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Problem with Chronic constipation
Digestive Health | Last Active: Apr 17 7:36am | Replies (881)Comment receiving replies
I’m writing about the constipation I’m experiencing. Earlier this year, I spent three weeks in bed and six days in the hospital for an episode of flu that knocked me flat. I couldn’t eat, and/or I couldn’t keep food down. After I started eating again, they had to resort to an enema in the hospital. I’m home now and doing physical therapy after the long period of being in bed, and I’m constipated again. I’m currently taking 3 colace tablets/day, drinking as much water as I can. I saw on this site I should try to get 64 oz of water each day. For five days in a row, I was able to have a bowel movement - not complete, but passing some stool each of those days.
Now I’m into a third day of not passing any stool. In addition to drinking water and taking Colace, I eat oatmeal, prunes, grapes, dates, walnuts and blueberries. Once when I was able, I oven roasted chicken and carrots and Brussell sprouts. Took two days to put that together since I haven’t regained all my strength. My husband doesn’t cook; I’m eating these foods because they are high in fiber and don’t require preparation. I’m considering using a suppository to help with getting things moving.
I take medication that has a reputation for causing constipation. We’ve decreased dosage, but stopping the meds isn’t an option right now.
Thoughts and ideas about getting through this are welcome.
Replies to "I’m writing about the constipation I’m experiencing. Earlier this year, I spent three weeks in bed..."
@sjd416 i’ve read several times in different places lately that Colace does not work so maybe eliminate that, a suppository doesn’t do much good for me personally, my G.I. doctor said it’s better to get the food moving from the top and he suggested MiraLAX or Metamucil. Benafiber is another idea. Have you tried abdominal massage that’s been recommended here several times. Good luck!
@sjd416
I'm 93 years old so any constipation I have is severe. I use Miralax every couple days.
My court of last resort is "Walgreens Milk of Magnesia". Cherry Flavor. 30ml followed with
12 ozs. of water. Max of 2 helpings per day.
If that doesn't work try a $90 enema at the ER.
tadueo
@sjd my nutritionist said that the fruits and vegetables all have to be cooked and skin off.Because the body can digest it better. That has been helpful for me
@sjd416 I have a torturous twisted colon and I have the problem and when I can't go much after five days, I'd take a dulcolax suppository
The only Rx for CIC that has worked somewhat for me is Motegrity. The problem - it is very expensive.
My GI Dr sent an Rx for it to https://www.costplusdrugs.com and I got a 3-month prescription filled for about $60 in total. Check out the website and ask your Dr 1) if he thinks Motegrity would help you and 2) if yes, if he would send the Rx to https://www.costplusdrugs.com
This is a site started by entrepreneur Mark Cuban. The site doesn't have all drugs, but if they carry the one you need, it seems like a great way to save money.
You first have to open an account on the site. Hope this helps.
Joe
@sjd416 I have had chronic constipation for many years, due to having an implanted pain pump and late stage Adhesive Arachnoiditis.
Some of the things I use besides added fiber, are HOT prune juice (a nurse suggested it and it helped me), Smooth Move tea, raisins, and flax seeds (in anything you can). Daily supplements are Colace stool softeners, Magnesium Citrate capsules, and MiraLAX. My prescriptions include Linzess and Lactulose. In the event nothing is working, I keep a bottle of Magnesium Citrate liquid in the refrigerator to drink, or try the old fashioned enema. One of those usually produce something fairly quickly.
Hopefully I’ve given you some ideas to try to get things moving again. Best of luck.
Connect
@sjd416 , if yours is due to meds that’s tough. Have you tried daily Miralax? That helps some people.
Mine was not due to meds, but has resolved itself. I’m not sure why, except I do keep a good diet. No longer take anything for constipation. Daily I have a bowl of organic mixed greens, shredded carrots, sliced beets, tomato, cucumber, almonds, blueberries along with broccoli, cauliflower, and other veggies. Also, usually 1 apple and a serving of avocado. Sometimes diet alone will not help constipation, though. Perhaps your doctor can prescribe something. Drinking lots of water never helped me either. And, oatmeal clogs me up. Go figure.