Anyone else have severe constipation?

I’m not a doctor . I have had Crohn’s for almost 50 years. I call my bathroom “ my office” because I’m always in there. Like someone who’s working all the time. I can take an hour or so. I tell myself relax and I look on my phone play a game or listen to comedians etc…. 3 hours ?? Keep trying to find a doctor that listens to you and that you respect enough to listen to them. Then you debate alittle. Try new things! I tried the biofeedback and the pelvic floor stuff and hurt my back bending up and putting my feet up on that step to go to the bathroom. I tried different and not for me. Next.

Olive oil. I swear by it. I am on a low to no fiber diet causing me issues. Was taking miralax daily and still struggled. Months ago I started using olive oil at the recommendation of a friend. I haven't taken miralax in months.
Also something I learned many years ago is putting pressure on the spot between your genitals and anus. I know sounds awkward but it works when I'm stuck.
I am in no way a medical professional. Just sharing what has helped me and others I know. Hope this helps for you also.

I have found cherry juice to work well. Eating cherries may work as well. Im doing both and Im off the MiraLAX.

Have you tried Trulance..?? Linzess and Amitiza didn't work for me..I also use Miralax but don't have to some day..and I take 1 VSL3 Probiotic..( available on Amazon.. comes in "freeze dry packing"!! Nice!! Product needs to be refrigerated...this has worked Miracles for me!! And something new.. a piece of dark chocolate at night..I tried every thing and even been hospitalized from constipation.. was going to see a surgeon last Oct but 15 days before my appointment.. God turned on the you know what and I've been going ever since.. DR said "I don't know what you're doing.. biofeedback or what.. but it's working ..you don't need surgery.. and I replied "the Word works!!" Came out to my car and under the windshield wiper was a note saying" God has heard your payers.. you are can do all things thru Christ which strengthens you and He is going to help you.. you will get thru this..!!Some one saw my personalized license plate ..it says PHL413..!! Prayers for you!!

Oh how common this issue is! Thank you for sharing your helpful information. May I ask, how much olive oil and how high the quality? Thank you!

I take 1 to 1.5 teaspoons a day. Everyday. My nutritionist at mayo told me it can't hurt and if it's working go ahead and continue to use it. I use different brands, one I have used is a light flavored one from Walmart even. I was ordering one online but sometimes I forget and run out before a new one arrives so I just use what they have at the store.

Do you take it at night? I am on the most powerful GI motility drug called Motegrity for a whole week now with no results. it is so very uncomfortable, esp with all the fermentation going on in there. My local GI will send me somewhere else but I have no idea who can help me.

After trying all those laxative drugs with no help, I now realize I must take my thyroid pill first in the morning with water and no food. Also I have to take the probiotic sometime during the day. And one teaspoon of olive oil sometime during the day too.
I threw out the Celebrex which caused hard marble stool and much pain passing them.
The GI docs here were no help at all.

I would need to know what kind of dietary changes you have tried to be able to offer advice. Also, if you have a lot of incomplete evacuations during the three hours, or if it just takes that long to just get a "normal" poop.

Best of luck. To those with constipation as well as redundant colon like me:Stick with it and you can find just the fit for you! I am so glad I didn't even consider surgery. You can form fit the changes you need for just you. Be sure to be active too.

Disclaimer: Only my experience going natural. I have used organic, integrative, functional, holistic Naturopathic doctor's advice along with my MD’s since the early 1980's. There is science in alternatives too.
I work closely with my ND, he told me to study the Migrating Motor Complex and Osmotic Gradient, He bet that I would find something that worked for me. Goal: how to keep a longer than normal pipe consistently moist…. My ND also said because my condition was physical, attention would be needed from now on.
I tried laxatives - not consistent + side effects like bloating, etc. All say for occasional use. They disrupt the system if taken continuously. Co-redundant colon person: “It’s physical” so regular constipation suggestions may not work. Don’t give up. It took me 4 months to depend on being regular. It is worth going natural.
Dec 2023 the doc had me do non sedated colonoscopy. He went through my colon as I watched on TV. I had had a baby years ago (natural) so it was no big deal. Most people in world don't get put out. Very interesting and it helped allow the scope to get through because I relaxed. He showed me the redundancy. No wonder I had been constipation on and off starting in my teens. I’m now in my early 70’s.
Throw sugar out along with processed and refined foods. Look up foods and drinks that constipate and give them up, at least as a test. OptiMag and K2+ Potassium are great supps. I take them when I go to bed and once in the night (important to keep colon moisture consistently).
I include prunes/prune juice, winter squash, sweet potatoes, rhubarb (use in a pinch because high in oxalate). Also I eat steamed vegetables, beef, chicken and salmon. I strive eat ALL ORGANIC, we grow much of our food which helps.
I grind 2T chia, and 2 T flax seeds, add 1T or two of carob + 1 T sesame seeds - stopped because has hi oxalate which can contribute to back ache and kidney issues especially if you don’t drink enough water) For me best is one dose in the evening and one in the morning. Drink lot of water starting with a quart of hot water in the morning - boy scouts – may need to work up to it. I use warmed diluted chicken broth at times too. It is soothing to my stomach.
Coffee and Smooth Move are my back ups. I don't like coffee and never have drunk but it usually works for me in a pinch. I only need coffee a few times a month. I depend on this for daily REGULARITY first "chore" each morning. I am an early riser and when off the farm I don't want to wonder if I will have REGULARITY.
Check out helpful research of biological processes that take place in our gut:
- Migrating Motor complex which is the electroactivity in the GI tract during meals and fasting
- Osmotic gradient. If too much water is pulled into the colon, diarrhea results. If not enough water is pulled into the colon constipation results. Balance of minerals is important. Magnesium, potassium and sodium brings water into the colon. I have found balancing these help prevent constipation. I have to watch my calcium supplement intake because it tends to encourage constipation. Calcium carbonate seems to be the most constipating. I depend on blood work from time to time to make sure my minerals are balanced.
Oh and letting stress go is important too - I know how scary it can be. Golly it seems there is no hope for relief but it is worth looking at diet and lifestyle changes for help. Good luck, @farmersmith