1. < Digestive Health

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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rodeo2step | @rodeo2step | Apr 1, 2022
In reply to @rocknrobbn "I use IB Gard everyday during a flare of bacterial growth in my intestines and then..." + (show)
@rocknrobbn

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.

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I just bought CVS's version of IB Gard. It also has Fennel oil and Ginger. I'm a little hesitant to take a stimulant laxative like Colace daily. I don't want to get dependent on it. Glad you have improvement!

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1 reply
rodeo2step | @rodeo2step | Apr 1, 2022
In reply to @sallyw133 "I also deal with chronic migraine and have to juggle those meds because many cause constipation...." + (show)
@sallyw133

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!

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Good luck! I know migraines and the associated meds have their own issues. I no longer have migraines , due to a total hysterectomy in my late 30's. Getting on a level dose of hormones helped a lot. I no longer take any hormones due to my age.

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1 reply
sallyw133 | @sallyw133 | Apr 1, 2022
In reply to @rodeo2step "Good luck! I know migraines and the associated meds have their own issues. I no longer..." + (show)
@rodeo2step

Good luck! I know migraines and the associated meds have their own issues. I no longer have migraines , due to a total hysterectomy in my late 30's. Getting on a level dose of hormones helped a lot. I no longer take any hormones due to my age.

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Unfortunately, menopause had no impact on mine. I actually had a dr tell me I was too old to still be having them! Tell my brain that!

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sallyw133 | @sallyw133 | Apr 1, 2022
In reply to @rocknrobbn "How are they treating you now that you have these findings?" + (show)
@rocknrobbn

How are they treating you now that you have these findings?

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Medications that help with peristalsis such as Motegrity and Zelnorm.

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rocknrobbn | @rocknrobbn | Apr 1, 2022

My current GI said Motegrity or other drugs would give me diarrhea. Ugh:(

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1 reply
rocknrobbn | @rocknrobbn | Apr 1, 2022
In reply to @rodeo2step "I just bought CVS's version of IB Gard. It also has Fennel oil and Ginger. I'm..." + (show)
@rodeo2step

I just bought CVS's version of IB Gard. It also has Fennel oil and Ginger. I'm a little hesitant to take a stimulant laxative like Colace daily. I don't want to get dependent on it. Glad you have improvement!

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Fingers crossed.

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brendaharvey | @brendaharvey | Apr 1, 2022
In reply to @rodeo2step "I agree, Miralax takes several days, at least 3 for me, too sometimes more. My GI..." + (show)
@rodeo2step

I agree, Miralax takes several days, at least 3 for me, too sometimes more. My GI Dr. said to speed that up I could take it 2 X's a day. I have been relying on it along with Citracel and lots of water and fiber in diet, but finding a balance of both as to not be " going all the time" is tricky. Plus I'm not real happy about relying on the Miralax. But it has helped my lower left pain and constipation issues.

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You might want to try what have been using. 1 cup applesauce 1 cup oat bran mixed with 1/4 cup prune juice. Two tablespoons before bed with small amount of milk of magnesia saline.
This works for me better than Linzess or Miralax or Motegrity.

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rodeo2step | @rodeo2step | Apr 1, 2022
In reply to @brendaharvey "You might want to try what have been using. 1 cup applesauce 1 cup oat bran..." + (show)
@brendaharvey

You might want to try what have been using. 1 cup applesauce 1 cup oat bran mixed with 1/4 cup prune juice. Two tablespoons before bed with small amount of milk of magnesia saline.
This works for me better than Linzess or Miralax or Motegrity.

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Yes, I've heard of that " power pudding" recipe. Recently I've had a lot of cramping with too much fiber. Probably IBS C. But I will try it. Thank you.

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1 reply
darcystaples | @darcystaples | Apr 2, 2022
In reply to @rodeo2step "I so feel your pain and frustration. I have redundant tortuous colon, constipated all my life..." + (show)
@rodeo2step

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

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Some of the worst aspect to this is the isolation

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brendaharvey | @brendaharvey | Apr 2, 2022
In reply to @rodeo2step "Yes, I've heard of that " power pudding" recipe. Recently I've had a lot of cramping..." + (show)
@rodeo2step

Yes, I've heard of that " power pudding" recipe. Recently I've had a lot of cramping with too much fiber. Probably IBS C. But I will try it. Thank you.

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I can’t have fiber. However, this recipe was given to me by a Physical Therapy group my Motility Clinic doctor had me see. With a small amount of Milk of Mag it has kept me out of the ER.
I do still have flares of the Gastroparesis from time to time. I take IBGUARD Prior to first food of the day along with Culturelle probiotic. I am better than I have been in the past 3 years.

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