Constipation: What helps?

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.

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…..

Dr rajul Pannala
Mayo scottsdale
Is
The Pancrratic guru

Very knowledgeable!!!

Check Castle and Connolly. They really only list the best doctors and don't make their money from it. I can confirm that this directory should be consulted!

I switch to one with pancreas and IBS specialty. What a difference! Had a CT scan and found my pancreas is just fine but I was diagnosed with NAFLD. This requires a totally different diet that I was on with IBS and more tests are scheduled. You are so correct, you really need to find a gastroenterologist that specializes in what concerns you.

Many times, this is caused by medications or food sensitivities. WhenI have the problem, I eat sauerkraut, the brined kind. It rebalances the gut.

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.

@cjk ,
I was told to use Miralax every day as well as a glass of Metamucil, which I’ve been doing. I recently stopped the Metamucil, but the Miralax is doing the job! So far, so good. I also haven’t started on the Linzess yet. I need a full day at home to see how it’s going to impact me.

I take Relistor for opioid-induced constipation and I take Miralax every night. I still have to use a laxative every other day. It's not ideal and I don't like having to take laxatives, but it's better than the alternative.

I have the same issue. I cut out everything with bulk, like rice and gluten, and stuck to soft carbs, like potatoes. I eat soup at least one meal a day. Currently I’m on a fully liquid diet. I stopped eating processed foods because of their high salt content. I can’t eat a lot of fibre because diarrhea is more dangerous for me than constipation. Make sure you drink lots of water or Gatorade since things will just stick if there’s no fluid. I keep medication near the toilet in case I need it. Anti inflammatories, anbesol (topical painkiller) and prescription hemmroid medication. I have rubber gloves and petroleum jelly in case I need to remove stuck poop or break it up manually. I also have docusate sodium (stool softener) in case it gets so bad I can’t go. Some people think they’re constipated but it’s actually normal or they just aren’t eating much. If you only go once every couple days but it doesn’t hurt or anything, that can be normal. If your bloated and in tons of pain, your stomach is rock hard, and going feels like giving birth, and you’re pooping rock hard coals,that’s really bad constipation to the level where you might have to take measures like the ones I’ve been taking.