eat activia with xtra fiber daily to try to keep things moving.

[J_9]

Have you tried MiraLax?