Problem with Chronic constipation

Posted by bb03 @bb03, Feb 1, 2021

I have a history of hypothyroidism, severe endometriosis/treatment was a hysterectomy 17 years ago.I also have a hx of IBS. My thyroid hormone levels are stable. I eat like a rabbit(I poop like one too, LOL!!!!!!). I eat a large amount of fiber and drink almost every hour(nonalcholic).ONly prescription drugs I take are armour thyroid and my estrogen/prosterone troche. I make a coconut bread and I add psyllium husks,flax seed and chia seed to it. I eat it practically every am. I also eat a spinach salad for lunch daily with nuts and yogurt and eat a lean meat and veggie and more coconut bread at night. I do one cheat meal with a cheat dessert once per week. I am relatively active for my age of 60. I've been to a gastroenterologist and we have tried Linzess which didn't help at all. I take miralax, and a Super Cleanse tab one per day which has herbs to soften the stool and to stimulate the bowel and It barely works. I am at a loss. I have not tried Montegrity yet. I don't know if it will be helpful and the side effects scare me. I had a CT of my abdomen and it was ok, no obstructions. The gastroenterologist that I go to practically accused me of abusing laxatives. I would be impacted if I didnt use the miralax and the Super Cleanse. Diet/water and activity do not help. I had diarrhea from my late teens to the age of 36 when my intestines out of the blue just shut down completely. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I was put on Synthroid but the constipation didn't go away. So if there is any gastroenterologist out there that can help me, please let me know.I feel defeated and worry about my health.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 20, 2022

In reply to @lucky786 "My name is lucky. I am 22 years old.I am suffering from constipation from last 6..." + (show)

Hi @lucky786, welcome to the patient community, Mayo Clinic Connect. I've moved your question about suffering from constipation for many years to this discussion:
- Problem with Chronic constipation https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/problem-with-chronic-constipation/

You can connect here with other patients talking about dealing with constipation. Only a doctor can diagnose what the underlying issue might be. You said that you have consulted many doctors. Have you seen a GI specialist? Do you live in the US?

lucky786 | @lucky786 | Mar 24, 2022

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @lucky786, welcome to the patient community, Mayo Clinic Connect. I've moved your question about suffering..." + (show)

I consulted with 2 laparascopic surgeon but they could treat it.I have followed many medicines and herbal product.But nothings works.I have checkup my intestine xray and ultrasound but results are normal.But without laxatives i cant live.Is my anal area is too tight or anyother problem?

tiss | @tiss | Mar 25, 2022

In reply to @lucky786 "I consulted with 2 laparascopic surgeon but they could treat it.I have followed many medicines and..." + (show)

Have you been checked for SIBO? Very common in folks with chronic constipation.

rocknrobbn | @rocknrobbn | Mar 26, 2022

I have SIBO after right hemicolectomy with removal of the ileocecal valve. Since my flare was treated with antibiotics and the diarrhea went away my colon doesn't move. My GI put me on Align probiotic, IBGard, and Colace( Colace everyother day). My intestines and colon still don't move. And I didn't have hard stools. I too have hypothyroid due to Hashimotos Disease. I take levothyroxine and my levels are within normal range.
I asked my GI about Motegrity and he said it would give me diarrhea. Isn't there a medication for bowel stimulation that doesn't cause diarrhea?
I take Prunelax every 5 days and prepare to stay at home on that day. Suggestions I can ask my GI about? I see him on April 4th.

sallyw133 | @sallyw133 | Mar 27, 2022

I, of course, know nothing about your specific issues, but Motegrity works really well for me and does not cause diarrhea. Perhaps you could just try the 1 mg. Or what about Zelnorm?

rocknrobbn | @rocknrobbn | Mar 27, 2022

In reply to @sallyw133 "I, of course, know nothing about your specific issues, but Motegrity works really well for me..." + (show)

Thank you for the suggestion. I will ask him on April 4th again. Last visit I asked him about Motegrity and he said it would give me diarrhea. I appreciate your suggestions.

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 28, 2022

I have been taking Motegrity for about 6 weeks. It has not caused diarrhea.
It really helps moving things along.

bonn | @bonn | Mar 28, 2022

In reply to @astaingegerdm "I have been taking Motegrity for about 6 weeks. It has not caused diarrhea. It really..." + (show)

What dosage of Motegrity do you take and have you figured out the best time to take it? With or without food? I have a prescription for it but I can't seem to figure out the best time to take it. If I take it in the morning, I have a headache all day and if I take it at bedtime, it keeps me awake all night. I've only been using it sporadically due to those side effects but I'd like to be able to take it daily. Could you please tell me what is working for you? Thanks!

ajline | @ajline | Mar 28, 2022

Any trial of digestive enzymes?

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 29, 2022

In reply to @bonn "What dosage of Motegrity do you take and have you figured out the best time to..." + (show)

@bonn - I’m taking Motegrity 2 mg tabs. One tablet at bedtime- I think bedtime was recommended and it seems to help motility the following day. Most of the time. There are still days when the system is paralyzed.
Interesting to hear that it interferes with your sleep. I find myself too awake at bedtime, but I’ll sleep fairly well.

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