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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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Sorry auto corrected the medicine is called Linzess.
I would ask for samples before the put in a prescription to make sure it works for you.
Mineral oil is sold in the laxative aisle of drug stores. I think it works overnight. Take it at night, No taste (that is cod liver oil). Experiment with any quantity, including under the recommended dose. Works for lots of people!
(Some mineral oil is for handiwork, not for ingestion, so stick to the laxative aisle.)
I was given Linzess samples for chronic constipation and it didn't work for me. I even tried 2 different strengths of it. It made me more constipated. It's very expensive, too. Some insurances don't even cover it.
Thanks, don't give up our bodies have lots of ways to heal and cope,
@farmersmith
Right on thanks for the hug, don't give up our bodies have lots of ways to heal. Hugs count too as you know!
@farmersmith
I can recommend a home remedy for constipation that my mom always gave me. I'm 78 and still use it. It's natural but may be a little harsh. It's a teaspoon or more, if needed, of baking soda (the kind you cook with – Arm and Hammer) dissolved in a glass of water. Drink the whole glass. You may want to squeeze a little lemon juice in it to make it taste better. It tastes awful, but it works. Stay near the bathroom. It works fairly fast. By the way, this also helps get rid of gas and bloating. After it works, try and drink a lot of water to keep from being dehydrated.
Eating certain foods also helps such as prunes, fruit, nuts etc. But you probably already know that.
I hope this helps you.
PML
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1 ReactionHave you tried prune juice three times a day? Or an enema. I have dealt with constipation over the years. And when nothing else works I use a saline enema. Works every time. Thank God. Good luck. Let me know how you make out. 😊😊😊😊😊
Hi @razelrosey,
Disclaimer: This is only my experience going natural. I have used organic, integrative, functional, holistic Naturopathic doctor's advice along with my MD’s since the early 1980's. There is science in alternatives too. Because I work closely with my ND, he told me to study the Migrating Motor Complex and Osmotic Gradient and bet that I would find what worked for me. I had a longer thank normal pipe that needed consistent moisture….
I have tried laxatives and they are not consistent and have side effects like bloating, etc. And all say for occasional use. They disrupt the system if take continuously. I liked a response from a co-redundant colon person: “It’s physical” so regular constipation suggestions may not work.
Last Dec the doc had me do non sedated colonoscopy. He could get through my colon as I watched on TV. I had had a baby years ago (natural and could stand pain) so figured I could stand it – it was no big deal. Most people in world don't get put out. Very interesting and it helped allow the scope to get through because I relaxed. No wonder I had been constipation on and off starting in my teens. I’m now in my early 70’s.
OptiMag and K2+ Potassium are great supps. I often take them when I go to bed and once if I get up to pee. Be sure to include prunes, winter squash, sweet potatoes, rhubarb etc in your diet. I like to grind 2T chia, T of sesame seeds and 2 T flax seeds, then soak in prune juice overnight. Take half in the morning and half at night. Throw sugar out, processed and refined foods and drink lot of water starting with a quart of hot water in the morning - Boy Scouts. Coffee and Smooth Move are my back ups. I don't like coffee and never have drunk it much but it usually works for me in a pinch. Thankfully I only need coffee a few times a month.
Helpful research of biological processes that take place in our gut:
- Migrating Motor complex which is the electroactivity in the GI tract during meals and fasting
- Osmotic gradient. If too much water is pulled into the colon, diarrhea results. If not enough water is pulled into the colon constipation results. Balance of minerals is important. Magnesium, potassium and sodium brings water into the colon. I have found balancing these help prevent constipated. I have to watch my calcium intake because it tends to encourage constipation. Calcium carbonate seems to be the most constipating. I depend on blood work from time to time to make sure my minerals are balanced.
Good luck, @farmersmith
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6 ReactionsI agree with you... but I think my body and mind are sooo pissed at me for putting them through 2 recreational accidents 19 years ago, that they are not willing to help me heal anymore. One very terrific PT told me that our brain's #1 task is to keep our body alive and as safe from harm as possible. I promise my brain, every day in meditation that I promise to keep me safe....but I don't think my brain believes me. It just keeps punishing me with new problems.
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1 ReactionHello.
I have had constipation issues for years. Had a rectocele and cystocele in 2017. Developed an issue with the rectocele - the dr. called it a pocket. Had to push hard to have BM. Was taking 2 MAGO7 colo cleanse for probably 5 or 6 yrs. It always worked.
In April 2024 I had a colonoscopy which showed that I have a redundant colon. Since the colonoscopy things seem to have gotten worse. Eurogyn gave pessary to keep the colon bulge from pushing on vagina. Stopped Mag O 7 Colon cleanse- it harsh. Started Mira Lax. Was working but going too many times. Took less, became totally constipated for days. Used citrate.
Started Miralax again. had 4 days of malaise, foggy brain, sweating, confusion. Saw this. could be side affects of Miralax. (was drinking water ). Could I have dehydration even though I drank water? maybe not enough? Is there some laxative better for redundant colon?
kfahy1212@yahoo.com