Severe Constipation

My doctor prescribed Linzess and when I went to my pharmacy to pick it up, the cost would have been $515.00!! I'm now back to trying other remedies.

Yes I know it's out outrageous. My pharmacy has a plan called 340B. I can get it for 60.00bbut it's 2 months worth. I hope you find something cheaper or s plan. I have some examples of a stress incontinence meds. The price for them are going to be 800 - 1000. I won't be getting them 😉

Thanks so much for letting me know about the plan 340B. I've never heard of it, but will ask our pharmacist if he has that one or a similar plan.

Yes! I've researched many home remedies, so far, Im taking strong mixed herbal teas. Maybe not everyday but IT comes, IT comes....

All the IBS meds are so expensive and I don’t think they really help. I tried a few. Could you please tell me about 340B. I never heard of it. Thank you.

An idea I had helps me although not perfectly. Since I learned I have a redundant colon last Dec 2023 I understand why I have had a lifetime of trouble with constipation. I don't do meds because for me best not to. Besides all the constipation meds including natural seem to say "for occasional constipation and not to use more than a week." Of course we can go beyond that if directed by a doctor. To bring osmotic gradient balance (optimal concentrations of electrolytes and non-electrolytes are maintained in cells, body tissues, and in interstitial fluid) I use a combo of Magnesium + Potassium + a bit of salt in the middle of the night along with lots of water during the day to try to keep my longer than usual pipe moist all the way. I start the day with a quart of warm water + prunes and cooked left over squash or sweet potatoes. If I don't have a bowel movement I drink coffee first thing in the morning (I'm not a coffee drinker) With the above natural program I get along most of the time but can resort to smooth move without using any medications daily. This has worked for me for a few months so we will see if I can count on it long term. I also don't drink, smoke and avoid processed foods and grow much of my organic produce and fruits. As you all know the more relaxed we can be the better too, yeah right carrying around this extra pipe.

Beets, @farmersmith

Thanks Farmer! What type of magnesium do you take and how much? Thank you! Joe

Yes, I do. As directed by my GI doc I take Miralax at night and Citrucel in the morning. They do not help so after 3 days I take a Ducalax and it works.

I was prescribed Relistor for OIC. With insurance, the cost was over $500/month. My prescriber had me send in my social security proof of income, and I got a one year prescription for free. So check with your Dr's office on expensive meds w no generics. Very helpful if you're retired or otherwise dependent on a fixed income.

Thanks PhillyGirl. Yeah I take Miralax every night, exercise every day, eat plenty of fiber and fruit, and take Motegrity and Relistor. I still have to use Dulcolax every two days or so. I've read that this is overuse of Dulcolax. Maybe that's right, but it's still working.......