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Has anyone experienced Covid Gut? What helps?
Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 | Last Active: Feb 9 9:57am | Replies (114)Comment receiving replies
I've tried everything. GI doc said eat 6 prunes/day. Nothing. GP says eat a serving of deep greens daily and you'll be sure to go. Spinach, broccoli, kale etc. I do this naturally (love my greens). Nothing. I eat good/clean. Oatmeal, grain bread/crackers, blueberries daily, love my vegs, etc. Drink lots of water (I also have POTS). I take 6 psyllium capsules daily - that 'helps'.
Had a gastric emptying study at Hopkins 20 months ago - showed normal movement until large bowel. 0% over three days. I was fine - able to eat anything - until I got Covid in March 2020 and my gut's been a wreck since. I'm now taking Miralax daily. And it's still not the best. The only thing that has seemed to help is a medication I can't get in the US (Mebeverine - it's OTC in Europe - I had a 2-week supply and was going on my own daily when taking that for abdomen spasms).
My GI could see my esophagus spasming during my Endoscopy/Colonoscopy last May. He said it's not normal but he's seen it before. My tongue also spasms. He said that's because it's the start of your esophagus. I felt somewhat better for about 2 months post procedures - I think the cleanse helped, to your point, and possibly also the Anaesthesia. Propofol slows the activity of your brain and nervous system.
My newest worst symptom is that my stomach doesn't empty. It gets really uncomfortable, pushing into my chest and back, and stressing my diaphragm. Awaiting a plan on next steps from my GI as we speak.
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Unbelievable. There is a 290 mcg of the Linzess, do you think that would help? I wonder if taking something for your gut spasms such as Bentyl (Prescription) would help you? I was in a bad way with spasms after COVID and the Levsin (Prescription) for spasms caused blurred vision, but, the Bentyl doesn't and worked beautifully. I was checked for SIBO, an endoscopy was done, esophagus was dilated, found out I have a hiatal hernia....you know the drill on trying everything. I do not have POTS and this is just a thought, ok?
Sometimes later on due to COVID we may not respond to our meds & supplements like we did before. I wonder if your meds for POTS need tweaking and they are slowing down your gut now due to COVID. I know that sounds crazy....but, COVID does crazy things. Miralax never worked well for me...you definitely have to play with the dosage.
IBS-C and spasms is hard to treat. I'm so sorry you are battling this. It sounds like you are doing all of the right things, I mentioned Magnesium 200 mg, have you tried that with your breakfast? I can't take that at night when I take my Linzess or I have the other problem. I had to try many different things until I found the right thing.
Are you able to get any form of exercise at all? Walking outside even? This can help moves things along in the gut.
Are you on a good probiotic? I had to go on one after COVID. MegaSporebiotic is a good one but strong. You have to start slow. Due to my gut senstivity, my doctor switched me to ION Gut support. Gut issues are exhausting. I empathize. I am so hopeful and prayerful for you to get great improvement soon. God Bless You!