Anyone else have severe constipation?

@heyjoe415 yes they do!

Hi, @plezbleevme714 - what you said about telling yourself to relax in the bathroom and play a game on your phone or listen to comedian, even up to 3 hours, sounds wise - just to go with the flow and be as relaxed as possible.

How has your Crohn's been lately? Did the biofeedback and the pelvic floor stuff (I believe you were referring to physical therapy?) help at all?

Has anyone considered how stressors may be impacting your digestion? (Please pardon the pun. Lol). As I was able to get out from under some major stressors, my condition improved dramatically. I now currently have no issue with constipation. I’m not taking anything but do eat a diet full of vegetables, some fruit and healthy fats. I have no other explanation.

@celia16 - That is really interesting about the correlation you are drawing between stress and digestion. I've had a pulmonologist recommend I work on my stressors to improve my asthma, years ago. It really took me by surprise.

Will you share what your doctor has said about you getting out from under some stressors and your constipation/digestion improving?

@lisalucier , I actually only got general comments from my doctors. Initially, you get the standard recommendation for constipation…drink more water and increase fiber. It’s well intentioned, but doesn’t touch tough chronic constipation.

I was under the care of 2-3 gastroenterologists at a major teaching hospital since 2022. They never could provide a diagnosis. I kept asking myself what had changed…..the stressors were the change. They all said in general anxiety is not good for your digestion.

Meds didn’t help. I ended up taking Miralax daily. It did help, As my stressors decreased, I improved. Stopped Miralax. Lately I have no issue with constipation at all. So…..idk. Perhaps, it’s coincidental. Sometimes people can be the stressor or environment.

I don't see any comment included here about the vagus nerve. Doesn't that nerve need stimulation, to perform all the digestive duties? I know that rebounding or any other type of bouncing the body (walking, stair climbing) as well as stretching exercises for the torso, and even humming/singing, temporarily stimulate the vagus nerve. Many of us are doing too much sitting and then complain that our systems aren't working. There is no need for extreme or exhausting measures; just try good movements every couple of hours, for 15-30 min. This helps me. I'm 75 and have gastroparesis. (I also avoid food products which might be treated with glyphosate, a ubiquitous herbicide used by farmers for maximum harvests). Stay warm!! (I've been outside in 20 degrees and it's really NICE)(just walked to the compost pile and picked up a few frozen fallen branches)

@lauracbaker - what kind of movement do you do every couple of hours that you find helps your digestive system?

I live on a MTN, so there is always something to do in the yard. (I cant' wait for spring in the garden) - raking, clearing fallen branches, carrying firewood, weeding/cleaning. Also, there is laundry duty, dish washing, general cleaning inside - all that is movement.

@krboston ...........
REF..magnesium citrate
What was your starting dosage?.......
What is your daily dosage now?
Anything else taken?
........................thanking you in advance~+

@lisalucier. Just jumping in as I also have bowel issues. Since radiation treatment for anal cancer, I also feel like I'm leaving something behind whenever I successfully go. I find, simply moving around the house helps me to go some more and oftentimes throughout the day; or else I don't go at all for days.
Things seem so weird for me from diagnosis of a HPV related cancer that came from nowhere after a 50 yr marriage to today whereby my bowels simply won't cooperate. I think accepting the situation, relieving some of the stress and adapting are all helpful.
Sorry that I am not too helpful for you but know you aren't alone. I'm starting the first retesting of everything now.
I just wish all the various medical folks would be more open about expectations or what we could experience along the way.