How long does constipation usually last for?

How long does it take constipation to cause an obstruction?

• I've been going over a week for the past 8 weeks with 1 bm a week or week and a half. Had xrays 2 weeks ago and was told my entire colon was impacted with stool. They did an enema that didn't work and i drank a bottle of magnesium citrate. I've taken stool softeners. Eat more fiber and drink more water. Nothing is working. I have no insurance. Don't wanna go through the ER again. How close to an obstruction could I be before needing surgery or admission to a hospital? I'm always tired and bloated. I have constant mild pain in right mid to upper abdomen. I don't have a gallbladder. I had my appendix removed April 7th along with intestinal adhesions. I'm very uncomfortable. I get full quick. Some nausea but no vomitting.

• Answer:

  Well, I'd say you are well on your way to an obstruction. Has no one offered any suggestions to clean you out and why you are so constipated to begin with? Have they checked your thyroid function? I would try to get a prescription for a jug or 2 of Golytely (what is used for colonoscopy prep) Hopefully, that will clean you out, but then you have to be on some type of stool softener to keep you cleaned out.