Last week I started getting constipated. At first it just began as a swelling of my anus. I told my Mom this and she figured it was hemorrhoids, so she gave me Preparation H. Although it wasn't useless, as it brought down the swelling, it definitely didn't make anything else disappear. There was a swollen thing on the top of my anus and when I touched it a clear-yellowy liquid laced with small bits of blood came out. I started to 'empty' this liquid once a day, until eventually it stopped being bloody.

My main dilemma is that after using a stool softener and having to run to the bathroom once or twice, I haven't gone, really gone, in almost 4 days. I took some Exlax at about 9;30 last night. That should work within 6-12 hours...and it's been 12 hours. Nothing.

I have been eating. I'm trying to stay toward liquids and soft foods, such as bananas, but I've eaten 3-4 major solid food meals. What is wrong with me?