Hey Joe~ Well, my DH and I just got home from our Gastro check ups and just had a somewhat similar conversation w/the Dr. I sometimes feel like I should ''go'' but the stool just won't budge. Upon talking to the Dr about it, he said one of the worst things a person can do is strain.

He said when you strain, the ''canal'' bends instead of staying straight, thus preventing the stool from exiting for elimination. So, he said NEVER EVER strain to push a bowel movement out. I know, not the best topic, but gosh, it was just a couple of hrs ago that we discussed this. Hope your friend can get some useful and encouraging help from all the suggestions here. take care.


(I knew it wasn't you Joe) wink.

Benefibre is cheap ($10 for a jar that lasts WEEKS), as is trying to establish a "bowel routine". If he uses Benefibre according to the instructions for a week straight (although doubt he'll need to ), he will know if this is his "ticket".

Cherie

I have the same problem. It's not always there, but seems to happen about this time of year(every year). Right when all my other symptoms pop up.

I sometimes think of it as bowel retention. Not sure if there even is such a thing or not, but that is what it feels like.
When you have urinary retention, you have to go, but cannot.
So I think of it as bowel retention.

I think I would start with a gastro doc. (listen to me give advice when I won't go for myself. lol)

I know it can be miserable. It seems to take over my life at times.

I hope he finds a solution.

DAY