Brief Answer: Aviod use of laxatives Detailed Answer: Hi, I appreciate your concern. You seem to be suffering from chronic constipation. I would advice you to avoid the use of laxatives on regular basis, since they are habit forming. For your constipation , kindly take diet rich in fiber. Take lots of salads, fruits,cereals and vegetables. Increase amount of fluid intake and maintain good hydration.Take atleast 8 glasses of water daily.Even brisk walking may help to stimulate bowel motility. In case lifestyle and dietary modifications does not help, you can try taking bulk forming agents(fibers) containing Psyllium etc., which are easily available over the counter.It can taken with water and you can gradually increase the dosage.They do not work rapidly and must be taken on a regular basis. For your pain abdomen , try taking oral analgesic with antispasmodic. In case pain persists or worsens ,then you might need evaluation for same In case there is no improvement or you have associated symptoms like pain abdomen, weight loss, fever, abdominal distension, bleeding in stools,recent change in weight etc., then kindly contact your treating physician,who can do a detailed general physical examination and get appropiate investigations. Hope it helps. Dr. Kavita Paul

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Brief Answer: Black stools can be due to GIT blood loss Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your complete history. Black coloured stools can be Malena .It refers to the black, "tarry" faeces that are associated with gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The black color is caused by the hemoglobin in the blood being altered by digestive chemicals and intestinal bacteria. Iron supplements may cause a grayish-black stool,but the stool is usually hard or of normal consistency. In case you have episodes of black tarry ,foul smelling stools, it might suggest that you are having bleed in your gut.Common causes of malena are peptic ulcer disease,drugs like anticoagulants or any malignancy. I would advice that you fix an appointment with your treating physician, who could better judge you , as he can do a physical examination or a rectal examination and could arrange for investigation like Colonoscopy ,if required. Meanwhile monitor your blood sugar levels and watch your stool colour regularly.Watch for anemia(low hemoglobin).Continue to take high fiber diet like salads. Hope it helps Dr. Kavita Paul

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