Chronic constipation

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!

I feel like you. I’m just not sure sure what caused it. My mom used to be the same way, but got regular a few years ago and now has no problem! So, I stay optimistic. Plus, I have bouts of regularly. I wonder if mine is stress. I’ve been under a lot. I must get that sorted soon. Will try the Senna.

Hello, Donna,
I use the 8.6 mg sennosides. Maximum dose is 8 tablets for adult. Your "torturous colon" is the same thing as my "redundant sigmoid." I could more easily accept my redundant sigmoid causing my constipation if the constipation did not start immediately after my surgery, but I suppose both the surgery and the redundant sigmoid could be giving me a double whammy... I could deal with the constipation so much better if it did not block my body from passing gas. When you can't pass gas, you are in a world of hurt with distension, bloating, abdominal/stomach pain. Really awful. Sometimes the gas traps for a couple days. That is when I supplement with Dulcolax. Best of luck to you!

Good morning Razelrosey,

I hear you about a laxative not working. Psyllium husks in what ever combo are a go to suggested by doc's but after trying that over the years they just don't work for me. I tried all kinds of laxatives and they are not consistent and have side effects like bloating, etc. All say for occasional use. They disrupt the system if taken continuously. I liked a response from a co-redundant colon person: “It’s physical” so regular constipation suggestions may not work. Don’t give up because it took me over 4 months to feel I could depend on being regular. It is worth going natural.

Disclaimer: This is only my experience going natural for chronic constipation and come to find out redundant colon. 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 he bet that I would find something that worked for me. How to keep a longer than normal pipe with consistent moisture…. My ND also said because my condition was physical, attention would be needed from now.

Dec 2023 the doc had me do non sedated colonoscopy. He went 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 take them when I go to bed and once when I get up to pee. I include prunes/prune juice, winter squash, sweet potatoes, rhubarb etc in my diet. I eat cups of steamed vegetables each day. I grind 2T chia, 1 T sesame seeds and 2 T flax seeds, then soak in prune juice overnight. I add a T of carob now since it can help regularity. Take half in the morning and half at night or all in the morning. Throw sugar out along with processed and refined foods. Look up foods and drinks that constipate and give them up. Drink lot of water starting with a quart of hot water in the morning - boy scouts. I use warmed up diluted chicken broth at times too. It is soothing to my stomach. 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.

Check out 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 constipation. 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.

Oh, letting stress go is important too - I know golly it seems there is no hope for relief but it is worth looking at diet and lifestyle changes that can help. Good luck, @farmersmith

mark1952 - try slippery elm (inner bark) powder with every meal. It provides slip. I can't believe how useful it is for me.

mark1952 Hello, I left u a previous message, but I forgot to ask u if u use the sennosides every day. Ty

My son has severe constipation as well from opioid use because of a rare painful disease called avn He was prescribed from his gi Dr a medicine called movantik. Don’t know if I spelled correctly. But it helps tremendously. Have you been to a gi Dr? Or just your pcp? Good luck to you. Hope this helps!

Every day for the last three years, unfortunately... I was doing better for a long while, but was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer and have been on a testosterone blocking med for five weeks, Orgovyx. It has made my constipation much worse. I believe I will have to stop it and take my chances with the cancer. Good luck to you!

I hope you can find a solution.

I’m so sorry to hear that.