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Problem with Chronic constipation
I have a history of hypothyroidism, severe endometriosis/treatment was a hysterectomy 17 years ago.I also have a hx of IBS. My thyroid hormone levels are stable. I eat like a rabbit(I poop like one too, LOL!!!!!!). I eat a large amount of fiber and drink almost every hour(nonalcholic).ONly prescription drugs I take are armour thyroid and my estrogen/prosterone troche. I make a coconut bread and I add psyllium husks,flax seed and chia seed to it. I eat it practically every am. I also eat a spinach salad for lunch daily with nuts and yogurt and eat a lean meat and veggie and more coconut bread at night. I do one cheat meal with a cheat dessert once per week. I am relatively active for my age of 60. I've been to a gastroenterologist and we have tried Linzess which didn't help at all. I take miralax, and a Super Cleanse tab one per day which has herbs to soften the stool and to stimulate the bowel and It barely works. I am at a loss. I have not tried Montegrity yet. I don't know if it will be helpful and the side effects scare me. I had a CT of my abdomen and it was ok, no obstructions. The gastroenterologist that I go to practically accused me of abusing laxatives. I would be impacted if I didnt use the miralax and the Super Cleanse. Diet/water and activity do not help. I had diarrhea from my late teens to the age of 36 when my intestines out of the blue just shut down completely. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I was put on Synthroid but the constipation didn't go away. So if there is any gastroenterologist out there that can help me, please let me know.I feel defeated and worry about my health.
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I would like to invite @tadueo, @tam1964, and @oliveoyl123 to this discussion. They have shared some of their experiences and what they tried for chronic constipation in another discussion titled, "Problem with Chronic Constipation" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/problem-with-chronic-constipation/, and may be able to share some more insights of their experience with you as well.
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6 ReactionsI'm 91 years old and have fought my lower GI for the last 3 years. One change that has made a big positive difference in my GI performance is taking my cap of Miralax first thing on getting up in the morning. That timing gives your stomach all night to digest what's in it making Miralax's job easier.
tadueo
I have been dealing with chronic constipation since childhood- unfortunately, for me it never was resolved with fiber supplements or meds. My symptoms are similar to yours- to the point where I stopped going out to dine with groups of friends because I would have to leave the table due to the amount of gas. I was even in the drug trial for Linzess, which worked while taking but didn’t have any lasting effects when you stopped. My go to solution is Australian black licorice- works within a day to relieve the constipation- but again, only a temporary fix. I have done the whole route with gastrointestinal doctor and they just want to give meds- so I prefer the licorice to that. Best of luck, hope your issue resolves.
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3 Reactionsdo you remember the exact age you were when you first experienced chronic constipation.And does your stomach also give you a weird feeling sometimes.
My earliest recall was age 5, and the reason I remember is because we were at the shore for 2 weeks and my mom kept giving me castor oil because I hadn’t had a bowel movement the whole time we were there. As far as my stomach, it just gets very hard and bloated, as an adult I have gone as long as 2-3 weeks without a bowel movement- so bad that I get to the point where I can’t urinate because I’m so blocked up. I’m 68 now, so I’m very used to this, but I sympathize with you because of how uncomfortable and embarrassing it can be.
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4 ReactionsThank you for sharing, and im sorry that you have been dealing with this for a long time.don't know if I'll be to get rid of it sooner or later but I hope It goes away somehow.
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1 ReactionAre you still taking any medication for constipation that you have found most effective ?
I would also recommend seeing a gastroenterologist. You mentioned that the constipation and excess gas came started in December and that this was something new for you. Check into being tested for SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth), particularly methane dominant version of SIBO.
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1 ReactionI got chronic constipation suddenly in summer of 2022. I had never experienced it before, except once when I drank too many protein shakes.
I’ve tried most all of the recommendations…..fiber, water, exercise, prunes, etc. I’ve also tried prescription med (Lubiprostone) worked well for 2 days and stopped. Getting ready to start Linzess. I’ve been following the instructions from my primary and gastroenterologists for over a year and that means it works and I go everyday. But, it’s not normal. If I didn’t take the Miralax, I would not go at all. Until recently, I took one glass if Metamucil AND one cap of Miralax daily. I found the Miralax works alone, so I just do that. It causes a lot of air…not gas, but air and I hate it. Plus, it’s like jello. I don’t like that either. The gastroenterologists have no idea why. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy next month, after a normal one in 2020.
I hope you can find relief. I’m so tired of dealing with it. I intend to utilize more online support. I think that is important.
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2 ReactionsI don't have bloody stools or pain and I have IBS-C. If I don't eat right, my stool is hard and it passes in dribs and drabs (or not). all day long.
Food and anxiety are my triggers.
Regarding food intolerances, read up on food intolerances and how to do a DIY test for what may bother you (if it is food).
DIY test(s) that you could try are 1. eliminate garlic and onion, big IBS offenders, which are also in many processed foods. 2. eliminate sugar, honey, agave, etc. and instead try pure stevia or pure maple syrup, but with a light hand. 3. Drop all fruit but kiwi (an amazing laxative) and papaya (ditto for some). 4. Drop meat and egg yolks and stick with egg whites and fish. 5. Eat cooked vegetables and not raw. 6. Try Lactose-free milk.
Do it all together or in stages. If you find any relief, then your situation may be caused by a food intolerance.
I could go into more details if you think you have food intolerances.
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