Constipation: What helps?

Posted by R @roosan, Feb 15, 2024

For the past 10 years, I have had severe constipation problems. I tried many medicines, and I have gone through 3 times endoscopy but discovered nothing. From 2015 till now my constipation problem couldn't be solved. To make it worse now I'm having multiple internal haemorrhoids due to this constipation. I don't know why I'm having this constipation problem.
Many people suggested many things like changing diets, taking a lot of fibre intake, reducing stress, quit smoking. I burp a lot and do have acid reflux as well but now it is getting better. What is the best solution for my constipation?

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I haven't been following this discussion, but I'm not a doctor. Insoluble fiber (look it up, found in bread and avocados, many fruits and vegetables will help). Soluble fiber (look it up for examples) does add bulk. At least that's my understanding from my nutritionist, following a surgery that affected bowel function.
Also, I don't know if you have good insurance, but there are prescription drugs motegrity, lubuprostone, & many others --which will help to soften stool. I have insurance that covers it for now. But if you don't they are over 100$ each in the greater NY metropolitan area. Have you met with your GI doctor? Second hand information from a layperson is no reliable- Give your GI doc a call or find a good one. Just throwing a few ideas out there. Also, a bidet helps : Good luck!

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Unfortunately, I may have to postpone my upcoming colonoscopy. My screening one was no charge to me, but for the diagnostic one, I pay a percentage and it’s a hunk of money, imo. (I think they should pay, because 4 years ago when I got the screening one, the provider billed it as diagnostic by mistake and insurance refused to pay. Since provider was at fault, they didn’t bill me and just ate the cost. I notified them of their mistake, but it was too late to correct the billing with the insurance company. I tried to get the colonoscopy scheduled last year, after I had paid my max out of pocket expenses, but they had nothing available until April!

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I have been taking linzess 290 for quite sometime now they used to work wonderfully but now they seemed to have stopped working I also take a stool softener and laxative with them and my stomach growls but nothing happened I'm getting tired and plus I have hemorrhoids so that sure doesn't make it any easier what else can I try to help me use the bathroom I also take pain meds so that also doesn't help

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@tammylynn7297

I have been taking linzess 290 for quite sometime now they used to work wonderfully but now they seemed to have stopped working I also take a stool softener and laxative with them and my stomach growls but nothing happened I'm getting tired and plus I have hemorrhoids so that sure doesn't make it any easier what else can I try to help me use the bathroom I also take pain meds so that also doesn't help

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Everyone is different, but for me Miralax works, along with adequate water, veggies, fruits and whole grains. I’m not currently taking Miralax, as I’m using the bathroom just fine. Hard to believe, but my constipatiin is now intermittent.

Good luck with finding something that works.

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@celia16

Everyone is different, but for me Miralax works, along with adequate water, veggies, fruits and whole grains. I’m not currently taking Miralax, as I’m using the bathroom just fine. Hard to believe, but my constipatiin is now intermittent.

Good luck with finding something that works.

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Thank you

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In reply to @tammylynn7297 "Thank you" + (show)
@tammylynn7297

Mira lax at night, nicotine gum in a.m. Game changing.

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I take a tablespoon of lactose once in the morning and once at night. It keeps you regular. Also eating alot of green veggies helps.

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@tammylynn7297

I have been taking linzess 290 for quite sometime now they used to work wonderfully but now they seemed to have stopped working I also take a stool softener and laxative with them and my stomach growls but nothing happened I'm getting tired and plus I have hemorrhoids so that sure doesn't make it any easier what else can I try to help me use the bathroom I also take pain meds so that also doesn't help

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I've always had good results drinking senna leaf tea

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The GI dietitian gave me invaluable information. “Kiwis are the new prunes.” I eat one diced with chia pudding (1Tbs soaked in 1 once of water) and either coconut yogurt (if you’re sensitive to dairy or I use sheep’s milk yogurt) daily.
I sometimes have it as a dessert at night with other fruits added or eat it in the morning for breakfast. I also take citrate/malate magnesium every night. I titrate up or down the amount depending on how regular I’ve been. I drink lots of water and eat cooked (or fresh if you can digest them w/o getting gas). I also meditate and get exercise-even if it’s a short walk.
Linzess gave me immediate diahrrea. I don’t like being dependent on prescription meds.
This works for me along with a low stress lifestyle. If I do get stressed, I do a heart centered meditation and come out feeling like a new woman!
Hope this helps!

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@jenniferstutts

I take a tablespoon of lactose once in the morning and once at night. It keeps you regular. Also eating alot of green veggies helps.

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What brand of lactose do you use and where do you buy it?

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