Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Constipation

I know I can't be the only one with this IBS-C....anyone?

I wish I could give you answers. Mine is the opposite- diarrhea. But I am in the same boat as you. They keep treating the symptoms but not the cause. Have you thought about a second opinion? My friend who has had IBS for many years suggests an over the counter probiotic. I am trying it myself this week. Sorry that's not much help. Please let me know if you get any good advice also!

Thanks for the reply. I am also taking probiotic with some improvement. I am still hoping for some replies from the community.

I actually have severe IDS with diarrhea, GERD, NERD, functional abdominal pain syndrome. I am a patient of Dr. Douglas Drossman at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Dr. Drossman is the world's leader in treating functional GI disorders. Doctors come from all over the world to train with him.

I have a friend that I have met through facebook that has IBS with constipation and functional abdominal pain syndrome. She has been seeing Dr. Drossman for 2-3 years and has seen tremendous improvement. Let me know if you want and I can try to put her in contact with you.

Something that Dr. Drossmand advises patients to use is Miralax. I think he told Erin to take a dose everyday to help with constipation. You can mix in a OJ or water or whatever. Hope this helps.

Thanks for your feedback. I have used Miralax occasionally but have considered using it daily. I is good to know that it worked for someone else.

Have you been tested for Celiac disease? It can cause severe constipation, weight loss and sometimes nausea. I had these symptoms but tested negative for Celiac.
I had begun a gluten free diet and the relief was amazing. It took three weeks before I felt a difference. I have been on this diet for a few years, thank god I finally found the reason for feeling so bad for so long. Good luck!

Thanks Misty. Gluten is not my problem. I eliminated it for months with no change in symptoms. I am still searching. Thrilled for you that you found what works for you. Good on ya.

OMG.Do not recommend daily Miralax.Drs put me on it for 2mos and a year later I still am not regular.That's NOT the answer!!

I found out that daily use in not for me either. Occasional is ok and does help.

I have IBS-C as well. I think I've tried everything under the sun to get things moving regularly. Some things have worked for a week or two, but then stop working. I tried Miralax on four separate occasions and reacted very negatively all four times -- so I won't use it ever again. I discovered that my IBS-C is eased significantly when I use unrefined gray sea salt (sparingly) on my food and drink coconut water. Sounds odd, but the minerals from the unrefined sea salt and the fiber, electrolytes, and potassium from the coconut water balance things out and I don't have constipation any longer. I also drink a lot of water through out the day. I'd had constipation for 40 years and IBS-C for 26 years.