Constipation with continued stomach issues. What to do?

@gravity3
Every situation is different because it all comes down to reason for problems that guide the treatment. I had a bowel leak after colon resection and became septic twice, so I am on low fiber diet and not able to add pre/ pro biotic yet. Also got c diff from all antibiotics and walking a tight rope. Have to admit sick I f it all.

@pml and all - I am glad that you have found something that works well for you for constipation, pml. I personally have not been constipated much in my life. In fact, I have had more of the opposite reaction to medications, food and drink at times. But I cannot imagine that being constipated is fun at all. It sounds really rough.

I wanted to mention an article that might be useful to note about the use of baking soda for constipation:

- Using Baking Soda for Constipation Relief https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/baking-soda-for-constipation

A key paragraph in this article is this: Some people also promote baking soda as a constipation treatment. However, there’s no research to support its use for treating constipation.

@pml Baking Soda (Arm and Hammer like you bake with.).............helps only indigestion

Risks and Precautions
Lack of Scientific Evidence: There is little scientific research supporting the use of baking soda for constipation relief, and it is not widely recommended by healthcare professionals.
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Potential Side Effects: Excessive consumption of baking soda can lead to serious side effects, including stomach discomfort, gas, bloating, and even a ruptured stomach in rare cases. It can also disrupt electrolyte balance and interact with certain medications.
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Consult a Doctor: It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using baking soda as a treatment, especially for individuals with high blood pressure, kidney issues, or those on a sodium-restricted diet.
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3 Sources

I have found a cup of senna tea with 2 of the docusate sodium stool softener taken in the evening straightens out my digestive issues. After colon resection I tend to sluggish bowel movements sometimes. Eating lots of fresh fruit like cantaloupe and strawberries also keeps my stomach happier.

If nothing else, for two weeks eat NO FIBER. No fresh fruits or vegetables. No nuts. No Big Mac’s with lettuce, onion bit, whatever. Not even canned fruits and vegetables. No popcorn. If you DO have a blockage or structure somewhere, the fibrous stuff will clump and not pass through. Horrible cramping may result. You are beyond where deliberately taking fiber stool softeners will help.
I am not a doctor. Only personnel experience. Wish you luck.

@larust8 ."ABOUT TO START THE SAME!||.........a cup of senna tea with 2 of the docusate sodium stool softener ..........

How long have you been doing this and glad it is working

@hopeseeker22 ...........agree ended up in ER .
STOMACH DRAINED WITH HOSE DOWN THROAT......I AM NOW VERY CAUTIOUS

@peterose

Be safe! Remember I not doctor. Plus I already had narrowing and it got a little smaller. Just saw my GI 2 days ago for follow up and he’s fine, if it works for me. 🍀

@peterose I had a colon resection 2 years ago after a perforation due to a blockage from colon cancer resection so it’s been a process to figure out what works for my new digestive system. Before all that I could practically set my watch by my morning movement I was so regular, lol. No more though. So I use the senna tea and stool softener every week or so when I feel I need a refresh. I guess I’m pretty paranoid about allowing a build up to happen again and with the tea and softener I feel like I’m starting with a clean slate. I also like to take a probiotic capsule every evening. I know there’s way too much marketing with some crazy probiotic this and that these days but these capsules I think do help my gut biome rebuild after that trauma.