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I have had chronic constipation since birth. I am now 54 years old. I have ran out of laxatives to try. I went to a gastroenterologist a couple of years ago who did a marker test (nothing moved) and then attempted to do a colonoscopy but I told him beforehand that the solution did not clean me out so of course it came back inconclusive because it wasn’t cleaned out. He diagnosed me with colonic inertia and prescribed Linzess which sort of worked for a while then it started making me nauseous and not working. I started taking Miralax every day at the suggestion of a different doctor, that worked for a while and now it just makes me sick and doesn’t work either. I have an appointment with yet another gastroenterologist next month. I go weeks without a bowel movement sometimes 4-6 weeks and of course I feel miserable. Anyone else have the same issue?
Replies to "I have had chronic constipation since birth. I am now 54 years old. I have ran..."
Hello. I had a similar situation and went to Mayo in Jax. I was diagnosed with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction by their wonderful Gastroenterology team. Prior to Mayo, I saw some of the top specialists in my state and they couldn't figure it out. Mayo prescribed pelvic floor therapy which really turned things around. Now I take measures such as using a toilet stool, drinking detox teas like Hyley Slim tea and Epsom salt in warm water to help my bowels move consistently. My new tool is a high fiber cereal called "Poop like a Champion" or something like. It's kinda expensive but it works like clockwork every day. I know how you feel and I hope any of this information is helpful. God bless you.
My sibling told me a friend of hers said she had life long chronic constipation until a doctor told her to take greens daily (like medicine). So everyday she gets this over with taking greens first thing in the morning and she hasn't had a problem with constipation since.
@jsp68 - Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
I can’t imagine how you feel having constipation since birth and not get any long term relief!
Do you know if you had tests done when you were young?
On rare occasions a baby can be born with faulty nervous system in the large intestine. These children start having constipation problems in early infancy.
I’m not surprised that you can’t get fully cleaned out for a colonoscopy. Same here- have very slow motility.
Have they been able to get biopsies when you had colonoscopies?
I hope the new gastroenterologist can help you. Something has to be done if you go weeks without a bowel moment.
Can you post after your visit?
There are many members here with severe constipation that can offer suggestions for you to try.
I did not go weeks w/o a bowel movement but probably one week years ago. Also, some bowel movements truly exhausted me to the point that I would have to go to bed. Have you tried drinking 64 ounces of water daily? After my colon resection, my doctor told me to be sure to drink that amount. It helped me tremendously. Sure hope you have success soon.
Try Movicol three times a day
I have been battling with constipation for over 8 years now the condition seems so terrible and unbearable to the extent it affect my performance in bed. What can you recommend for me please.
I swear by a daily probiotic and daily magnesium citrate 400 mgs.
@denisepowell - Movicol is a new product to me so I did a brief web hunt. https://www.movicol.com.au/about-movicol/how-it-works/
Am I right in guessing that Macrogol, its active ingredient is similar to Miralax, but perhaps sold in Australia? Movicol added electrolytes, maybe to reduce its sodium/potassium/other? mineral losses. My source was Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrogol
Have you found it helpful? Is Movicol sold in the U.S?
Do you exercise? I found lots of fruit works best for me. If I miss a day, it's not good. The "P" fruits best: prunes, pineapples, pears, plums
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Have you tried OTC, Prunelax? It works for many. There are two strengths now.