Severe Constipation

@suzbyrne Didn't know anything about the pancreas, symptoms were chronic constipation, Gerd, gastritis.
Different Dr's put me on different laxatives, that's all they ever did. Then the laxatives, stimulants made everything worst, never knew what was going to happen and when .I had chronic fatigue, exhausted because of malabsorption, lost weight, lost interest in life, severely depressed. Dr.said pancreas was working at 50%

@bgiddio Thank you. That sounds like something I may need to look into. You've been very helpful. Take care. 🙂 suzanne

I just started taking Amitiza and so far it works. Hope it continues to work. Laxatives are not reliable and Miralax has limitations.
As a “ bonus” I also started taking antibiotics to treat residual pneumonia from 4 months ago. SIBO is cleaning up too.

Hi, I tried amitiza, trulance and linzess and nothing. PEG which is in miralax and many other laxatives in the same family makes me severely sick for days. Then in turn causes more weight loss, fatigue and an overall makes me miserable. I’m learning from so many that your body is just that, yours and what works for you won’t work for someone else. Fiber kills me almost always but we need it to poop. I get severe cramps. Water, I can drink half my body weight of water every day and nothing. Then I do much less and have a small BM. Stimulants make me hit the bathroom floor with massive pain,sweating and close to fainting. I think bowel problems for people who suffer severely comes with no rhyme or reason why this happens. I think we live with it most of our lives and we’re always trying to figure out why. I read here yesterday about pancreas and constipation. I had an mri for stomach and they found pancreatic cysts but I can’t get an appointment till January for follow up. My pcp ran test. I guess you just hope they are nothing. I mentioned the blog and reference to constipation and pancreas to my pcp. I suggested a simple lab test of amylase and lipace and his reply “I just don’t see the need”. It just baffles me if my insurance will cover, I have cysts so it can be justified he says no. They just can’t except we do our own research, well some doctors anyway. I feel I know my body well, I just wish doctors would listen to that. A pill is not always the right answer without at least some research. I’ll keep pushing along and hope I figure this out. Listening to everyone is uplifting and it helps. Someone just might mention something you never tried and it could work. All the best…Joanne

Have you tried Prunelax, it has been awesome for me, nothing else worked for me.. Good luck.

I just got back from the store and bought prunelax regular strength. I do very poorly with all stimulants so I’m a bit nervous with senna. I ended up in the ER from dulcolax. The pain was so extreme I fainted and my husband panicked. I suffered severe pain. Hope this will be ok. Many thanks for everyone suggesting it. Tonight’s the night. Thanks, Joanne

@mothermary1 - you have suffered so much trying to get a functioning bowel- something most people take for granted. Has anyone suggested that you go to Mayo Clinic or similar institution with resources to test and diagnose you?
I also had similar reaction to Dulcolax.
I tried a new fiber last week- one dose only- and had stabbing pain 24/7 for 4 days.

Hi All, I did not try prunelax after I bought it yesterday. I did a lot of research and to many said incredible severe pain. Ducolax stimulant sent me to the ED. I decided I wasn’t taking that chance again. It’s also a coated pill so I don’t think I can cut it yet I’ve read some do. Senna can be very strong. I saw senna tea at Whole Foods I’m going that route. My pelvic floor PT said I could try the magic bullet. It’s a suppository but mostly the only difference is it’s water based verses vegetables base.
My problem is stool never makes it that far. That’s my problem. It can’t get through my colon. When I use an enema or suppository I’ve never had results yet every week it’s on my list of hopefuls. It’s a weekly process of what to try. I’ve heard some folks love magic bullet, I had no luck. I’ll keep pushing forward..Joanne

"I'll keep pushing forward." 🙂 How you keep up the humor is so admirable. Other than water, what do you eat? I get extremely backed up, for a week, but I won't let it go too far and may resort to a laxative. But if they don't work? What can you possibly do? I thought I had it bad, but I pale in comparison. The FODMAP diet, occasional laxative, electrolyte supplements, meditation, I mostly do it all and it's helped. I wonder. You say you drink a lot of water. That can sometimes backfire. As I've read: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318619 There is such a thing as water intoxication. Maybe you could look at that and see what's happening to your body as a result of too much water. I wish you well.

@mothermary1 You always sound SO POSITIVE. I just know you’ll do well with surgery in January!