Constipation: What helps you?

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.

I did. My experience was very similar. Right now, I’m doing really well. I’m off daily miralax. But, I never know when it will return. I’m scheduled for a SIBO test soon. I tried all kinds of remedies, prescription meds, etc. not much helped, except daily miralax that gets old…..my body returned to almost normal on its own….no idea why. I have been under gastroenterologists care for several years. I eat right, focus on veggies and fruits, exercise, sufficient water….but I don’t think that is my problem. Not sure what caused it. It’s frustrating.

Good luck to you in finding relief.

do not understand why no one is talking about Linzess? I have just been subscribed that as a solution to my chronic constipation after SBO, diverticulitis, 3 bouts of CdIff, and utter misery over the last 8 months. Now I am too scared to take it!

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.

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.

do not understand why no one is talking about Linzess? I have just been subscribed that as a solution to my chronic constipation after SBO, diverticulitis, 3 bouts of CdIff, and utter misery over the last 8 months. Now I am too scared to take it!

I was prescribed Linzess first for my chronic idiopathic constipation and it did nothing for me but before the insurance cartel allows your doctor to prescribe something else you have to take it for six months. So after that bit of hoop-jumping I finally was prescribed Motegrity and Trulance. I take both every day and they work, along with a bidet which I highly recommend, and occasional use of Miralax. I wish you the best in getting something that works for you. It’s a long and winding road.

IBSC is the pits! I’ve had it for at least 50 years and it’s no picnic! The only regime that I have is morales in my morning coffee. Then, I need at least 1hr. on the potty to get relief. This usually works. For me, it’s a “mind game!” My brain wants to control my movements. I also go to an acupuncturist and as corny as it sounds, he gives me some needles for constipation. My protocol is not perfect but I can lead a fairly normal life. Good luck to you!!

Hi,
I have been on linzess, amitiza and now Motegrity. I also see a pelvic floor therapist. I still have overflow diarrhea from constipation and am waiting to see a motility specialist. How did you get your doctor to prescribe both medication for you?

Thank you.
Lisa

My gastroenterologist saw that one alone wasn’t working so he prescribed both. I had an anal manometry in February performed by a colorectal surgeon to test for pelvic floor dysfunction but I don’t have the results yet.