Constipation: What helps you?

Another drug that might help your husband, with what I think is opioid induced constipation, is Movantik. I don't know the mechanism of action or the efficacy, but it is available with an Rx.

For those of us that have been dealing with constipation for a long period of time: we must accept that sometimes ANXIETY plays a role. Oh, not easy to accept that emotions are part of the issue m.."we are constipated, not NUTS" beware of your attempts to SOOTHE the ANXIETY, use natural products, no BOOZE. In today's world there is far too much terrible news to cause ANXIETY...your just trying to move along in life. Stay with natural products...works for me.

You're right, but when you haven't gone for 3-5-5 days, ya gotta do something!
Also, I'm brand new to this group. I saw someone said 2 teaspoons of.. baking soda or baking powder.. and I can't find it. Just don't know how to maneuver,or go back, but could you tell me if you know? Much appreciated! Deb

Agreed Deb. I've resorted to Mag C and though the price was high, it was worth it. Don't know about baking soda or powder so hoping someone else does.

I was also recently diagnosed with redundant colon. I was given Linzess by Gastro, but after a few months stopped taking it - was losing too much weight. Not I take one 400 mg Magnesium pill each night, miralax with coffee every morning, eating more fiber and occasionally have to complement this protocol with stool softener if warm prune juice does not do the trick. It's is usually my first go-to. This has helped. Am also doing low fodmap diet - not sure it helps as much, but do feel better. Been dealing with this for about 7 months.

Also have redundant colon. I am staying away from Metamcil, but have added some fiber through fruit and veggies, but carefully. I too believe the elongated colon makes it difficult to process raw veggies and sometimes heavy meat- laden dishes. I made a low fodmap chili recipe this week that called for 2 pounds of meat. I ate a small portion, but stomach issues for 2 days after.

Also try an anti- anxiety. My NP suggested Zoloft and I think it's helped.

Any suggestions to help naturally with anxiety?

It's baking soda, but I haven't tried it yet.
From years of discomfort with constipation etc, I can tell you that this isn't a quick fix issue. But hey, life is to be enjoyed so we must approach this rationally with caution. For starters I am in favor of Senna tea. It is found in many laxative pills etc. Warning: when I take the tea, adding honey if you wish, depending on what I recently enjoyed eating, such as meat, then I let the tea "seep" for about 10-15 minutes, but after using for some time, about 5 minutes will do it. "IT" MEANING 7 TRIPS to the bowl within an hour. Again, careful it's a natural product widely produced in many forms, but i don't use it too consecutively. As for me, maybe once a week. I DO NOT USE ANY PRODUCT, IE: prune juice, prunes, fruits vegetables etc for more than one week straight. First time using Senna tea caused me mild cramps, sweating, but short term. I expect it, and it passes quickly.
Medical folks are working very hard for a certain fix, but it has come yet. Metamucil, Citracell doesn't work for me. My experience with natural herbs started 40 years ago with an Herbalist expert from China. Western herbalists don't "get it" in my opinion, if you have access to a visit in person to a Chinese Herbalist, you may try it...I have for other digestive problems and it works.
Some one suggested Zoloft. I researched; Zoloft MAY bring SUICIDAL thoughts...no thanks. See, that's why i stay with natural products. I am not responsible for offering any medical advice, just offering my personal experience(s) be well.

I forgot to mention that ANY laxative-type that I take, I take before bed time.
And of course always continue to drink plain water,usually tepid.