I have had constipation and all that goes with it since 1980. As you can imagine, I've tried everything including all things listed on this thread. I recently bought a supplement called EMMA. Google it. My question is, is anyone else using it? Does it help? I've only been taking it about 4 or 5 days. The advertising was so darned spot on when listing the symptoms that I experience so I want to give it a fair chance, but after 43 years of this, my hopes are always guarded. I know I am FODMAP intolerant but eliminating all foods that have them is virtually impossible. I can barely eat any fruits or vegetables (well not the wide range I used to eat). Meat and potatoes aren't a problem for me but I'd rather be vegetarian. I get the very real feeling my body just does not break anything down, and when it does, the motility is almost non-existent. Anyone have any new ideas for me?
I am trying Emma right now. It is my 2nd trial with it. The first time I was able to decrease the dose and frequency of laxatives but after 3m I was still on them.
That being said, when I'm not using Emma, I use laxatives more frequently and at a higher dose. This time I will try it for 6m and see what happens.
For 20 + yrs I've had problems with constipation but in the last year have I had very decreased motility.
Exercise does help but when fatigue is a daily battle, it is very difficult to keep up with. I am remaining hopeful. Also, I am trying a massage method I found on this forum called Self- abdominal massage for constipation.
I've uploaded the directions. Hopefully it helps, good luck.
Does this really work for severe constipation? My husband is a cancer survivor of Neuroendocrine Tumors and he’s 2 years out from his Whipple surgery and now his intestines are all a mess will go sometimes 9 or 10 days with no BM and he was in the ER not too long ago because they thought he had a blockage somewhere because he’s been told that his cancer can come back with a vengeance! So they put him on a terrible regimen and it does not work! Miralax, Linzess, 3 stool softeners a day and nothing 😩 so we don’t know what else he can try? Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you 😊
I have been dealing with this off and on for 70 yrs. Most recently I went to Gastrointrologist. After trying 3 different Rx I am so disappointed. I take thyroid med plus several other Rx drugs including pain meds. I am at a loss for where to turn now!
Hi.... sorry to read this. I have opposite problem an since pelvic radiation 38 yrs ago and getting worse after c.diff, ibs-D, fecal incontinence: told to eat fibre which makes it worse; sometimes bathroom breaks up to ten times a day; take Imodium an then can't go and pressure and then "rabbit pellets." It gets quite painful with cramps and multiple b.m.s some bleeding: But I can sympathize with you/understand to a point because several times too much medication or one week took "Tums" for indigestion and just could not pass a b.m. an was so very painful. However, I am wondering if possibly the 3 mds you are taking and some other Rx drugs could contribute to constipation for you? Do you read the info pamphlet with the meds - and sometimes on the Internet they show the additives to the actual meds like colouring for the pills etc. etc. I take Synthroid for hypothyroidism but that doesnt seem to affect bowels... my adult daughter had 10 inches of bowel removed over 20 years ago and she only goes a few times a week but as far as I know doesnt have pain with it.. but will ask her.... hope you get lots of comments here that will help you... take care, J.
I have a tortuous redundant colon and suffer all of the symptoms that go with it. My GI has me eating a high fiber diet, and taking 2 or more Metamucil capsules each day. I take them first thing in the morning with a big glass of water. Then drink a slow cup of coffee. It has been working! I have to get up early to make this happen as I am a teacher and need to be at work by 7:30 each day. But it’s worth it!
I also have a tortuous redundant colon and it's interesting that your GI told you to eat a high fiber diet and Metamucil each day. My GI said no Metamucil, take Miralax. I have also been doing some reading and read that for this colon issue, not to eat high fiber or take Metamucil, that the fiber and Metamucil will only bulk up the stool in the colon making it harder to pass through and make constipation worse. It is really confusing, all the conflicting information that is out there but I think it's great that it works for you. Everyone is different and there isn't a one size fits all remedy. I'm going to keep this on the radar!
I have been dealing with this off and on for 70 yrs. Most recently I went to Gastrointrologist. After trying 3 different Rx I am so disappointed. I take thyroid med plus several other Rx drugs including pain meds. I am at a loss for where to turn now!
Hi Sheilia49,
What an awful situation you have! I'm sorry you are going through that! I'm 77 and everything as far as bowel movements was pretty normal until I became incontinent. That's when constipation was a problem. However, I solved it with a home remedy that my mom always gave me which is about 2 or 3 teaspoons of Arm and Hammer baking soda in water. It tastes terrible so you may want to add some lemon juice to it. But it works and it is natural! Stay close to the bathroom when you use it. If it doesn't work at first, try it again. However, I've been taking it since I was a child and I never had it not work! Besides relieving your constipation, it also gets rid of gas. Drink a lot of water after you take it so you don't become dehydrated due to the baking soda.
Hi Sheilia49,
What an awful situation you have! I'm sorry you are going through that! I'm 77 and everything as far as bowel movements was pretty normal until I became incontinent. That's when constipation was a problem. However, I solved it with a home remedy that my mom always gave me which is about 2 or 3 teaspoons of Arm and Hammer baking soda in water. It tastes terrible so you may want to add some lemon juice to it. But it works and it is natural! Stay close to the bathroom when you use it. If it doesn't work at first, try it again. However, I've been taking it since I was a child and I never had it not work! Besides relieving your constipation, it also gets rid of gas. Drink a lot of water after you take it so you don't become dehydrated due to the baking soda.
