heheheh I read tons and pester experts with tons of questions. :) Unfortunately I've been ill several times with no help from standard allopathic medicine and had to do a lot of research/experimentation to get well. And I've always been interested in health anyway. Runs in my family. :)
very hard/compacted stools means they're moving very slowly and not enough water. Try drinking a VERY large glass with your fiber, and even follow it with another.