Constipation: What helps you?

I’m going back to the time it happened and preparing a list of everything that occurred at that time, such as meds, diet, stress, etc.

I’m fortunate I recall the first morning I didn’t go. It was after a concert the night before. I was at a friend’s house. I had a light dinner tailgating the night before in the parking lot before the show of low carb fare, because my friend has type 2 diabetes and was taking Ozempic. (Cheese, turkey, olives, celery, etc.) Prior to that evening, my diet was normal. I’m type 1 diabetic and at that time ate normal diet. Not low carb. I had to take laxatives to go after that and it was brutal. I soon got a thrombosed hemorrhoid and that was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced. I mean severe and constant. It eventually burst in the Urgent care office. So, when I sound terrified of constipation, it’s mainly my fear of another thrombosed hemorrhoid. That has to be avoided.

Since I have type 1 diabetes, I have also considered gastroparesis, but my endocrinologist and several gastroenterologists say I don’t have that. Apparently, my muscles do work, because I do go every day, but only with the Metamucil and Miralax. I’m told neither are laxatives. So, it’s actually me that’s making it work.

That "flipping of the switch" change in your gut sounds like a dietary enzyme problem, based on my body doing the exact same thing several times (with different enzymes deficiencies).

It is a case of "all of a sudden, wham"!

It could be protein or fat enzymes (or carbs) and is easy to check by purchasing a relatively inexpensive pancreatic enzyme supplement.

I use the Pure brand Pancreatic Enzyme Formula based on the good Amazon reviews, but a few other brands of the same get good reviews too.

Dealing with protein and fat digestion is the icing on the cake for me, as my largest deficiency is in the carbohydrate area (and I take other enzymes for that).

I would try the pancreatic enzyme route (even if, like me, you don't have the symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency). Even if it helps a bit, that is something to consider and build on.

Also, I am sure you know that Type 1 Diabetes causes constipation for some. There are several studies on it, posted on the NIH website. So just Google "NIH diabetes constipation" and take a read.

Thanks for the info. I have read that my faulty pancreas that no longer produces insulin, also doesn’t produce proper digestive enzymes. So, I’ll bring that up with my doctors and try those enzymes you mention.

I’ve never heard Type 1 causes constipation, but could be. I’ve had type 1 for over 20 years and have dealt with constipation only since June 2022.

I have switched to a GI doctor that also specializes in the pancreas. Most GIs don't. I have bloodwork scheduled for late March, a CT scan of my abdomen and a special colonscopy that goes into the small intestine.

I recommend you consider a GI with a pancreas speciality.

For the past 10 years, I have had severe constipation problems. I tried many medicines, and I have gone through 3 times endoscopy but discovered nothing. From 2015 till now my constipation problem couldn't be solved. To make it worse now I'm having multiple internal haemorrhoids due to this constipation. I don't know why I'm having this constipation problem.Many people suggested many things like changing diets, taking a lot of fibre intake, reducing stress, quit smoking. I burp a lot and do have acid reflux as well but now it is getting better. What is the best solution for my constipation?

That sounds ideal. I’ll try to find one. I have to stay in my insurance network. My gastroenterologists are with the largest and well known teaching hospital in tne state. So…..

I have switched to a GI doctor that also specializes in the pancreas. Most GIs don't. I have bloodwork scheduled for late March, a CT scan of my abdomen and a special colonscopy that goes into the small intestine.

I recommend you consider a GI with a pancreas speciality.

For the past 10 years, I have had severe constipation problems. I tried many medicines, and I have gone through 3 times endoscopy but discovered nothing. From 2015 till now my constipation problem couldn't be solved. To make it worse now I'm having multiple internal haemorrhoids due to this constipation. I don't know why I'm having this constipation problem.Many people suggested many things like changing diets, taking a lot of fibre intake, reducing stress, quit smoking. I burp a lot and do have acid reflux as well but now it is getting better. What is the best solution for my constipation?

For the past 10 years, I have had severe constipation problems. I tried many medicines, and I have gone through 3 times endoscopy but discovered nothing. From 2015 till now my constipation problem couldn't be solved. To make it worse now I'm having multiple internal haemorrhoids due to this constipation. I don't know why I'm having this constipation problem.Many people suggested many things like changing diets, taking a lot of fibre intake, reducing stress, quit smoking. I burp a lot and do have acid reflux as well but now it is getting better. What is the best solution for my constipation?

My gastro told me to use myalax every other day. It is very effective and gentle. Don.t use it more often or it can make you tooo looooose. Ttnf c.j.