Chronic constipation

I don’t know if you’ve already tried prune juice but it was, for some reason, my last go to after 10 years of misery. Users made it sound so simple and yet I didn’t try it until recently. I was truly shocked at its efficacy. Like I said, I did a full 7 1/2 ounce can on day one and it was just like taking a laxative. It worked within about five hours and that was it. The next day, I tried the recommended 4 ounces, but it didn’t do much for me. so I do a good 7 ounces a day and it’s really doing the trick. Maybe give it a try?? I resorted to the laxatives far too often so I’m glad I found something that’s healthier and gets results. Good luck!!

Yes, I’m not sure why prune juice helped so much more than just prunes. Maybe has to do with being easier to digest??? I really have no idea, but it has been great for me. I’m only on week 2, but I’ve been so much better since I started. It’s easy to find, good for you, and inexpensive. I’m glad I was able to quit depending on laxatives for help.

Metamucil (even though I drink plenty of water) makes me so gassy that I feel like I can’t leave my home. Prune juice I have tried, but just 4 oz gives me intestinal cramping, just too uncomfortable. Miralax seems to work but I can’t seem to get on a regular schedule with it. Taking it every third day is not enough and every other day is too much. Also the Miralax doesn’t do much for motility. Is a good stool softener but I really have trouble emptying my bowel.

Shayln4, for me I use 2-3 capfuls of miralax , 1-3x day and 5 Metamucil gummies per day. Like you, I have been on all the medications. I also take 6 500mg tablets of Magnesium carbonate daily, I honestly don't know if it helps but it also supposedly helps with sleep, so I figure it can't hurt.

Hi I have had chronic constipation since I was a toddler. By the time I was 7 years old my mom was giving me mineral oil and enemas about once/week.By the time I was 35 I had tried every softener and laxative OTC. I got scared and went to see a gastroenterologist. I had tried dried fruits like prunes and apricots and then prune juice. Not only didn’t they work but the cramping was awful to the point of nausea. He tried me on Linzees which I was allergic to. Then Miralax - 2-3 scoops twice/day. Now I need to add ducolax about twice/ mo. Any suggestions?

Thanks ShelleyW. I also take 500 mg of magnesium but no carbonate ( it blocks me up - I ended up in the hospital with the tube down your nose and into the stomach ) Don’t want that again. Did your GI tell you to take that much Miralax?

I haven't tried it but will certainly, umm, give it a go. Pun intended. Thank you!!!!!

The prune juice I’m finding is $10 for about 20 ounces kind of expensive. Hope it does the trick. 😳

I also have ended up in the ER with the rib pain. I was told the same thing. The doctors never seem very helpful in this area. They diagnose it and send you on your way telling you to eat more fiber and drink more water. Like we don’t already know that??! Could you do an enema? There are several times I’ve thought of it (and I’m sure I’ll end up doing it soon). My husband has had to do them after pain meds from surgery. I have seen him get instant relief.🤷‍♀️ It sounds like you need to find something soon. I sure hope you do.❤️

Carolinlv, a side note on enemas... I used them more than I would ever want to. But, my CIC, in the past 5 years have been sooooo big, bad, near the anus, that the poop blocked the holes of the enema, so I had to resort to gloved fingers to do the digital removal of enough poop to form a hole large enough to get more poop out. Shelley