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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

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.

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The research I saw didn't say mineral oil was a problem with long term use. Regarding mineral oil on salad, I can't eat salad so I don't know. For me, it has no taste and is no harder to swallow plain than olive oil. However, I do wait for it to mix with my saliva and that makes swallowing it easy. I also use a small amount, a 1/2 teaspoon at bedtime (cuz that amount works). I suppose I just need a lubricant laxative (rather than a stool softener, bulking agent, stimulant, etc.). My needs may change in the future though.

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Profile picture for mikayla @mikaylar

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.

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Suffering from terrible cnstipation due to statins. What type of mag powder? Citrate? Gycinate?
And at what dosage? Thanks!

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Citrate. Start with a teaspoon and work up if you don't go in a few hours. Mix with juice or water. I use 1/2 tea.

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Profile picture for mikayla @mikaylar

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

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Why not?

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I do Jevity 1.5 formula which is high fiber and I have a feeding tube, but it can be taken orally. Try it, lots of water, lots of fruit and vegetable smoothies too. Try natural over drugs. Be patient and relax Also try herbal teas, cut out all constipation causing food and drinks, do probiotic yogurt.

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In reply to @heyjoe415 "Why not?" + (show)
Profile picture for heyjoe415 @heyjoe415

Cause your body will start to depend on it. Check with Internet or your doctor to see how long you can use it.

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My dr gave me a script for Movantik. It works well at the lowest dosage.
Also, two tablets of Colace with 2 tablets of Senna every night helps.
I had tried fiber but all it did was add bulk and bulge my intestines causing pain and horrible gas.
There are many types of magnesium. Magnesium citrate is for constipation which is what is in milk of magnesia.
My constipation is caused by medication.

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Profile picture for gastrochic @gastrochic

What more do you have to do. I suffer from this a lot. Magnesium citrate, liquid, helped me, but since the recall, there is none. It bums me out, because it would help me once in a while. I did get the fiber capsules, but I'm still backed up. Going to ask Dr maybe to increase my Reglan (sp)? The constant bloating just sucks. And honestly watch the water. I think the levels of chlorine they are putting in the water are hurting a lot of people's digestive systems, because it's poison. My water is so bad at my house, the city won't do anything but call the cops on me, while my health deterriates. And now have to pay culligan for safe drinking water for my family and pets. Just be careful. Stomach pills is a huge money maker. Any advice on being more regular would be helpful. I'm only taking 2 capsules a day, maybe I need more? It's the one with the phylum husks (sp).
Thank you and God Bless.
Gastrochic

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Has anyone hear of "gush and push" (see link below)? It involves taking Miralax and Dulcolax (bisacodyl). I've been doing this. I take Miralax before bed and get up at midnight to take Dulcolax.

Almost everything I've read says regular use of bisacodyl (stimulant) is discouraged and it can make the intestines "lazy" and cause dependency. But I've never seen a legit study confirming this. The article also suggests it's ok to take up to six 5mg bisacodyl tablets, twice the recommended dose. Any thoughts? It works for me, but maybe I shouldn't be doing this????? Thanks all.
https://ufhealth.org/sites/default/files/media/palliative-care/2018-palliative-care-constipation-management.pdf

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Profile picture for sallyw133 @sallyw133

I noticed that you mentioned taking Reglan. I would avoid that. Very constipating.
You can also try some type of oil at bedtime. Mineral, olive. I do 1 tbsp. Not as bad as you would think. Pretty much tasteless.
Smooth Move Tea will also do it for me. How long you let it steep determines how strong it will be. I’m pretty resistant and it works for me in a matter of hours. If I’m really backed up, I’ll drink a cup of warm prune juice with a pat of melted butter first. Gag! But, between those two things I can almost guarantee, you will definitely have relief soon!

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I've done prune juice with black coffee - ick! LOL but whatever it takes, right!?

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