stomach ulcers and constipation

Hello @william2478 Welcome to connect. I am not a doctor but all to familiar with your situation. I have 5 ulcers. My gastroenterologist says the constipation comes from the change in your diet or activity levels (for me) but other symptoms give more clues to the cause. My diet changed completely & my activity level decreased due to an injury to my knee. Once we adjusted the diet to what I could tolerate everything went back to normal & my activity level followed. Good luck on your upcoming appt. 🙂
Here is a great link for help with constipation http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/basics/definition/con-20032773

Hi @william2478. I echo Dawn's welcome (thanks, Dawn)!

I did a bit of research for you and found the most helpful info here: http://www.ulcerresourcecenter.com/treating-stomach-ulcers-and-constipation. Also, i've heard the aluminum in antacids can cause constipation. Are you taking antacids?

Have you started thinking about some of the questions you might want to ask your doctor at your upcoming appointments? Maybe Dawn can provide some recommendations. I'm also tagging @lovelyladyxo, @luladavis, @acres, @gfamy, @jobones94, @fatherof2, who have posted about stomach ulcers or constipation in the past and can hopefully provide some insights and support. Hope this helps!

@william2478 I would love to share a few things to think about and prepare for:
When did you begin experiencing symptoms of constipation?
Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
How severe are your symptoms?
What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
Do your symptoms include abdominal pain?
Do your symptoms include vomiting?
Have you recently lost weight without trying?
How many meals do you eat per day?
How much water and other fluids do you drink per day?
Do you see blood with your bowel movements mixed in with the stool, in the toilet water or on the toilet paper?
Do you strain with your bowel movements?
Do you have any family history of digestive problems or colon cancer?
Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?
Have you started any new medications or recently changed the dosage of your current medications?
Hope this helps you. Please let us know if you have any further questions.

hi--yes i have been taking substantial amounts of gavascon antacids,but now i will be sticking to pep-bismol and restoralax only.one concern i have is ,is it reasonably safe to use restoralax once a day for several weeks in order to keep the constipation from re-occurring?

This is an amazing set of questions to ask and things to monitor when preparing for a visit to the doctor. Thanks Dawn!

Hi william2478. You have a very good question. I however would be very leery of making any changes before your doctor has had a chance to review your symptoms and treatment options with you. Our bodies are very complex and when something isn't working quite right then it's usually a sign that something is wrong. I would try more safe ulternative methods until you see your doc. But again I am not an expert or physician but here some safe changes that do not require medication.

Increase your fiber intake. Adding fiber to your diet increases the weight of your stool and speeds its passage through your intestines. Slowly begin to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables each day. Choose whole-grain breads and cereals.

Your doctor may recommend a specific number of grams of fiber to consume each day. In general, aim for 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories in your daily diet.

A sudden increase in the amount of fiber you eat can cause bloating and gas, so start slowly and work your way up to your goal over a few weeks.

Exercise most days of the week. Physical activity increases muscle activity in your intestines. Try to fit in exercise most days of the week.
Don't ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. Take your time in the bathroom, allowing yourself enough time to have a bowel movement without distractions and without feeling rushed.

Stay well hydrated within any guidelines you may already have in place with your primary or specialist physicians..
Sur hope this helps.

No matter how much water or fiber I consumed, constipation continued. I began to eliminate foods cheese first, no change. Then I reduced coffee from 1 1/2 cups to 1/2 cup a day as I read some people have diarrhea from coffee. Usually if something gives others diarrhea, it gives me constipation, it seems. Then I discovered eliminating sugar free foods from my diet which can cause diarrhea, and drinking fruit smoothies everyday has rejuvenated my system.

Yes some times cause i have three ulcers and i cant use the bathroom

Hi, I was recently taken to the ER, due to severe stomach cramps and vomiting blood... I had a endoscope done which revealed several stomach ulcers that were bleeding... I was told there was a blockage, The ulcers caused by infection or the use of asprin which it was in my case. I can never again take anything with asprin..The Dr told me that ulcers can sometimes cause constipation depending on location.
I have learned how terrible asprin can be. I plan on getting perception medication for my headaches from now on.... good luck to you. . Merilee

Hello @merilee thanks for the respond,i think its more then the three ulcers and not being able to use the bathroom 'i have four spots on my colon doctor says nothing im going to just get a good cleaning colon liver and try and close up these ulcers thank you God bless.