Feedback on Linzess for Irritable Bowel-C or Chronic Constipation

@cezanne To follow up after meeting with the GI Doctor after normal colonoscopy and EGD, biopsy. He diagnosed IBS and to continue with Linzess for other benefits than noticeable relief from chronic constipation. I now see my IBS is the cycle of Constipation and diarrhea each at intervals of weeks.
Anyway it was a relief that nothing dire was found.
Here is the kicker: he never explained what IBS was, what possible prognosis is, and what lifestyle changes might help. He seemed OK with whatever regimen I use to deal with my symptoms (so far stimulant and softener types).
I remain at a manageable level and only a few times unable to leave the house because of diarrhea. Right now I am managing OK, trying to read credible sources a diet etc and balance with my hiatal hernia and silent reflux.
I just wanted to follow up.
Greetings to fellow sufferers.

@bb4eternity Thank you for your information. It is trial and error. Fiber worsens constipation for me. Like for you, diet and lifestyle modifications help. Most days my main and last meal is ideally before 3pm. Small meals are important. Lots of water is a key as you indicated. Modifications for silent reflux often help with IBS although what is helpful for one may not always be helpful for the other. It is a roller coaster but right now I am in a holding pattern which is acceptable.
For what it’s worth a routine for me is after eating breakfast and coffee ( an indulgence) I visit my friend the toilet, elevate my knees with a stool, and do easy breathing. A massage therapist told me the breathing helps the vagus nerve which plays a role in GI matters. Sometimes I read. Surprisingly even if initially I did not have an urge, a rarely impressive BM occasionally occurs. I’m grateful for any success.
Weather permitting I also walk 15 minutes which I think helps. I am 75 and otherwise in decent health. No other prescriptions than Linzess and glaucoma drops. other stuff: probiotic, multivitamins, Berberine for microbiome, and trying Thorne brand “Entero Mend”. Nothing so dramatic in effect to say what’s helping.

@cezanne things that can help in addition to fiber/hydration include walking after meals, even if it is just a short walk around an apartment…also, very gentle massage on lower belly, R to L., Kegel exercises can help, too…many people use little footstools to raise legs, making the go easier…when none of this works, careful use of softener or laxative products..your doc may have suggestions as well.

@nycmusic Thank you. For the benefit of others I will echo your suggestions which I had found myself and do help, except added fiber which other issues rule out for me. I also find once “in position” with raised elevated stool, just sit a while and relax, breathing easily. Sometimes it works.

@cezanne To follow up after meeting with the GI Doctor after normal colonoscopy and EGD, biopsy. He diagnosed IBS and to continue with Linzess for other benefits than noticeable relief from chronic constipation. I now see my IBS is the cycle of Constipation and diarrhea each at intervals of weeks.
Anyway it was a relief that nothing dire was found.
Here is the kicker: he never explained what IBS was, what possible prognosis is, and what lifestyle changes might help. He seemed OK with whatever regimen I use to deal with my symptoms (so far stimulant and softener types).
I remain at a manageable level and only a few times unable to leave the house because of diarrhea. Right now I am managing OK, trying to read credible sources a diet etc and balance with my hiatal hernia and silent reflux.
I just wanted to follow up.
Greetings to fellow sufferers.

@cezanne I have Hiatus Hernia,colitis,diverticulitis and an inflamed stomach and am after going through a very bad patch.I am now finding a bland diet good eg.chicken,broccoli and potatoes for dinner.I try to have small meals for the hiatus hernia.

@cardigan Yes, with different issues at once it is challenging. I concur with your approach: small, bland meals. Sweet potatoes work well for me.