It's awful, isn't it? I'm in the same postion as you. In my case, I've been extremely constipated for over 10 years due to stupid doctors over-prescribing Antibiotics . I have really bad systemic candida and I'm guessing the loss of good flora keeps things stagant. I get no peristalisis on my own. I've head a few bouts for several months at a time where I could go on my own, because of some probiotics I was on. Sadly they don't seem to help anymore and I'm back where I was. You're right- when we get chronically constipated for years, our bowel loses it's tone and does not work properly. colonics do help with that, as does adding back the good flora of course. I've heard that triphala helps restore bowel function as well-although it works very slowly. I would definately try those herbs if I were you. Unfortunately I have bowel inflammation issues, which complicate things. I've tried several brands of triphala, but some of the additives in the ones from my health food store only caused me more inflammation. I've resorted to senna tea ( smooth move ) right now as I feel it's better to just have regular bm's than let the candida beasts have a feast in there- LOL. I do enemas on occasion as well. Just don't let yourself get backed up!!! I'll try Oxypowder again when I get the funds to order another bottle. I've never had much luck with it in the past- but it works like a charm for my 6 year old. :-)

I think finding a life long way to eat that keeps you regular is the only answer. I've found whole grains, (as in the whole unsmashed, rolled or chopped) cooked as hot cereal with some dried fruits and nuts for breakfast does wonders for my bowels. I also eat miso soup with a variety of sea weed in it for breakfast along with my grains. Eating that and fruits and vegies with every meal keeps me going great. I do not drink any soda, very little dairy and have cut way back on the sugary processed treats I like so much. I firmly believe whole foods, cooked or raw, is the way to go. Have you read Journey to the Center of Your Colon? GREAT article if you haven't...