Colon Resection for Diverticulitis and Chronic Constipation

Thank you so much for this!! I’m so glad I found this forum. So much helpful information and I appreciate it more than you know!!

I hope I am posting to the right place here. I just don’t know what to do anymore. Small bowel obstruction in August 24, four bouts of CDF since then being unable to poop usually go up to a week without being able to have a bowel movement.must’ve told 10 doctors and asked for help. All say stool softeners and Miralax and it does not help. Finally saw a new GI doc yesterday who has prescribed Linzess for me. I am now afraid to take it and wondering why no doc had prescribed it before for me. Anyone had experience with this drug. Thank you.

Hello @has319,

I see that you are considering taking Linzess. We have many members on Connect who have discussed taking this medication. Here is a link to posts where members have mentioned using Linzees, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=linzess
In addition, here is a link to the manufacturer's website discussing Linzees, https://www.linzess.com/

I was prescribed this medication but did not get it filled due to the cost. It is quite expensive, and my prescription coverage had a very high copay.

You mentioned that you have had bouts of CDF. Are you referring to C-diff infections or something else?

Thank you for your response. I have read up the information Linzess and it seems quite reasonable. I just can’t understand with reading a lot of messages about people and constipation that no one has mentioned it before. So that’s got me a little scared with my history of taking it.

@has319,
If you do begin taking Linzess, I would like to know how it works for you. Will you post with any updates?

okay, took my first Linzess this morning at 9 am. Had my first bowel movement for seven days around 115 today, small BM but well formed. Still feel very clogged up had a minor stomach gurgling throughout the morning but I’m gonna take another tomorrow see what happens.

Sorry you are suffering from this chronic constipation. I have had chronic constipation for over 30 years. My G.I. doc told me a glass of warm prune juice every day and also one very ripe banana. I have also added Metamucil to my diet. I take MiraLAX about every third day. Things aren’t perfect but tolerable. you could also add ground flaxseed if you eat cold or hot cereal, or even sprinkle it on your garden salad. I make my own oatmeal waffles and put ground flaxseed in them. If you have not tasted flaxseed before, it has a pleasant nutty taste. Hope this information helps you. I can certainly sympathize with you.

Try miralax in your morning coffee. It’s been a lifesaver for me. Good luck!

Hi: I gave up on many docs who said Miralax (gave me incontinence) and 64 oz of water. Got tired of "fiber". I got Linzess which worked for me except I had terrible achyness all over and I have rheum. arthritis and had to quit it. Maybe the side effects are why other docs didn't give it to you. Try it. It might just work for you and anything helps to defeat constipation.

thank you for that information. I too have psoriatic arthritis so I’ll be on the lookout for how that goes. Just took my second tablet this morning. It’s just a wait-and-see game isn’t it? Really?