I have what is called colonic inertia or lack of motility of my colon. I also have the worst spastic colon, aka IBS. Now, without daily laxatives I just simply can't go for days. Even with laxatives, it might be only three times a week. My big questions is this: do you know of any actual evidence to support that backed-up stool is actually harming my body or my organs? I have yet to actually find anything leading me to believe in actual harm. I know it can be uncomfortable and make me grouchy, but is it harming my body?

Dear Sharlene,

You may have this all backwards. You think that not shitting more than 3 times a week is making you uncomfortable and grouchy. Maybe the real problem is that you are not shitting more BECAUSE you are grouchy.

Get out and do some things that make you happy. Have fun. Smile. Laugh. Feel good about yourself and quit dwelling on shit.

Not everyone shits every day. Everyone's "normal" is different. You could just be one of those that only have to go 3 times a week. Imaginary constipation is very common among people with slow digestive systems.

Unless you are experiencing difficulty with evacuation, or impactions, you should just relax and go when you feel the need, instead of trying to force a BM with the use of laxatives. Laxative abuse will do more harm to your body than your own poop hanging around for a few days.

Thanks for asking Motherload!

Motherload is Certified Nurse Assistant as well as an IBS sufferer, which means she knows a lot about poop. Got a question for her? Ask it here. [1]