Extreme bloating with miralax 1-1/2 years after sigmoidectomy

I’m going through a similar process, no surgery and waiting for a colonoscopy. I use Restoralax which is the same as MiraLAX but in Canada they only have the one that I use. I know that it’s promoted as a better laxative, not harsh and causing cramps but I too get a lot of bloating from it, I think it has a lot to do with all the water you have to drink for it to work. It’s a real dilemma because there’s not a lot of options, I have tried Milk of Magnesium and it’s effective but it also requires a lot of water, another one I have tried is Magnesium Glycinate but it gave me cramps

Thank you, @frouke. It is an ongoing struggle to figure out what works best. Poor patient education on surgeons part for not informing us what the long term effects will be post surgery.

Taking Miralax as directed had me terribly bloated, too. I am having some success now by taking 1/2 capful in a large water bottle, two to three times a day, spreading the doses out from morning to evening. It has helped me while taking Motegrity, which didn't work very often when I didn't take the Miralax. Possibly my body just became more tolerant of the Miralax, though. I won't know and the gastro MDs have not really done any good studies regarding this as far as I can tell. Thanks to everyone who shares here.

Thank you, Tumblewind. I am not taking any type of CIC so can only speak to the use of Miralax. I'm glad to hear that you have found some success. I am now down to 1/2 cap every other day but still have this incredible bloating. Weaning off of Miralax should be done very slowly I've read, so it could be that I am trying to stop too abruptly? Time will tell.

I think MiraLAX is not easy to titrate to your needs. But that is the key to success: whether it be 1/2 tablespoon, 1 tbsp or 2 teaspoons is so individual. And then foods to support this. Going gluten free exacerbated my constipation in that having gluten in my system was better than not having it and the resulting constipation. I know being gluten free is touted as a benefit for those of us with gastro issues but my experience has been vastly different. In me gluten free makes me noticeably more constipated.

@frouke I put the Merilax in my coffee every morning and take Motegrity at night. As I understand the Motegrity can stop working after a while, I think I may be hitting that wall.
Why the heck can't people poop? So frustrating!

@clynnford , Sometimes it’s frustrating, especially when it builds up and then your stomach looks like balloon, I found a clinic yesterday for a colonoscopy/endoscopy and they booked me for Monday, I should have done that sooner, my FITT test was positive for blood!

I’d like to say that I’m sh*tting myself but I can’t, I’m constipated!!

@frouke yes, you are correct about feeling like a balloon, it's an awful sensation. Good you were able to get a colo soon. I've stopped taking miralax, am eating fiber, drinking lost of H2O and exercising. I've never been diagnosed with CIC and never had any major issues pre surgery. Not fun at 70... 🙁

I have struggled with slow gastric emptying since childhood along with lifelong constipation. I have come to the conclusion that most gastroenterologists want to do colonoscopies and endoscopies and not much else. When it comes to follow up unless it is surgical they just treat symptoms without understanding or caring what the cause is. People seem to have better luck with stomach issues with a naturopath or functional medicine doctor. SIBO, an infection of the portion of the upper bowel doctors cannot access often occurs after stomach/bowel surgery or procedure. IBS is a functional problem but SIBO is an infection. GIs don't even have access to the breath test needed to find it and determine the type. Tests are available over the internet (don't buy the Amazon one as it does not test all kinds). SIBO makes you terribly bloated like you have a watermelon in the belly, with gas and diarrhea and/or constipation. It can be treated by a naturopath with experience in treating SIBO, all do not, and is treated with specific antibiotics and dietary changes. Studies indicated that over 50% of people diagnosed with IBS, etc. actually have SIBO! I would try to find the cause of your issues but doctors now-a-days seem to just want to do surgery or mask symptoms with more and more medications that don't help the real cause. Just a suggestion you might explore. Mayo has good info on SIBO. Good Luck!