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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Thank you i'll see if I can get tested for SIBO, do you know if SIBO methane dominant is curable and does it ever recur or can it go away permanently ?
It can be treated with the low fodmap diet and antibiotics, Xifaxan and neomycin or flagyl but is a bit of a journey. It can recur but with patience and determination it can be knocked out.
I tested positive for SIBO (they said I was "off the charts" I have such a severe case). So I paid $1,900.00 for a prescription that didn't do a thing, even though I took it all as directed. Very discouraging.
I started a new medication that is helping me, Ibsrela (Tenapanor). It is helping along with 2 colace twice a day . It has a different main
ingredient than Linzess and Trulance.
Hopefully it will continue to work.
I do suffer from constipation, mostly from the opioid I take daily. I really have to prevent it due to Diverticulitis I get periodically. Fruit usually helps me and I take Slippery Elm supplement also.
I don't think I have a food intolerance, but I also don't experience pain or bloody stools , maybe I'll give it a try, thanks for suggesting.
Has pelvic floor therapy ever been recommended and has anyone tried it. I have tried every type of laxative and they work for awhile but then just quit working. I have curtailed activities because of the severe bloating. It is very frustrating. It is hard to discuss with family because the attitude seems to be I am not eating properly. I have seen a gastroenterologist but nothing seems to work for very long.
Hello! So sorry you are suffering with this! I have had many gastric issues, one being gastroparessis. I see my gastro doctor tomorrow for similar issues and severe constipation that landed me in the ER last weekend! I had surgery in October 0f 2021 for gastroparesis and I am afraid that it has recurred:( Take care and I hope they find out what's wrong soon!
I am in shock, because I forgot to take my daily Miralax yesterday…however, I still went today several times!!! I have no idea why. I didn’t eat very healthful food yesterday, like I normally do. I had a Cesar fried chicken wrap with homemade chips! I never eat that way, but did for a special occasion. I am going to refrain from taking it again today and see what happens…….praying it’ll be good.
I am sorry you had to go to the ER. I had to do that in February because of severe constipation. It is not fun to have life revolve around bowel movements!