Severe Constipation

@electracat I too suffer from constipation. In my younger years diarrhea was my problem but after stage IV cancer treatments and eating more protein the table turned.
It sounds like you’re having a tougher time than I am for sure. You’re obviously pushing way too hard but I know it’s hard not to when you’re in pain.
I hope you find the answer! I take Metamucil (when I remember) and that seems to help.
Wishing you the best,
Jody

I’ve been to the ER for constipation. My gastroenterologist put me on MiraLax and MetaMucil daily. I have been a “regular guy” ever since. Metamucil mornings, MiraLax at night!
My start date was December’23.
God bless you.

I have severe constipation from an abdominal injury...I guess I developed adhesions, which frequently cause constipation.
My IBs as a result of my injury, became so bad I couldnt tolerate any of the usual meds or usual Dr prescriptions.
High quality magnesium works for me. Google the best form for chronic constipation. To me its a win win..magnesium is most widely used mineral in the body/ more healthy than Dr meds...just mho. And yes, its horrible !!

What kind of magnesium? There are so many, mg glycinate, magnesium oxide, mg citrate etc?

I use Zahler, Magnesium Citrate. You can also use oxide but Citrate draws water into the stool.
I've used several different brands but this is best for my system, which is highly sensitive. I buy it at GNC or of course you can order via internet.
I find 1 pill is enough for me, but I eat VERY little. It works for me. I also use organic ground flaxseed in smoothies etc.

@minajo
I found information Mayo Clinic makes available specifically about magnesium glcinate.
- Is Magnesium Glycinate Helpful For You? : https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/magnesium-glycinate-is-this-supplement-helpful-for-you/

I do not have experience with magnesium but I am familiar with vitamin C that seems to process in a similar way. It was recommended to help my digestion and specifically to try spreading it out between all of my meals and snacks. Of course, like all vitamins it affects more than one thing. I do know I started making sure to include 30-ish grams every time I ate something and I began feeling better. I eventually could notice when I forgot to include it so I knew it was helping. This helped me understand how food could be medicine to help my body.

I say this because a takeaway from a Mayo Clinic article, “The Magic of Magnesium” says something similar:
“Magnesium is in a lot of different foods in small amounts. And interestingly enough, our body doesn’t really absorb very much of it at one time. And so when we eat large amounts of it our body’s really good at just dumping and getting rid of what we need at that time.”
Here is the entire article: - The Magic of Magnesium: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/the-magic-of-magnesium/

Do you plan to discuss taking magnesium with your doctor?

@mojo244
I have severe constipation which has been going on for 5 or 6 years. NOTHING has worked for me except magnesium citrate. After that cleans me out, I go 3-4 weeks with no bm, then I use mag cite again. In other words, I cannot have a bm on my own. Getting ready to change gastroenterologist for the 3rd time. I am so tired of this and worried too.

@finny4606 Wow. I am so glad something works for you, but 3-4 weeks is so long (as you know!).
Have you had any testing that has shown anything (slow motility, manometry, etc)? Any diagnoses?

@finny4606 DANG, 3-4 weeks!!! You have got to be miserable? I’m worried when I go 3-4 DAYS without a BM!
After 3-4 days the pain upon exit is horrible, I can’t imagine how 3-4 weeks is. I really feel sorry for you!
Jody

@electracat it might be a good thing to keep a diary of your BP a couple times a day..make sure it isn’t high. Extra one after the nose bleed starts. Take for a week or so. Then talk with your Gastro about it!