I have been dealing with this off and on for 70 yrs. Most recently I went to Gastrointrologist. After trying 3 different Rx I am so disappointed. I take thyroid med plus several other Rx drugs including pain meds. I am at a loss for where to turn now!
I have been dealing with this off and on for 70 yrs. Most recently I went to Gastrointrologist. After trying 3 different Rx I am so disappointed. I take thyroid med plus several other Rx drugs including pain meds. I am at a loss for where to turn now!
Thank you all for your responses, of which I will be mindful , since posting , I have been to see a dietitian.
She recommended I try wheat free eating plan , …
2 weeks into it , bowel habits have changed dramatically and have become normal !!!!
Apparently gluten remains in the colon for 59 hours ? That’s a normal colon , so you can imagine in a long redundant colon it will be considerably longer!!!! Glueing everything up ……
Has anyone else any indication or information relating to same ?
Anyway it’s worth a try am sticking to it for at least a month to see if the improvements continue? And if so it will be for the foreseeable…..👌🙃
Watch this space……best wishes to all..Sheila
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I am trying Emma right now. It is my 2nd trial with it. The first time I was able to decrease the dose and frequency of laxatives but after 3m I was still on them.
That being said, when I'm not using Emma, I use laxatives more frequently and at a higher dose. This time I will try it for 6m and see what happens.
For 20 + yrs I've had problems with constipation but in the last year have I had very decreased motility.
Exercise does help but when fatigue is a daily battle, it is very difficult to keep up with. I am remaining hopeful. Also, I am trying a massage method I found on this forum called Self- abdominal massage for constipation.
I've uploaded the directions. Hopefully it helps, good luck.
I don't use it often.
🙂👍
@dsoots I am so sorry he and you are going through this. It sounds awful.
I don’t know if it will work for him, but it is worth a try. Ask his doctor first of course.
Blessings
Hi.... sorry to read this. I have opposite problem an since pelvic radiation 38 yrs ago and getting worse after c.diff, ibs-D, fecal incontinence: told to eat fibre which makes it worse; sometimes bathroom breaks up to ten times a day; take Imodium an then can't go and pressure and then "rabbit pellets." It gets quite painful with cramps and multiple b.m.s some bleeding: But I can sympathize with you/understand to a point because several times too much medication or one week took "Tums" for indigestion and just could not pass a b.m. an was so very painful. However, I am wondering if possibly the 3 mds you are taking and some other Rx drugs could contribute to constipation for you? Do you read the info pamphlet with the meds - and sometimes on the Internet they show the additives to the actual meds like colouring for the pills etc. etc. I take Synthroid for hypothyroidism but that doesnt seem to affect bowels... my adult daughter had 10 inches of bowel removed over 20 years ago and she only goes a few times a week but as far as I know doesnt have pain with it.. but will ask her.... hope you get lots of comments here that will help you... take care, J.
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1 ReactionI also have a tortuous redundant colon and it's interesting that your GI told you to eat a high fiber diet and Metamucil each day. My GI said no Metamucil, take Miralax. I have also been doing some reading and read that for this colon issue, not to eat high fiber or take Metamucil, that the fiber and Metamucil will only bulk up the stool in the colon making it harder to pass through and make constipation worse. It is really confusing, all the conflicting information that is out there but I think it's great that it works for you. Everyone is different and there isn't a one size fits all remedy. I'm going to keep this on the radar!
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1 ReactionHi Sheilia49,
What an awful situation you have! I'm sorry you are going through that! I'm 77 and everything as far as bowel movements was pretty normal until I became incontinent. That's when constipation was a problem. However, I solved it with a home remedy that my mom always gave me which is about 2 or 3 teaspoons of Arm and Hammer baking soda in water. It tastes terrible so you may want to add some lemon juice to it. But it works and it is natural! Stay close to the bathroom when you use it. If it doesn't work at first, try it again. However, I've been taking it since I was a child and I never had it not work! Besides relieving your constipation, it also gets rid of gas. Drink a lot of water after you take it so you don't become dehydrated due to the baking soda.
I hope this works for you. Let me know.
PML
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1 ReactionThank you! I will try this, what do I have to loose at this point. I appreciate your suggestion.😄
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2 ReactionsPowdered magnesium citrate - 1-2 tea. Or tons "P" fruits each day - prunes, pineapples, plums and blueberries.
Thank you all for your responses, of which I will be mindful , since posting , I have been to see a dietitian.
She recommended I try wheat free eating plan , …
2 weeks into it , bowel habits have changed dramatically and have become normal !!!!
Apparently gluten remains in the colon for 59 hours ? That’s a normal colon , so you can imagine in a long redundant colon it will be considerably longer!!!! Glueing everything up ……
Has anyone else any indication or information relating to same ?
Anyway it’s worth a try am sticking to it for at least a month to see if the improvements continue? And if so it will be for the foreseeable…..👌🙃
Watch this space……best wishes to all..Sheila
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Hug
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