Hi,
There can be a lots of reasons for your constipation. Water is the main cause. Please drink plenty of water. Stool softner does help, but it becomes addictive. Please do not try enema without consulting your doctor. Enema is only used for emptying GI tract before colonoscopy or operation. Herbal laxative, husk powder is very helpful. Apart from that you may have some kind of obstruction in the anus. Please consult a gastroenterologist. He may go for finger dilatation of the anus.
HI N,
Stool softeners often are not very helpful with your issue--and it does sound like you have some constipation which is possible even if you have a bowel movement every day. This type of bowel habit pattern is very common in IBS sufferers, but of course if it is new for you, always see your doctor to rule out other things;) There is something called PEG 3350, it's a laxative that does not cause dependency of the bowel and is powder you put into juice and drink every day until you have a large well formed easy to pass stool. There are also natural herbals that work well too, if you prefer a more natural route;)
are enema's only for constipation? I mean, I had diarrhea the other day, so I'm not sure that adding MORE liquid would help:( It's just like my bowels won't empty completely. But I've been actually thinking about it, and if things get worse I'll have to give it a go!!
It may sound like I'm stating the obvious, but - try taking an enema or suppository.