How do you deal with constipation?

@xxxxx Unfortunately, I don't have a good suggestion but figured that I'd let you know you're definitely not alone with this problem! I'm doing exactly what you are plus have added prunes to my diet. Good luck with finding an answer.

6 oz water every hour and 2 teaspoons Metamucil every morning.

If prunes work for you (they work for me) that is a great option because of the nutrition from prunes. 4/day is recommended; I drink a glass of water with them as an evening snack. Vit.K, iron, potassium, several minerals and Bvit. + others are provided along with fiber and low carb/low calorie benefits.

@jlharsh Doesn't manometry test for pelvic floor also? I am waiting for that test.

Great question! Yes, @berkhills the anorectal manometry is a test that helps identify strength and coordination issues. It it what confirmed my GI doctors suspicion of dysfunction and spotted muscle coordination problems. He told me nothing would take care of my constipation and problems above without first addressing the pelvic floor.

Here is an overview of Mayo Clinic’s Motility Clinic. First, I want to point out the section describing Anorectal Manometry showing how it fits with other diagnostic testing for a variety of motility problems. I copied the section here:

Anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion
The strength and coordination of the final step of rectal evacuation can be quantified. Complementing these approaches are:
- Studies of pelvic floor function, muscle coordination, neural innervation
- Electromyography of pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincters
- Mobility of the pelvic floor during defecation
- Assessment of evacuation with state-of-the-art MRI techniques
- Defecating proctography

Here is the overview:
- Mayo Clinic’s Motility Clinic Overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/motility-clinic/overview/ovc-20357787
Would you share a bit about what led up to the point of needing manometry testing and how you are currently feeling? When is your test, and what has your doctor told you how the testing results will help guide your care?

I have chronic constipation w/ episodes of very loose abs frequent stool. Consistency is hard to maintain and still make plans for life. I plan ahead when I am leaving the house early. I get up at least 3-4 hours b4 leaving, the day b4 i eat carefully get some exercise. it is a careful balance between maintaining routine and adjusting if I am taking a supplement for constipation. I always have a small emergency bag w/ me.

@xxxxx
To much fiber makes me constipated. Drinking plain water makes me dehydrated. I have to drink fluids with sodium and glucose in them for my body to absorb. I drink apple juice if I get constipated. Miralax makes me constipated because it takes fluid from the body to work and my body lacks extra fluid because of my Short Bowel Syndrome condition. I drink coconut water, Gatorade or powerade. My diet is low fiber, moderate protein and high carbohydrates.
Hot herbal tea also helps my constipation.

Mirolax is my go to, works with the water in your body, so important to keep hydrated.

I use Mary Ruth’s digestive enzymes before a meal and it has been a game changer for me.

I have organ crowding due to an L1 vertebrae deformity after a fracture. I am supposed to have problems with constipation among many other things. I eat 6-7 dried prunes every day. Started that months ago for bone support and I haven't been constipated at all plus they are delicious.