Hi everyone, Just wondering how those of you with the constipation variety of IBS deal? Is there a stool softener or other over-the-counter remedy you take. Any particular details?

In the past I have used "alternative" remedies like aloe capsules (Cape Aloe was the best), Cholachol pills (from a company called Standard Process) they are made of a beet extract and bovine bile; sometimes known as "salts"). These both worked very well.

I also used as late as last year the "Bowel" remedy from a company called Raintree Nutrition. The herbs come from the rainforest (they have a pretty and informative site).

Note that I said "worked" on these. These did indeed work until around one year ago. Now I'm more stopped-up than ever.

The only thing that really helps is getting regular colonics and/or doing enemas at home. Thank heaven these are available and workable. I'm hoping my hard times this year are temporary. But, you never know.

Wow, I look back to the good old days when just the thought of a cup of coffee in the morning was enough for a normal day!

BTW, I have no idea if my trouble is physical or psychological. Medical docs have found nothing abnormal in me. And I am dealing with anxiety so well that it really is a thing of the past (learning how to tell it to go away does the trick; it just takes time to get to where you can do it). ALSO there is less for me to be anxious about just now. AND I'm older and wiser.

I think that about covers it. I think I'll go get the enema bag ready now (all I need is about a pint or so of coffee to get things started -- it's so weird. It's like I have a cork factory! LOL! If it takes that little to get me going I'm sure there must eventually be an easier way. But just what is it?)

Thanks, everyone.