Chronic constipation

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

I'm curious, as I am on Creon, and the pancreas expert told me that my pancreas looked fine (I had a ton of various exams on it). However, it simply isn't functioning, as if it stopped making enzymes, and there is no visual damage from anything such as drinking wine . I did drink several glasses a day in the Covid lock down, but am a non-smoker, and am not a heavy drinker relate to my French and Italian co-workers, an I stopped drinking immediately when told to do so. I also do not smoke. Perhaps the doctor didn't mention the visual quality of the pancreas...but he told me he had seen 70 year old alcoholics that had a pancreas that functioned better than mine, and that their pancreas had significant visual damage from drinking. It's so odd to hear that their pancreas works better than mine.

As far as the Creon goes, it does help with the diarrhea, but often results in constipation and the issues associated with that.

Hi @creondave I was diagnosed with EPI Nov.2023 because I had horrible diarrhea and it looked greasy. The tests were done & I was put on Creon. I also gastroparesis ( stomach empties way too slowly - special diet needed )I was also diagnosed with atonic bowel back in my early thirties. Many people who have it end up having repeat surgery on the blocked segment of the bowel. No way!, I have been in the hospital a few times for, it but still have all of my intestines.
After Iwas on =Creon for less than a week I became quite constpated and it took a lot to have a good poop. Dr. stopped the med. People who have history of bowel obstruction, thickening of the colon or with kidney disease shouldn’t take it but.he was monitoring me well. Then in Jan. the wicked diarrhea started again and I lost a lot of weight. Back on Creon but lower dose. No more greasy poop,gained wgt. I didn’t want and I need to keep my Miralax somewhat more than I was taking. If I feel sluggish I’m to take 2 Dulcolax ( which I hate because it makes me very crampy).
I didn’t mention - I have never drank anything stronger than a coffee and I have never smoked. My parents died from cancer and and I come from a long line of, alcoholics.
I was just to try more foods that I couldn’t eat because of my gastroparesis a nd then I get EPI. I was told that my pancreas was damaged over my life ( 78 ). If you google causes you will see that herpes infections ( cold sores ), mono, elevated Epstein Barr and many childhood diseases can cause EPI. I grew up having cold sores and then warts.
I hope I helped you.
Shaylyn4

Hi, latest drug on the market I believe is ibsrela. It’s manufactured in Waltham Ma. I tried everything for chronic constipation without success. This was the last drug and I had no success but it is the latest drug out there. I’m now waiting for the next new constipation drug to enter the market.
The company will call you after your Gastro sets it up and they actually gave me 4 months for free. I wish it had worked but I did follow many who said it did.
Best of luck