Q:

I haven't gone to the bathroom for over a week, and I ate a lot at thanksgiving, and I still can't go. I feel like I have pressure in my abdomen, particularly the left side, but no pain, at least not yet. I haven't eaten for days because I'm scared that I could hurt my insides if I can't get anything out. I took some dulcolax about 7 or 8 hours ago but so far it has done nothing. What should I do?

 

A:

Constipation is rarely an emergency but the longer it lasts, the more uncomfortable you can get. If you have not had success with the dulcolax or with Milk of Magnesia, then there is stronger medication by prescription if necessary.

The real question is whether constipation is a routine problem for you or if this is unusual. Daily fiber intake with stool softeners may be necessary to prevent this from being an ongoing issue. We can certainly evaluate you today if necessary.

~The Doc