1. < Digestive Health

Slow gi motility with severe constipation

Posted by sallyw133 @sallyw133, Feb 28, 2023

I’ve posted here before under other topics but decided to start my own thread. Diagnosed three years ago
With extremely slow gi motility, stomach down, but symptoms primarily in colon which takes 82 hrs to process. Been to numerous drs, including motility specialists, and just no relief. Also claim some pelvic floor issues so I’ve done therapy twice. My main problem is finding a regimen to maintain some kind of regularity. I’m on Bethanichol, normally for urinary retention, but helps with motility, and Amitiza daily. Then add in mineral oil, senna, dulcolax as needed. The dailies help some, but not enough, so gradually add in others, then diarrhea. Or increase dose if dailies and same. Then there’s the “is it diarrhea or overflow” issue? My gi is little help. All questions go through nurse who never gets details right or doesn’t call back for days. I’d switch, but I have no idea who else to go to as can’t go to just a regular gi. I have been on every constipation med and have even consulted a surgeon re an ileostomy, but that just sounds like a whole new group of problems. Any one there share these issues?

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robintromp | @robintromp | Mar 3, 2023
In reply to @medicbynight "I also have gastroparesis because of a neuromuscular condition, and I too struggle with constipation. Linzess..." + (show)
@medicbynight

I also have gastroparesis because of a neuromuscular condition, and I too struggle with constipation. Linzess gives me terrible cramping, and eventually diarrhea. I did try one called Motegrity that seemed to work a little better, but my insurance didn’t want to keep paying for it. If I don’t use a fleet enema every few days I literally don’t have a bm. I am interested in looking into a cecostony, but it seems to be more commonly done in pediatrics and I’m having trouble finding an adult provider who is familiar with it.

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I get my Moegrity from Canada. Three months worth for the same price as month in the US. It is the only thing I have tried so far that helps.

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1 reply
Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 3, 2023
In reply to @robintromp "I get my Moegrity from Canada. Three months worth for the same price as month in..." + (show)
@robintromp

I get my Moegrity from Canada. Three months worth for the same price as month in the US. It is the only thing I have tried so far that helps.

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I recently also got my first order of Motegrity from a Canadian pharmacy. Yes- the savings are huge!

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jerrysgirl3 | @jerrysgirl3 | Mar 3, 2023
In reply to @medicbynight "I also have gastroparesis because of a neuromuscular condition, and I too struggle with constipation. Linzess..." + (show)
@medicbynight

I also have gastroparesis because of a neuromuscular condition, and I too struggle with constipation. Linzess gives me terrible cramping, and eventually diarrhea. I did try one called Motegrity that seemed to work a little better, but my insurance didn’t want to keep paying for it. If I don’t use a fleet enema every few days I literally don’t have a bm. I am interested in looking into a cecostony, but it seems to be more commonly done in pediatrics and I’m having trouble finding an adult provider who is familiar with it.

Jump to this post

Because of reflux issues i decided instead of oil and vinegar on my salad, to just have olive oil. The next morning I had a bowel movement very comfortably. Didn't have salad again for a few days and had constipation issues. Made a salad with just olive oil. Next morning, bowel movement slid out. I would like to say it was the olive oil since it happened twice, but who knows? Worth a try.

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2 replies
medicbynight | @medicbynight | Mar 3, 2023
In reply to @tnmomof3 "I have never posted in here before so hello! But I just had to post after..." + (show)
@tnmomof3

I have never posted in here before so hello! But I just had to post after I read your comment. For over 15 years I have suffered with colonic inertia that progressively got worse. Last summer, my colon finally stopped working and I couldn't have a BM on my own anymore so I had to start doing high volume enemas every other day. I finally found a GI doctor who would listen and take me seriously. She referred me to an awesome colorectal surgeon and we decided to do a total colectomy with IRA. I had that done on January 26 and am now 5 weeks post op. The decision to have that surgery was not an overnight decision. Lots of thought and prayers went into it. But I can say now that even though it was a very rough surgery and rough recovery, I am glad that I finally had it done. I can now have BMs on my own! I had no major complications after surgery and so far my recovery has been routine here at home. Anyway, just had to share. I know the pain of having a slow and non working colon. Pathology report came back on mine as non diseased and looked normal. It was just pretty much dead, non working. Hope this can help someone. 💗 And I hope that you can get the help you need as well.

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Thank you for sharing! That is so helpful. I’m glad you’ve found relief!

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brendaharvey | @brendaharvey | Mar 3, 2023
In reply to @sallyw133 "This surgery looks to be more for stomach issues?" + (show)
@sallyw133

This surgery looks to be more for stomach issues?

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It was for severe Gastroparesis.

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linh | @linh | Mar 3, 2023

My cat had constipation recently and the Veterinarian said to give it canned pumpkin. It worked great. My Physical Therapist said her Veterinarian recommended it for her dog's diarrhea. If this works with pet's G.I. problems I am wondering what pumpkin's effects are on humans - Does anybody happen to know?

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1 reply
robintromp | @robintromp | Mar 4, 2023
In reply to @jerrysgirl3 "Because of reflux issues i decided instead of oil and vinegar on my salad, to just..." + (show)
@jerrysgirl3

Because of reflux issues i decided instead of oil and vinegar on my salad, to just have olive oil. The next morning I had a bowel movement very comfortably. Didn't have salad again for a few days and had constipation issues. Made a salad with just olive oil. Next morning, bowel movement slid out. I would like to say it was the olive oil since it happened twice, but who knows? Worth a try.

Jump to this post

Also, I have found a teaspoon of MCT oil in my coffee helps with morning bowel movements.

REPLY
1 reply
Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 4, 2023
In reply to @jerrysgirl3 "Because of reflux issues i decided instead of oil and vinegar on my salad, to just..." + (show)
@jerrysgirl3

Because of reflux issues i decided instead of oil and vinegar on my salad, to just have olive oil. The next morning I had a bowel movement very comfortably. Didn't have salad again for a few days and had constipation issues. Made a salad with just olive oil. Next morning, bowel movement slid out. I would like to say it was the olive oil since it happened twice, but who knows? Worth a try.

Jump to this post

@jerrysgirl3
You are correct- the olive oil helps with passing stools. Flaxseed oil and mineral oil also work.
When I practiced pediatrics I had many patients with chronic constipation- very common in kids. If they were seen by pediatric GI they were often prescribed mineral oil- worked well. Kids get afraid to pass a hard stool so the mineral oil made them slide out!
Not for babies of course.

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Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 4, 2023
In reply to @sallyw133 "How do you do it!" + (show)
@sallyw133

How do you do it!

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@sallyw133
Are you asking how we get the prescriptions from Canada?
I looked at a list of Certified Canadian Pharmacies. My decision was based on their price for Motegrity as well as if they could provide a generic. Many of their drugs come from all over the world.
Each pharmacy explains the procedure of getting a prescription filled.

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