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Problem with Chronic constipation
I have a history of hypothyroidism, severe endometriosis/treatment was a hysterectomy 17 years ago.I also have a hx of IBS. My thyroid hormone levels are stable. I eat like a rabbit(I poop like one too, LOL!!!!!!). I eat a large amount of fiber and drink almost every hour(nonalcholic).ONly prescription drugs I take are armour thyroid and my estrogen/prosterone troche. I make a coconut bread and I add psyllium husks,flax seed and chia seed to it. I eat it practically every am. I also eat a spinach salad for lunch daily with nuts and yogurt and eat a lean meat and veggie and more coconut bread at night. I do one cheat meal with a cheat dessert once per week. I am relatively active for my age of 60. I've been to a gastroenterologist and we have tried Linzess which didn't help at all. I take miralax, and a Super Cleanse tab one per day which has herbs to soften the stool and to stimulate the bowel and It barely works. I am at a loss. I have not tried Montegrity yet. I don't know if it will be helpful and the side effects scare me. I had a CT of my abdomen and it was ok, no obstructions. The gastroenterologist that I go to practically accused me of abusing laxatives. I would be impacted if I didnt use the miralax and the Super Cleanse. Diet/water and activity do not help. I had diarrhea from my late teens to the age of 36 when my intestines out of the blue just shut down completely. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I was put on Synthroid but the constipation didn't go away. So if there is any gastroenterologist out there that can help me, please let me know.I feel defeated and worry about my health.
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@phxbarb my doctor recommended chia seeds - soak 2T overnight in 1cup water or kefir - the seeds swell up & help move things through. Start with smaller serving, and increase. Lots of suggestions online. And natural! Kefir had probiotics, too
Thanks.
I'm on it.
Tadueo
@berekann Don't know about using seeds. I have had 2 very serious diverticulitis episodes, in which I passed out from the pain on the floor all alone. Seeds might get into the pockets of the colon and cause an infection so I doubt I would want to try that. I do take probiotics daily.
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2 Reactions@phxbarb that would certainly be a concern. Soaking makes the seeds mucilaginous, but in your case, I’d avoid them. We each know our own bodies best!
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2 ReactionsUse ground ginger from spice section of grocery, 1/2 tsp. or more. Usually works as a stimulate. Always prefer nonmedication ways if possible.
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3 ReactionsI suffered from chronic constipation for over 20 years. I was told to radically reduce my intake of insoluble fibre and increase the soluble fibre. I eliminated wheat and in the last three years gluten as was diagnosed as Coeliac. I drink over 2 litres of warm water throughout the day and take Linwoods milled Chia seeds (10g per day) and Cold Milled Sprouted Flaxseeds (10g) per day. Normally mix 5/10 grams in Smoothie, desert, sauces, soups or on top of yoghurt with granola. It has made such a difference. Good luck with it all!
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7 Reactions@phxbarb the chia seeds swell up several times and become mushy and gel together. (There are recipes for making pudding with them!)(instead of eggs!) I don't think they would be a concern for divert.
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1 ReactionThere’s a new book out, full of excellent info about bowels, that addresses things people avoid talking about… I heard the podcast and learned a lot…’You’re pooping all wrong’….don’t let the title scare you off…a Harvard professor is framing the info so everyone can understand…it’s not another docPR thing— it’s science-based.
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4 ReactionsNYCmusic
Thanks. I understand Harvard and ordered it.
tadueo
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1 Reaction@nycmusic I read it too; it was mildly helpful. She recommended using alpha-galactosidase (Beano is one brand) which I tried years ago and it never worked. I'm going to try bismuth subsalicylate (PeptoBismal is one brand) that she also recommended.