Sorry to hear of your loss and unable to fly as well...
Refchronic constipation..
It does not necessarily mean you need more fibre. There are some of us that actually need low fibre...
Personally, I would try both for a fortnight each.
I would also speak to your doctor. I too had chronic constipation and paid to see a private gastroenterologist 5 years ago who put me on nhs for investigations. Slow colonic transit was my cause to the constipation, although I have other probs too.
This needs opposite to high fibre- for me its no bread, no pasta, no rice. Only mushy food. No peas, or any beans at all.no to atos or onions either.
I would certainly talk to GP and just ask if they could look in to and mention slow colonic transit and a shapes test.
There is a difference between laxitives. I can only take dulcolax sugar free liquid. I was also given lubiprostone for a year. (Only meant to be given it for 2 weeks and needs to be prescibed by a consultant in England). Other than that only pucolax is effective by horrible or horrible large phosphate enemas.
If you take any painkillers these could also slow processing down.
I personally wpuld say that drinking more doesnt necessarily help-it depends whats happening in your colon. Its your colon speed that determines a lot. Food can make a big difference.
There is one specific probiotic my Prof Oncologist recommended apart from Keffir. He said dont waste your money on any others..
Naturally wise there is senna leaves, and not eating foods with skin on or leafy foods like lettuce or cabbage.. these too can slow down.
I think you need to find out if your colon does better with low fibre or high fibre but also speak to GP.