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Marvin Giles wrote: > > By the way....does anybody have an answer? I'm not afraid to ask what may be > a very silly question? How long between...I mean...should I start gulping > down prunes after two days with no activity? Marvin, Believe me, it's not a silly question! Bowel obstruction is very painful, can result in hospitalization, occasionally even surgery, with long-lasting results. You are quite right to be concerned. Your question, however, is different for everyone. Some people normally have 2 or 3 movements daily; others are equally normal and healthy and only have movements a couple of times a week. It depends somewhat on the type and amount of foods eaten, and more on the individual's own rate of peristalsis. When to be concerned? Well, ask yourself how often is normal for you. If you are accustomed to a daily movement, I'd try to continue that--or at least have a movement every 2 or 3 days. After that time, I'd use whatever system works best for you, excluding regular use of laxatives which can harm the intestinal walls. The archives contain a constipation protocol which should help. Best regards, -- Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD Editor-in-Chief, "Spotlight on Food--nutrition news for people 60-plus" Tel: 970-493-6532 Fax: 970-493-6538 http://www.fortnet.org/~fivstar You may wish to contact: Better Business Bureau of the Mountain States, < [log in to unmask]> for further information.