Mostly, try to go for walks, even short ones, take probiotics, and add fiber to your diet, and talk with your doctor about this. I had severe constipation with long covid (LC) last year (gone now). Covid causes inflammation, so your immune system ramps up and can also nail your GI tract and contained "friendly" bacteria. It can also cause food intolerances in some people (keep a food log in case you now have things you can't eat). I drink kombucha to repopulate my GI tract (I have celiac so wonky system anyway). If I get glutened, I get constipation. Probiotics are also in probiotic supplements, yogurt, kimchi, and others. With LC, I went for a walk every day and had a coffee in the morning (caffeine can stimulate the GI tract). Increasing dietary fiber helps because the soluble and insoluble fiber in psyllium husk (active ingredient in Metamucil) both feed the bacteria in your intestines, and add bulk to move things along. Keep hydrated; your body will take water out of your GI tract if you aren't drinking enough. I have hypothyroidism, and having my doctor slightly increase my Synthroid improved my GI metabolism (more energy). If the constipation doesn't abate with walks, fiber, hydration, and probiotics, try a FODMAP or elimination diet just to see if you are also getting nailed by new food intolerances.
The above, all good tips for sluggish bowel. After Covid, none of it works for me. I struggle mightily now to move my bowel at all without laxative, which I never used before Covid, not wanting to strip my bowel of good biome. I find it’s a whole new ballgame getting relief after Covid. I use laxatives, enemas, and suppositories, and still feel my bowel never completely evacuates. Also as suggested, I walk, eat well, drink plenty of water, and try, try, try, to keep things moving.
It’s just one more way Covid has wrecked me.
Bananas are my go-to, one in the morning & one at bedtime. If they're ripening too fast, cut them in half and freeze them. They great as a cold treat (I crave cold things) and nothing goes to waste.
When I am very uncomfortable I give myself one of those Fleet liquid glycerin suppositories. I am big on using IBgard. It is a peppermint oil capsule that passes through the stomach and provides relieve in the small intestine. I noticed the difference the following day. It is over the counter.
Constipation has been a frustrating and uncomfortable long-lasting symptom of long COVID for me- over 2 years. I find the Fleet’s glycerin suppositories give relief without causing any distress. Stool softeners and added fiber (I consume more fiber than seems humanly possible) do absolutely nothing for me. My 92 year old mom tells me to drink prune juice but it doesn’t work for me!
It’s a complicated constipation.
I just figure it will be another chronic malady to live with for the rest of my days. In the scheme of things- uncomfortable but not tragic.
Good luck, everyone!
It wasn't really a problem after my initial infection in November 2022. I either caught it again or had a major relapse in May 2-24 and since then it's been absolutely awful. I was taking Senna but I saw the MD from the post covid clinic for the first time last week and he recommended Miralax. So far so good, but I wonder if I'm actually absorbing any of the food I eat. My gut and appetite are not very good now.
Glad you got some relief I finally did too. Didnt know there were post covid clinics will definitely look into that. Hope you soon experience a full recovery!
The above, all good tips for sluggish bowel. After Covid, none of it works for me. I struggle mightily now to move my bowel at all without laxative, which I never used before Covid, not wanting to strip my bowel of good biome. I find it’s a whole new ballgame getting relief after Covid. I use laxatives, enemas, and suppositories, and still feel my bowel never completely evacuates. Also as suggested, I walk, eat well, drink plenty of water, and try, try, try, to keep things moving.
It’s just one more way Covid has wrecked me.
@dloos
Sorry to hear about your bowel issues. At one time we all suffered in silence.
Now that I’m 80 I’m “free at last”.
After surgery my constipation was so acute I ended up in the emergency room.
My Dr prescribed MetaMucil (I use gummies) and MiraLax daily, now I’m a “regular guy”!
Hope you find what works for you.
Blessings.
I find Melilax great for constipation. I think these are only sold in Europe. I order from a pharmacy that ships to US (Naturitas). Main ingredient honey. Very gentle and immediately effective.
