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Problem with Chronic constipation
Digestive Health | Last Active: Apr 21 7:51am | Replies (180)Comment receiving replies
I'm 20, very young to be having problems this bad. When I was younger I had severe depression and anxiety, still do, but I've only ever had the occasional constipation with a quick fix solution then I was fine for years.
Around my birthday I had a severe, and sudden, bout of constipation. It went on for weeks, and when I say constipation I mean ZERO bowel movement, not even a sliver. So, I went to the hospital. I got stigmatized, they told me it was just constipation and I'd be fine, handed me a few packets of laxatives and sent me off.
The laxatives worked, at first, but deep down I knew it wouldn't solve the issue, so I used them sparingly as I saw my family doctor. 6 months later and the issue is still persevering, in fact, it got worse. Now my digestive system is struggling to digest food, I am constantly hungry despite the fact that my digestive system is too slow to eat food normally anymore, if I eat it won't come back out.
I had a small few weeks of no severe issues, and suddenly it got twice as bad recently, as I write this my stomach is screaming at me to eat, as if it's starving. Mind you, I never felt this way before when I woke up until all of this began happening. I considered if food could be a trigger, but none of it makes sense, because I've constantly switched my foods and never had stomach pain, gas or bloating unless I haven't had a bowel movement for days on end.
I have no idea what's wrong with me, other than sharp gut pain, usually around the lower abdomen/belly button, and the fact that I usually I can't have a bowel movement at all unless I bomb my gut with laxatives. I'm at a loss, I'm terrified, and I've been to the ER 3 times and the Urgent Clinic once along with my family doctor 3 times. When I call helplines (yes, I'm that desperate) they tell me to go to the ER, but the ER never takes me seriously.
I've had a CT x-ray, an ultrasound, and I'm stuck waiting until December 22nd for a specialist. I'm at a loss, I don't know if I can wait that long anymore before I start digging out my own stomach. What do I do?
Replies to "I'm 20, very young to be having problems this bad. When I was younger I had..."
I assume doctors have checked you out for appendicitis, which could have symptoms like belly button pain and well as constipation.
You need to keep your constipation at bay. I recommend not worrying about dependency for now. Some products are harsh and people cannot tolerate them. Colace 2 in 1 for bad constipation should be considered, at maximum-listed dose. It is gentle, per my Gastro and my experience.
One can get "hunger pangs" from eating the wrong foods or eliminating certain foods you crave. The latter happened to me (and yes, I felt like digging...) Read this about hunger pangs for other information: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321725#causes
as well as: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hunger-pangs/#:~:text=Hunger%20pangs%20can%20occur%20when,like%20your%20belly%20is%20empty.
Regarding your anxiety and depression, are you on any meds? They can cause significant constipation. So can certain supplements (for me -- too much Melatonin). Family doctors may not be well-versed on the bowel effects of the meds they prescribe or supps you take. Do a deep Google on what you are taking to see. (My gastro doctor prescribed Zoloft for my anxiety as it is also beneficial for constipation; I have IBS-C. Other anxiety drugs are beneficial for diarrhea.)
As far as treating anxiety goes via a non-drug route, check out GI Psychology in Burke, VA. They only do virtual appointments. They use deep relaxation therapy (hypnosis) to treat anxiety. I gotta say, it works for me.
In conclusion, keep the constipation at bay. Check out your meds/supps. Consider everyones' posts on their experiences with foods like gluten and FODMAPs. You don't need to have textbook symptoms for something to either work for you or bother you.
P.S. You mentioned slow digestion. That can be sped up with apple cider vinegar -- the good brand -- Bragg. You can Google apple cider vinegar; there are also capsules. As a natural stool lubricant laxative there is mineral oil/olive oil at bedtime. Google that too.
I am so sorry you are having such horrible issues, and I feel your pain because I have had the same problem since I was in elementary school, I’m now 67 and still suffer. The only relief I have found is from Australian black licorice. It tastes quite different from what you find in the U.S. and warning, not good if you have high blood pressure. You can find it on the internet, I believe one subscriber said it’s called Kookaburra. My constipation gets so severe that I can’t urinate. Eating more fiber and using Miralax just doesn’t help me at all, but the licorice has worked every time. I wish I could use it regularly, but I have very high blood pressure, so I try to only use it when I’m desperate.
Good luck to you, and on a side note, I waited 3 months to see gastrointestinal doctor, they recommended more fiber in my diet ( Ha)
So sorry clown. 20 is way too young for these problems.
Question, are you athletic, do you work out? I'm not talking about a gym rat, someone who exercises regularly.
If you can do it, I recommend you try running, ideally outdoors. I used to be a runner, ran a lot of marathons, and running jump started the peristaltic motion in my intestines. I'd go for a run, and be looking for a public rest room, or some woods, at some point in my run.
It's worth a try if you can run. As far as other exercise, I found a rowing machine kinda does the same thing. Your knees are up above your waistline, and this is a recommended position for a BM.
Might sound weird, but it involves no chemicals and is good for you in many ways. Give it a try if you can. All the best!
(I don't run anymore after having both knees replaced. But I row a lot and work out a lot. And I drink a lot of water.
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@cl0wncl0wn Cutting water intake may make constipation worse because the colon reabsorbs water that the body needs. Constipation does cause pain as dense stool is moving through the intestines.
My question would be have you tried an elimination diet? I developed gluten issues and food allergies and had to do this to figure out what foods were bad for me by starting out eating just one thing, for example rice for a few days. If that is fine, add one more food, etc. As long as you feel OK, keep adding more. Eating a lot of vegetables should help. I know if I eat a lot of fruit, it can move through my GI tract quickly. Gluten comes from grains and things made from grain, so cutting out grains will help. The grains that don't have gluten are corn, rice, and oats. I buy "gluten free" oatmeal because when crops are rotated from year to year, there can be cross contamination of other grains that also grew in the field and is mixed into the harvest.
It may help to eliminate all foods with gluten right from the start which is a lot because you have to read labels and understand what ingredients may come from wheat even though it isn't listed on the label, for example, vinegar can be made from wheat or apple cider and you may not know. Constipation can be a symptom of gluten intolerance. This website can give you information:
https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/gluten-free-foods/
Also, I would ask what medications or supplements do you take? Side effects from medications may possibly cause constipation. Pain medication can do this and is a concern with prescribed medication after fractures or surgery.
You can test your diet and have this information available for your appointment with your specialist. It may take a long time to really figure out what to avoid, but it is worth it when you feel so much better.