Severe Constipation

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!

Hi All, my surgery on the back burner. Yes, it’s schedule for January 19th but I don’t think it will happen. If for five days I had heavenly BM, why can’t it come back. Yes, everyone says water,water and more water. Well like everything you can overdue it which most don’t believe. I was feeling lightheaded I’ll say two months ago. Now, I drink so much water, so when that line comes from the mouth of any doctor I say oh no, that would not be be. Long story short, my chloride and sodium very low. It’s called hyponatremia. I had terrible headaches which I never get. I felt fatigue and weak but assumed it was from laxatives. Sometimes you just know your body so well, you stop listening.
I lowered my water intake and 8 weeks later labs normal. They were at the low end of normal, but normal. It’s the same with fiber. I know all about it and why we need it but explain that to my colon. I’m extremely food sensitive. Today is day 8 so tonight is three doses of Philips mag. If I get very bad the Gastro doc sets me up like I’m prepping for a colonoscopy. The diet, followed by that lovely drink. This is my life and my option. Live like this or get the total colectomy. I’m just not ready. My diet is tuff but I do try to add a variety in very small amounts, trial and error.I’ve been doing gluten free but it’s done nothing, still can’t go. I did low inflammation diet,Fodmap and others. I’m sort of a mix of all of them because nothing works. It is very frustrating for sure. Today I didn’t eat much because I feel so full just drinking water is hard. I’m assuming my colon is really full. I just hope it kicks in well tomorrow. I never know. I had acupuncture today and walked 5 miles. It doesn’t matter for whatever reason it’s all stopped. Fingers crossed I’ll empty a lot tomorrow and start over again. I still think it’s better than surgery for this month. I have time. Happy weekend, hope one day someone soon writes something, I try it and I’m cured. Blessings, Joanne

Prunelax is nothing like dulcolax, it is mild in comparison. No cramping! I take at bedtime and I usually wake up around 6am and do once, 15 minutes later again, and a third time a little later. It's the only thing that empties me other than a colonoscopy prep. And, it's not diarrhea, its more like mud. I've tried it all, and it works for me and I was hesitant at first. Keep battling!