Was having issues in that arena as well. My saving grace was applying castor oil to my stomach every night before bed, mostly in my naval, but over my abdomen as well. I think there are mixed opinions on this and some doctors say it’s just TikTok science, but I’ve gotten back to a regular routine, so for now will continue my evening ritual.
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Mostly, try to go for walks, even short ones, take probiotics, and add fiber to your diet, and talk with your doctor about this. I had severe constipation with long covid (LC) last year (gone now). Covid causes inflammation, so your immune system ramps up and can also nail your GI tract and contained "friendly" bacteria. It can also cause food intolerances in some people (keep a food log in case you now have things you can't eat). I drink kombucha to repopulate my GI tract (I have celiac so wonky system anyway). If I get glutened, I get constipation. Probiotics are also in probiotic supplements, yogurt, kimchi, and others. With LC, I went for a walk every day and had a coffee in the morning (caffeine can stimulate the GI tract). Increasing dietary fiber helps because the soluble and insoluble fiber in psyllium husk (active ingredient in Metamucil) both feed the bacteria in your intestines, and add bulk to move things along. Keep hydrated; your body will take water out of your GI tract if you aren't drinking enough. I have hypothyroidism, and having my doctor slightly increase my Synthroid improved my GI metabolism (more energy). If the constipation doesn't abate with walks, fiber, hydration, and probiotics, try a FODMAP or elimination diet just to see if you are also getting nailed by new food intolerances.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsThe above, all good tips for sluggish bowel. After Covid, none of it works for me. I struggle mightily now to move my bowel at all without laxative, which I never used before Covid, not wanting to strip my bowel of good biome. I find it’s a whole new ballgame getting relief after Covid. I use laxatives, enemas, and suppositories, and still feel my bowel never completely evacuates. Also as suggested, I walk, eat well, drink plenty of water, and try, try, try, to keep things moving.
It’s just one more way Covid has wrecked me.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsBananas are my go-to, one in the morning & one at bedtime. If they're ripening too fast, cut them in half and freeze them. They great as a cold treat (I crave cold things) and nothing goes to waste.
When I am very uncomfortable I give myself one of those Fleet liquid glycerin suppositories. I am big on using IBgard. It is a peppermint oil capsule that passes through the stomach and provides relieve in the small intestine. I noticed the difference the following day. It is over the counter.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionConstipation has been a frustrating and uncomfortable long-lasting symptom of long COVID for me- over 2 years. I find the Fleet’s glycerin suppositories give relief without causing any distress. Stool softeners and added fiber (I consume more fiber than seems humanly possible) do absolutely nothing for me. My 92 year old mom tells me to drink prune juice but it doesn’t work for me!
It’s a complicated constipation.
I just figure it will be another chronic malady to live with for the rest of my days. In the scheme of things- uncomfortable but not tragic.
Good luck, everyone!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsIt wasn't really a problem after my initial infection in November 2022. I either caught it again or had a major relapse in May 2-24 and since then it's been absolutely awful. I was taking Senna but I saw the MD from the post covid clinic for the first time last week and he recommended Miralax. So far so good, but I wonder if I'm actually absorbing any of the food I eat. My gut and appetite are not very good now.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsGlad you got some relief I finally did too. Didnt know there were post covid clinics will definitely look into that. Hope you soon experience a full recovery!
@dloos
Sorry to hear about your bowel issues. At one time we all suffered in silence.
Now that I’m 80 I’m “free at last”.
After surgery my constipation was so acute I ended up in the emergency room.
My Dr prescribed MetaMucil (I use gummies) and MiraLax daily, now I’m a “regular guy”!
Hope you find what works for you.
Blessings.
I find Melilax great for constipation. I think these are only sold in Europe. I order from a pharmacy that ships to US (Naturitas). Main ingredient honey. Very gentle and immediately effective.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionWas having issues in that arena as well. My saving grace was applying castor oil to my stomach every night before bed, mostly in my naval, but over my abdomen as well. I think there are mixed opinions on this and some doctors say it’s just TikTok science, but I’ve gotten back to a regular routine, so for now will continue my evening ritual.