Severe Constipation

Posted by klk464 @klk464, Feb 28, 2018

I have had severe constipation for a long time. I drink lots of water and have had almost every test possible done and tried many prescription medications. These medications work for a little bit then stop. I currently take 3 docusate in morning and at night I will take 2 senna/docusate. I still dont have a daily BM. So i get bloated crampy and back pain from this.

I was told I could go to the Mayo Clinic as they may have ideas for me because they are out of options for me here.

Anyone else suffer from this?

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clutch | @clutch | Dec 15, 2021

In reply to @sue225 "I was sure that Prunelax contained senna as main ingredient. Will check" + (show)

@sue225 Yes it does, as well as plum extracts and other substances, I’m assuming that are preservatives.

sue225 | @sue225 | Dec 16, 2021

In reply to @kathy5645 "It contains the same ingredient as miralax which makes me very I’ll. Looking for other possibilities." + (show)

Yes, I find Miralax despite all the promises of no bloating, no cramping, etc., makes me feel horrible. Better luck with senna (for me). Ingesting propylene glycol long term does seem a bit toxic.

kathy5645 | @kathy5645 | Dec 16, 2021

In reply to @clutch "@kathy5645, They are two different classes of stimulants altogether. Here are the ingredients for Prunelax: Dried..." + (show)

Thanks. It makes me sick also. Dry frustrating.

euqcaj | @euqcaj | Dec 16, 2021

I am recovering from C-diff (9 months into recovery). All my life I have dealt with constipation and later in life found out I had a tortuous intestine. Finally, it seems, and I'm praying it lasts, the Prunelax is working for me. I am still working on the dosage, which is different for every individual. BUT I have tried all the regular anecdotes the doctors usually recommend and I did it religiously. Miralax, lots of fiber, lots of water, psyllium powder (which I still use on my oatmeal and cereal), but nothing has worked for me like the Prunelax. I have stuck with it. I may try the maximum strength down the road because currently I'm taking the mini-tabs. (less to take with max. strength but not a big deal.) So, from my experience, I recommend the Prunelax. I have read on here that it doesn't work for some people and I guess that's to be expected but I also know you have to work with it and give it a chance. I ended up taking 4 mini tabs for a month or more and now I'm adjusting to 3, and hopefully I will be able to taper off with time to 2 or possibly taking the 3, 3 times a week. It is an ongoing process. Best wishes to all who have to find their way with this problem. I truly understand how it can affect one's life. Keep the hope and the faith! Jacque

petuniamom567 | @petuniamom567 | Dec 16, 2021

very lucky you have naturopath near you. in small cities we're stuck. you did the right thing but it's very depressing for the rest of us. when it comes to colons and kidneys, the practice of typical american medicine remains a mystery. intergrated medicine is the way to go, but it's not going my way. very few practice this. our medical schools in most places seem to be one track. perhaps virtual medicine will be
the way to go. anyway, glad you got better.

kathy5645 | @kathy5645 | Dec 25, 2021

In reply to @thellman "Have you tried Motegrity?" + (show)

No I haven’t. Will order it on amazon. Thanks so much.

thellman | @thellman | Dec 26, 2021

In reply to @kathy5645 "No I haven’t. Will order it on amazon. Thanks so much." + (show)

It's a prescription drug, talk to your doctor.

kathy5645 | @kathy5645 | Dec 26, 2021

In reply to @thellman "It's a prescription drug, talk to your doctor." + (show)

Realized that after post. Will call my gastroenterologist Hope I can get in soon but could take a month or two. Will see if she will call it in but haven’t been seen for a bit.

thellman | @thellman | Dec 27, 2021

In reply to @kathy5645 "Realized that after post. Will call my gastroenterologist Hope I can get in soon but could..." + (show)

Your general Dr. can prescribe it as well. You probably could get in faster with him/her.

dianecostella | @dianecostella | Dec 27, 2021

I have severe constipation. I have always been constipated but this is on a whole different level. I do suffered from automatic small fiber neuropathy and I am quite sure I have a motility issue. I have tried every single thing mentioned in the comment excluding prescription drugs. Not a single one helped, they worked for a short period of time. I currently take six magnesium citrate tablets along with two Phillips Laxative tablets before bed. This seems to work well but occasionally I have to use a small enema. I buy the tiny fleet enemas or the CVS small enemas. They are really small so I don’t mind and now the need is less than it was. I took the smart pill test to see what was going on and my gastroenterologist said she was presenting my results to a panel of doctors who go over difficult cases. I have a tele-health visit on January 3rd and I should know more then.