Severe constipation after covid: What helps?

Hi Colleen,

I'm on Linzess and it's not working (and my constipation is not Covid-related). I eat 11 prunes each day and other fiber-rich food. How much CALM do you take to help with constipation?

Thank you!

Joe

Are you eating green leafy foods? Broccoli, cauliflower? Carrots? Do you eat 2 to 3 fruit a day and 4 veg a day?
Restoralax in fruit juice works --take every day! have you tried senna tea twice a week ? A tablet form is sennocides available over the counter at a drug store. Senna tea is usually available at yor supermarket or specialty supermarlet like Trader Joes.
Walking 20 minutes every day in fresh air if you have no mobility issues.
maintain your body's rhythm, ie.- get up at same time every day--including weekends and bedtime at same time.
And finally, if have not done so, see a gastroenterologist to further assist.
Do not do crazy stuff some people advise. Sent to you in good faith from Orlanda

I take between 1-2 teaspoons. Two if I need more help with constipation, less if things are working as desired. I also have 2-6 prunes a day and a vegetable-rich diet.

I have had severe constipation due to GI symptoms from long Covid.

What does work for me:
Three doses of lactulose, one tbsp at night and two in the morning.
I take one amitiza with the lactulose when the constipation gets worse.

For the first 4-5 months after getting long Covid, I almost could not "go" at all! Mag. citrate didn't even help. I stopped eating because I couldn't have a bowel movement and lived on ensure (lost 45 pounds). But the lactulose (plus amitiza when needed) actually does work!! Wish I had known about the med combo sooner!!!!!

I also have long Covid and was really sick with GI issues and lost almost 40 lbs. I take one thing now, polyethylene glycol. Put it in a water bottle and shake. I don’t even have to take the full dose most days. Unlike Metamucil, it has no taste. I drank Ensure in the hospital but was told with all the sugar in it, it wasn’t advised to be on long term.

That helps a lot Colleen. I eat about 10 prunes a day - I actually do like the taste, the consistency is weird. I'm looking to add citrate of magnesium liquid and so your reply really helps. Thanks so much.

I get most of my other fiber from bran cereal and a lot of fruit. That seems to help too.

All the best!

Joe

I eat 10 prunes a day and a lot of fruit and I take citrate of magnesium (liquid). I just started this so I'll let you know if it works for me.

Thanks artist,

Where can I get lactulose? Thank you!

Joe

You need to ask your doctor to prescribe it. It's very inexpensive and it works!

Thanks artist, much appreciated. I'm taking Linzess and it's not working. I'll ask my Dr. about this. Again, thank you.

Joe