Severe Constipation

Posted by klk464 @klk464, Feb 28, 2018

I have had severe constipation for a long time. I drink lots of water and have had almost every test possible done and tried many prescription medications. These medications work for a little bit then stop. I currently take 3 docusate in morning and at night I will take 2 senna/docusate. I still dont have a daily BM. So i get bloated crampy and back pain from this.

I was told I could go to the Mayo Clinic as they may have ideas for me because they are out of options for me here.

Anyone else suffer from this?

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mikaylar | @mikaylar | Jul 18, 2023

No, no no.... you need to use the powdered magnesium. Then you can regulate it. Start with a half of a teaspoon. If you don't go in a few house, take another half.

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Jul 18, 2023

In reply to @maxine50 "My girlfriend gave me a Magnesium pill and I spent the day in the bathroom." + (show)

Yeah magnesium citrate is usually used as a colonoscopy prep. I mean I have used it rarely for constipation, but only if I'm desperate. The cure can be worse than the disease.......

jwkelly72 | @jwkelly72 | Jul 19, 2023

Are you doing high fiber because that matters. I have a feeding tube and do all liquids and formula like Jevity keeps me going healthy and regular 3 times a week

researchmaven | @researchmaven | Jul 20, 2023

Get your sleep, exercise, and consider old-fashioned mineral oil. It adds "slip" and not bulk. Sometimes too much bulk (fiber) doesn't help, it just clogs the pipes. I am impressed with the comment on magnesium pills though.

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Jul 21, 2023

In reply to @researchmaven "Get your sleep, exercise, and consider old-fashioned mineral oil. It adds "slip" and not bulk. Sometimes..." + (show)

Mineral oil, never thought of that, thanks.

I have problems with motility, it ain't working. I'm not sure mineral oil would help this, but it seems harmless enough otherwise.

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Jul 21, 2023

In reply to @mikaylar "No, no no.... you need to use the powdered magnesium. Then you can regulate it. Start..." + (show)

Yeah go slow with a small dose of powdered magnesium. I started with the max dose, and I'll just say the rest of the day was not pleasant. I would have preferred constipation and some other attempt to resolve.

But I haven't gone back to magnesium powder because of my first experience. Maybe I'll give it another try with a half teaspoon as you suggest. Thanks!

mikaylar | @mikaylar | Jul 21, 2023

Mineral oil will always work but it is not something you can continually use.

researchmaven | @researchmaven | Jul 21, 2023

In reply to @heyjoe415 "Mineral oil, never thought of that, thanks. I have problems with motility, it ain't working. I'm..." + (show)

Also, try not eating anything that is hard to digest like beef and poultry, and cheese for a period of time. Fish, egg whites, Lactaid nonfat milk, and pea protein isolate are easy to digest. Consider avoiding grains for a period of time.

Also look at your supplements. Any fiber supplement that says it is also good for weight loss does this by slowing down your digestion. Also check your prescription meds for such side effects.

Also, consider gut massage. See England's National Health Service guide:
https://www.wchc.nhs.uk/content/uploads/2019/12/Self-abdominal-massage.pdf
Consider trying easy-to-digest soups and hot cereals. Consider sipping H20 throughout the day or a hot drink. Also consider eating low or zero FODMAP foods (per Monash University FODMAP app).

Keep at it -- something will help.

maxine50 | @maxine50 | Jul 21, 2023

In reply to @heyjoe415 "Mineral oil, never thought of that, thanks. I have problems with motility, it ain't working. I'm..." + (show)

When I was a kid, my mom used mineral oil on salads and I hated having to eat her salads. My friends parents used olive oil and I could eat a salad. I still can taste the awful salads my mom made me eat. Sooooooooo, don't want to use mineral oil for anything. Unless it comes in pill form.

gigi4 | @gigi4 | Jul 22, 2023

Many good suggestions and I would also highly recommend exercise. Moving is critical evening if it’s only walking. If you aren’t used to either walking or exercising, start small. Go for a ten minute walk twice a day and for a few days and start to increase your walking time - 10 then 15 ten 20 etc. I had constipation for awhile and my brother who is a doctor told me to start doing this. I hadn’t been exercising due to being ill and he said this is the best way to start recovery and get my bodily functions going again.