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Feedback on Linzess for Irritable Bowel-C or Chronic Constipation

Posted by sue225 @sue225, Mar 9, 2019

I have both of the above-conditions. Took Linzess, (called Constella in Canada) and got terrible stomach pain. Feeling desperate and thinking about trying it one more time. Interested in hearing what kind of experiences other people have had with linaclotide/linzess.

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cezanne | @cezanne | Oct 1 11:17am
In reply to @jacqincalifornia "@cezanne My story is not unlike yours. Linzess doesn't work for everyone. Hopefully prucalopride will be..." + (show)
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@cezanne My story is not unlike yours. Linzess doesn't work for everyone. Hopefully prucalopride will be better for you.

I have pathologically slow transit due in large part to dysautonomia. I recently took a breath test that my GI doctor ordered and I tested positive for intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO). Slow transit creates the opportunity for IMO, and in turn the methane produced in the gut as a result is known to slow transit even more. It can be a vicious cycle.

Consider asking your doctor if a breath test would be appropriate. Mark Pimentel, MD, at Cedars-Sinea is leading the research on small intestinal overgrowths and has said that in many cases IBS-C is actually a manifestation of IMO.

BTW, I haven't noticed that Linzess significantly altered my electrolyte balance.

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@jacqincalifornia Thank you for the useful suggestions. I will mention the breath test to my doctor.

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lindaannstarr | @lindaannstarr | 6 days ago

I have had slow gastric emptying since childhood and have controlled it reasonably by becoming a "grazer," many tiny meals, no big ones. Diabetes has forced me onto Trulicity which further slows gastric emptying. I have had diarrhea for over a year now and finally diagnosed myself with SIBO which few gastroenterologists understand, treat or even believe in. I got the test myself which was positive for mixed gas SIBO and have finally started treatment. It is an infection of the upper bowel and can be tested for by a breath test for the two kinds, hydrogen and methane SIBO. The test can be found online (MDs or normal labs don't give it) (don't buy the SIBO test on Amazon, it doesn't test for all kinds) and folks normally finally find treatment from a Naturopath or functional medicine doctor who is experienced in treatment, not an MD. You might look into it. Studies indicate that at least 50% of folks diagnosed with IBS actually have SIBO! If you have an infection no amount of band aid meds will be of much help. Best of luck! LAS

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cezanne | @cezanne | 5 days ago
In reply to @azsunshine7 "The one thing that worked for me was a tea called smooth move." + (show)
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The one thing that worked for me was a tea called smooth move.

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@azsunshine7 Traditional Medicinals Smooth Move helps me too. Steep 15 minutes. Repeat next day. Still IBS-D.

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