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Constipation and Sacral Nerve Stimulation?

Posted by jlstjohn @jlstjohn, Oct 5, 2025

Has anyone had experience with sacral nerve stimulation for treating constipation? My colorectal surgeon brought it up as a possible option for my case, but he said some do not respond to it. I also have pelvic floor dysfunction, which is likely the main contributor to my evacuation struggles. I have been through pelvic floor physical therapy twice, but have not had much success with it. I do depend on a tool my therapist recommended called a pelvic wand, but now I am dealing with significant hemorrhoids, as well, so the surgeon thinks we may need to try the SNS.

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lauracbaker | @lauracbaker | Feb 18 9:33am

I have a comment which may help somebody with constipation issues: after several decades of headaches and constipation, along with fatigue, I finally found that dairy casein STOPS my digestive tract. No doctors were able to diagnose me accurately; they prescribed c-scans, all kinds of neur.tests, and heavy pain drugs, thinking I had "migraines". Neurologists just gave up finding any causes and advised taking drugs, which I resisted mostly. Finally, a chiropractor! told me that my facial sinuses were broken years ago and didn't heal up in proper shape. Long story, short, I experimented with foods and found that I am actually slightly ALLERGIC to dairy casein. My headaches and constipation were actually due to dairy casein. Avoiding milk, buttermilk and most cheeses has given me relief now for several years. (BTW, casein is in many products that claim to be dairy-free.) Now, I order or make pizza with no cheese and avoid restaurant items that may contain milk. Some cheeses are OK; butter is OK.

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roseee | @roseee | Feb 18 2:33pm
In reply to @jlharsh "@roseee I can certainly tell you what my routine is with laxatives. Here is what Mayo..." + (show)
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@roseee
I can certainly tell you what my routine is with laxatives. Here is what Mayo Clinic has as an overview. There is a nice chart explaining how each works.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/laxatives/art-20045906
I eat fiber-rich foods, lots of whole grains. I drink a consistent amount of water. I also exercise regularly. I use olive oil on quite a bit of my food that works as a laxative. Maybe try adding some/more EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) at meals and splitting your MiraLAX and taking it throughout the day.

As far as medications I use MiraLAX, senna (and senna tea) and prescription lubiprostone. They are each split and taken at different times which seems to help keep my system working consistently. Based on my experience I would recommend having a conversation with your GI doctor about coming up with a plan to make changes one at at time based on that makes sense with what they think is happening with you. You know your body and they know the science. Together you’ll make the best decisions.

I am interested to hear what you find out about getting an appointment at Mayo Clinic. Will you come back and provide updates? Do you think you will make MiraLAX changes, or maybe talk to your doctor?

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@jlharsh Hi. I've had the initial phone call and submitted the forms for setting up a consultative medicine appointment at Mayo in Rochester for this summer when I am on break from teaching and can travel. I also found a doctor in the region who will at least talk with me about sacral nerve stimulation implants for self-pay patients (though it may not be at all within my budget). Yes, I will check back in with updates.

I have spoken with many doctors about the Miralax situation, but will now try spreading the doses out over the course of the day. Thanks again.

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Janell, Volunteer Mentor | @jlharsh | Feb 18 3:19pm
In reply to @roseee "@jlharsh Hi. I've had the initial phone call and submitted the forms for setting up a..." + (show)
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@jlharsh Hi. I've had the initial phone call and submitted the forms for setting up a consultative medicine appointment at Mayo in Rochester for this summer when I am on break from teaching and can travel. I also found a doctor in the region who will at least talk with me about sacral nerve stimulation implants for self-pay patients (though it may not be at all within my budget). Yes, I will check back in with updates.

I have spoken with many doctors about the Miralax situation, but will now try spreading the doses out over the course of the day. Thanks again.

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Good progress, @roseee.
Yes, budget always seems to come into play. I understand how important it is to really prioritize how I spend my money because there are a lot of good things out there. I can’t possibly have enough money (or time) for them all. I admire how you are going about finding the best of good options for yourself!

After thinking about my routine a bit I have a bit more that may help. I am taking the Mirilax between the same time as, up to an hour after I eat my morning snack and last meal of the day for the most part. The senna I take at bed time and when I get up at 5am takes about 10-12 hours to work, and really a while of taking it to settle in. I originally set up working in the Mirilax a couple hours after the times the senna would take effect. I hope that makes sense.

We are all so different, and I am hopeful you will find relief. I look forward to hearing more as you learn.

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