Hello, Celia16,
I have issues (72 yo) but none that would explain the constipation, other than the obvious of slow stool motility/transit. One gastroenterologist diagnosed it as "lazy bowel syndrome," another as "chronic idiopathic constipation" (meaning unknown cause). One issue I have that I believe contributes to the constipation is a redundant sigmoid colon, meaning that section of the colon is extra long and convoluted. It would likely have been that way from birth, usually causes no symptoms, but can be problematic in older age. I also have diverticulosus and a small hiatal hernia but unlikely they would cause the severe constipation. I should say I never had constipation before my botched hernia repair. Never took a laxative in 70 years of life. I truly believe the nerve damage to my abdomen and the muscle damage accounts for my getting dependent on laxatives because after the surgery I could not bear down for fear of popping another hernia. By the way, the Senna has been a godsend. Either 4 tablets at 10:00 am and 4 at 10:00 pm, or all 8 tablets at 10:00 pm. I have tried many times to cut back and I have become terribly blocked. Pretty scary. Colace is actually Senna with a stool softener added to it. Good luck to you!