Originally posted by N-terst8:
The GI said that he thought it was constapation, but never had an X-ray done or anything.


xrays are for bones and calcified stuff. They may show air bubbles and stool, but it's really unspecific in your girlfriend's situation

People get worms, but I don't think they cause constipation, but rather the opposite. I could be wrong. Also, it's pretty hard to pick up worms from the normal US diet - it's usually from travel to other countries.

This sounds like constipation, as it seems like they've ruled out obstruction. Since the diet and exercise seem ok, I'm thinking a few things:
1) some sort of decrease in colon motility - could be neurologic (i.e. colon isn't getting signals from brain to move things along)
2) she could be un-potty trained. Does she ever get the urge to go? If so, does she hold it back or does she immediately sit down to go? Sometimes holding it can train the body to hold it, even when you don't want it too!
3) Some people clench their sphincter and think that they're trying to push feces out. Wierd, I know, but very possible. Biofeedback is the cure - you re-learn how to push out and how/when you're clenching the sphincter.


I hope this helps. PM me if you need some more info or want to talk about this in private.

-Derek

Derek Scion xB 5-spd Previous: 2000 Silver Frost SVT Please share the road with cyclists.