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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Constipation Associated With Hard Stools?

ok, this is quite embarassing, but something I ve experienced my whole life. Constipation. But here lately, as I have realized later in life that I need to have more regularity/fiber, I ve tried just about everything. Now I am several medications, Vyvanse I ve been taking for almost a year, Levothyroxine for about 2 years & now Fosamax, which I just decided to quit taking due to side effects. But within the last month or two I ve noticed that my stool first comes out very hard and the last part is not as hard or soft - all in the same stool. I ve had to resort to having plastic knives in the (work) bathroom to literally cut the very first section/hard part of the stool so as not to stop up the commode or it surely will flood the commode. This can t be healthy and am wondering why the severe difference in one bathroom visit. I also take vitamins & supplements as well, stay away from wheat as it always stops me up & also stay away from sugar, as it is not conducive to health & well being.
Thu, 12 Feb 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and thanks for your question. The longer stool stays in the colon the more water is removed from it so the first part of a bowel movement has been in the colon longer and it is often harder than the later part of the same movement. Here are some suggestions to try and help with this uncomfortable problem. Drink at least 80 oz of water daily. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Add a fiber supplement like psyllium daily and go up on the dose every two weeks until you have soft stools. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid processed foods. Exercise is also crucial to having regular stool so try to walk for 30 minute every day. You can also try drinking a glass of prune juice daily.
Good luck in solving this problem.
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What Causes Constipation Associated With Hard Stools?

Hello and thanks for your question. The longer stool stays in the colon the more water is removed from it so the first part of a bowel movement has been in the colon longer and it is often harder than the later part of the same movement. Here are some suggestions to try and help with this uncomfortable problem. Drink at least 80 oz of water daily. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Add a fiber supplement like psyllium daily and go up on the dose every two weeks until you have soft stools. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid processed foods. Exercise is also crucial to having regular stool so try to walk for 30 minute every day. You can also try drinking a glass of prune juice daily. Good luck in solving this problem.