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I am a 68 year old female of normal weight, active and w/o new health issues. In January my bowel movements changed overnight; there has been no change in diet or hydration, activity level, meds (only Rx is beta blocker for a PSVT that appeared 3 years ago). I went from having normal looking stools to passing small “stones” (Bristol scale image 1). I went to see gastroenterologist who said, “Let’s start with colonoscopy.” That sounded reasonable as it was almost ten years since the last one which was 100% normal. Well, so was this one. I am almost two weeks past thar test, and my stools went right back to small stones. I poop on a regular time schedule, and there is no-strain to pass the stools. I am scheduling a follow up with the same doctor, but I am curious if any one has lived through this. Probiotics change nothing. Thank you.
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Had a recent test for C Diff, negative thank goodness. However very constipated. Have not gone for about 5 days. Tried every trick in the books, fiber drinks, stool softeners, prune juice, fleet enema and lots of water. No action yet. Any advice? This is unusual for me. I usually move along at a somewhat erratic pace but I do go. But not now.
Hi there,
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I have been constipated since I was a small child (I remember my dear Mother running after me with the ..enema bag..ohh!!) Now I'm 71..On Dec 19 2019 I took a 500 mg Levoquin.. usually take 250 and it blew a hemorrhage in my stomach..and it's been a real roller coaster since then..Diagnosed with scurvy due to malnutrition , I got down to 98 lbs and one thing after another. pancreas elastase was under 200 and they put me on "pig pills" .. could only take 5 and had to quit . told them retest.. it was normal..and this year came back at 800.. (GI says would you rather it be low last visit..had gall bladder out.. diagnoses with pyloric stenosis, hiatal hernia and gastritis..had my SCL-70 tested 2 years ago and it was above normal and continued to rise but falling now.. rheumatologist is a devout Believer and he cried.. (I thought this is bad..) but he says it's a miracle .. you don't have scleroderma..he prayed with me!! Then the tortuous colon diagnosis.. last fall.. was sched to see surgeon on Oct 30 .. but God .. I started going to the bathroom Oct 15th.. 3 times a day!! The surgeon said ..I don't know what you're doing.. BI biofeedback or what .. but it's working.. I told him The Word works!! Now I am too heavy..158 lbs 5'5.. but I take Trulance..and Miralax and claim my healing.. it's still a ways to go.. after 16 trips to ER and 3 hospital stays in 3 years..I had tried Linzess and Amtisia to no avail.. just getting over a 3 week course of 2 antibiotics for colitis and ecoli.. which made me so sick diarrhea and then constipated.. oh the dreaded constipation!! 7 days of miralaxing ..doctor out of town for a week.. but God!! Turned the "poop" back on ..I use Nahum 1:9"what do ye imagine against the LORD? HE will make an utter end : affliction shall not rise up a second time (KjV) ..have tried about 5 gastros..and looking for a different one.. people don't understand how awful digestive issues are..I also take VSL3 probiotics.. and careful what to eat.. my heart breaks when I hear of everyone's problems.. so soo much more serious than mine.. I am praying for all of you!! Jesus please heal them all!!
I need to say this so that there is a better understanding of what people are talking about here. This discussion is not about normal constipation that can be alleviated with a laxative, or more fiber, or whatever. This is a serious problem that the alleged doctors don't seem to have a clue as to how to treat. They all go through the same routine of trying this, trying that. Actually, nothing works. THEN WHAT?
Enter pelvic floor. We are advised to go for pelvic floor therapy... Useless! THEN WHAT?
Here I am. It takes me 3 hours to complete a bowel movement. I'm always uncomfortable, and the alleged doctor says, I'll see you in three weeks. THEN WHAT?
As a non-medical person, it would seem that chronic constipation may be a symptom of something else not working correctly. In other words, there may be a reason the GI doc cannot figure it out. Maybe another type of specialist is the key? What else can constipation be a symptom of? (Rhetoric question, but I bet Dr. Google has tapped out on that.)
Oh my dear!!! That is beyond horrible!! As of now.. all I can think of is 2 things .. try a different gastro.. and pray!! I will be praying for you!! Big hugs!!And prayers!!
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I’m currently having this new issue & have an appt with Gastric doc at end of month. I believe thyroid can also cause this. I’m waiting to see. My primary told me to start MiraLAX as it isn’t an issue to use regularly.
I have been to multiple Gastos. My experience: A colonoscopy, an assortment of pills, try this, try this, try this. They have no clue!
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It’s difficult to say what works. So, I believe there may be many options. This past Thursday was good for me. I did nothing special for my diet or exercise. But, I had a completely normal BM. I was shocked! So happy! Of course, nothing since then. Sigh.