IBS challenges

I had a similar experience with laxatives, struggled for years with constipation and tried all the healthier options but usually I ended up with bloating and gas, eventually I started using laxatives. I knew it wasn’t good to depend on them but desperate people do desperate things, however I don’t have this issue anymore and I owe it all to an apple a day, honestly it worked better than the laxatives I tried.

I'm glad that worked for you. It sounds way too easy. How old are you? I did the apple thing in my early twenties and it worked. Now, with 77 coming up.
Just be honest with everything. That's really important here.

I tried every thing and take one Trulance in the morning and a cap of MiraLAX in the evening.. also one VSL3 Probiotic.. drink 2 Vanilla Plant based Ensures a day (5mg fiber each) and eat one Thomas Multigrain English muffin a day. 8 mg fiber..no sucralose.. they whole wheat has sucralose.. a good gut bacteria killer.. and am going several times a day I hope this helps..prayers!!

@qaaz, I’m 74 and I am not kidding, I started eating an apple every evening after dinner and it relieved my constipation, I feel truly blessed because I remember how agonizing it was to go through this, I’m very sorry that this doesn’t work for you except when you were younger, best wishes.

Thanks

Things to try for normal pooping:

Slippery elm inner bark powder, provides slip. I have it "all the time" with my food.
Raw kiwi at night (1-2). It acts as a stimulant. There is a study. It will be gentlier than prune juice/and has less sugar.
Magnesium at night
Cooked rhubarb (I have at night with the kiwi).
Easy to digest food (for you, that could mean not much constipating food, such as meat or cheese, etc.), gentle fiber (cooked veggies rather than raw may help).
Plain water. It is magical.
And check out the inexpensive Monash IBS Food App.
I do all of this and more.

Good luck!

The food suggestions are very helpful, I will definitely try. I cannot tolerate fiber supplements and too much water because I also have IC. Sauerkraut used to help with constipation also, but right now the only things that work are enemas and laxatives.

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions!
KZ

Postscript to my "Things to do for normal pooping."

My list reflects the fact that I cannot eat a large variety of foods. For folks that have a less sensitive gut, you can consider cooked foods like beans, sweet potatoes, green peas, leafy greens, carrots, beets, etc. In fact, more cooked veggies for some of your carbs, anything you like and can tolerate, are so much better for preventing constipation than what we are all "trained" to eat, such as overly-processed bread and sweets, candy, fried foods and frozen entrees. Cooking your own food can be simple, and it only takes 6-8 weeks to start changing your taste buds.

And consider whether any supplements or medications are constipating. I was very surprised to learn that Melatonin can be constipating, for example. Googling can help you learn of any constipating side effects.

hi I know that everyone is different but I am very careful with food after my small bowel obstruction operation last November. I have to watch constipation and here is what I do: teaspoon of Metamucil every day; one tablet of Senna and one stool softener every day; and one glass of Miralax every day. This works for me. If there is a problem I then have a glass of prune juice but only if there is a problem. Also I find lentil soup is very good to get things going. I know my regime would't be for everyone but it does work for me. And yes cooked vegetables are good too