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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sallyw133 | @sallyw133 | Mar 31, 2022

In reply to @pbt "Can you define "the smart pill"? Thank you." + (show)

Yes. You swallow a little capsule that has a computer chip inside. You wear a transmitter. I believe it was for 3 days. So many days prior and during you cannot use anything that could affect motility such as fiber, Imodium, laxatives, etc. you have a little diary where you write down if you have any symptoms, if you have pain, have a BM, sleep, etc. You return the transmitter and at some point will poop out the capsule. The results determine how long it takes the capsule to navigate through your entire digestive system. I think it measures other things, too. It showed that I have slow transit/slow motility which is why I am always constipated. They then can better treat you.

sallyw133 | @sallyw133 | Mar 31, 2022

In reply to @mothermary1 "Yes, all my Gastro have been motility specialist and I’ve been with naturopath as well over..." + (show)

It is so frustrating. It’s also difficult because I’m always having to cancel plans with friends or trips my husband and I want to go on. We just cancelled our third attempt to go to Florida this year. And what do you say to people? They really don’t want to hear about the fact that your colon doesn’t function properly.

Joanne Narna | @mothermary1 | Mar 31, 2022

After so many tests, pills, OTC meds the only thing left was to remove my entire colon. It was scheduled but I couldn’t do it. Yes, this has ruined my first two years in retirement but I think a total colectomy would only bring on just another issue. I think I’m able to at least regulate my diarrhea with going out. I met my son in Disney last thanksgiving for a full week. I had a grocery store drop off fruit I could digest cases of water and lots of ensure plus. I did a huge cleanse day before I left. I went the entire week without laxatives and never went once. As soon as my plane landed my husband was at the airport with my go to laxatives and I started Immediately. Yes, the next week was tough but the week with my grandson was worth it. You just need to plan it out. Never easy.

notmoff | @notmoff | Mar 31, 2022

In reply to @sallyw133 "My colon is also very long. That is the reason it twists, turns and loops, because..." + (show)

Has anyone tried external perineal self-acupressure to help stimulate a bowel movement? Any downsides to this technique?

mabbs24 | @mabbs24 | Apr 1, 2022

I had two C-sections many years ago which caused painful adhesions on my colon. After they were removed my motility slowed down
considerably. I have tried so many things over the years that didn't help much. What has worked best for me is a spoonful of Metamucil in a glass water with a tablespoon of Olive oil. It makes going a lot easier for me.

rodeo2step | @rodeo2step | Apr 1, 2022

In reply to @sallyw133 "It is so frustrating. It’s also difficult because I’m always having to cancel plans with friends..." + (show)

I so feel your pain and frustration. I have redundant tortuous colon, constipated all my life (74) now. I used to go almost daily, but hard and small. Recent colonoscopy only showed some thickening of Sigmoid colon wall ( muscular hypertrophy) I've done all the 64 oz of water, fiber, exercise, Miralax 4 x's a week . It's a balancing act to not get cramping and diarrhea. I too have had to cancel trips, and live alone and it's affecting my social life, and mental health. And yes, people don't understand , nor do they want to hear about it. Best to you! Bobbie

rocknrobbn | @rocknrobbn | Apr 1, 2022

In reply to @rodeo2step "I agree, Miralax takes several days, at least 3 for me, too sometimes more. My GI..." + (show)

I use IB Gard everyday during a flare of bacterial growth in my intestines and then as needed for left lower quadrant pain.
After 5 years of chronic constipation and then diarrhea for 7 months due to bacteria, and treatment with antibiotics this is the first week of bowel movements 3 days in a row!!!
I take 1 Colace every night. As well as Align, IB Gard and Colace.

sallyw133 | @sallyw133 | Apr 1, 2022

In reply to @rodeo2step "I so feel your pain and frustration. I have redundant tortuous colon, constipated all my life..." + (show)

I also deal with chronic migraine and have to juggle those meds because many cause constipation. I recently asked my neurologist for a referral to a psychologist who specializes in chronic illness. She felt this was a great idea as neither of these issues have a “quick fix”. I have my first virtual visit on March 18 so I will let you know if I think it will be helpful. I do have my husband to talk to but I think he grows weary of hearing about my bowel movements or lack of!