I don't know about the rest of you or if the person who responded to my post on the network 54 board is here... but what I am about to share is going to save you a lot of time, energy, and save you from getting a headache from "straining".

Laugh if you want, the annonymous person and I have been.

Anyway......
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you really need to evacuate certain things, but can't, sit as far back on your toilet as you can (just don't sit on the back so far you are sitting on a surface of something, or you will defeat the purpose of this helpful tip.)

By doing this, you litterly "open up" and evacuation is almost imidate, no straining at all wich mean no headache from trying to go. It has worked more than one time for me.

PS. If you are still having trouble, sit firmly on the seat. This helps.

I'm not kidding. I thought I was having more gasternal inestinal (?) problems agin. It is evident I am not.

constipation can be caused by your diet, how much you drink (not alcoholic I mean!), and how much you exercise. Not being able to go on one occasion doesn't necessarily mean you have a problem.

Nat.

It comes and goes... there are days like this... and since I have a nearly two year old choclate-yellow lab. I get a lot of excersize in. I've been expiriencenting by increasing my water intake and that has helped somewhat.

I think a high fibre/high water diet is the key.

Nat.

Mmmmmm.... I used to love the fruit-n-fiber cereals..... Oatmeal is a good sourse....

Fibre is a bit like a sponge, and soaks up water, so it is necessary to keep your fluid up while increasing your fibre intake. It doesn't matter how you get your fibre - just get it! High fibre assists in preventing a number of diseases, including bowel cancer.

Nat.

Nat..
So far.. it's working beautifully.... It's just so than strange to feel so GOOD rather than in some sort of discomfort. (The fiber thing. I've been eating a LOT of cereal and wow.)

Thanks again!