Continued success with post-Covid GI (GERD and more) issues
I wanted to followup on a prior post about my success in addressing post-Covid GI issues, largely abdominal pain, GERD-like symptoms, and changes in stool. For a month I have been taking Famotidine when I wake up and Famotidine and Nortritptyline when I go to bed. I (try to) limit snacking two hours before going to sleep. All I am now experiencing is mild GERD - coughing when I lie down to sleep and take a very deep breath.
I am able to regularly workout and eat a careful diet of lean protein and salads to keep my weight down.
My tinnitus and headaches remain annoying but this is so much better. Fingers crossed.
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Pelvic floor exercises are helpful with constipation as well. These include kegel exercises (not just for pregnant women, also good for GI tract, ED, ...), sit ups, planks, various yoga moves. Sometimes the GI tract needs to be retrained. Be careful not to use too many laxitives; this can lead to decreased electrolytes, more constipation (intestines are muscles and need exercise), and some associated dependency.
Right. I’ve only used Metamucil and Miralax per direction of my Primary and Gastroenterologist. They said to use it daily without problem. I do go, but it’s like jello. Ugh….not normal. Milk of Magnesia works too, but I hardly ever use just a spoonful of it. The doctors say ok once in a while. I don’t take any other laxatives. I suspect my constipation is anxiety, IB, or neuropathy.
I have considered if I have a pelvic floor issue. I started kegel exercises in the summer, but the next day I got nonpainful vaginal fasciculations. I backed off. I also started with fasciculations all over my body. Probably anxiety.
I will restart the kegels. I hope I’m not hypertonic, since I’m so anxious, I don’t have any pain and it feels fine, but…..idk. I guess I can ask my doctor to check. How can I tell if I’m already too tight?
I had pelvic physical therapy after a biking accident. The PT told me that most people have pelvic and diaphram muscles that need to be stronger. Most of their clients had ED, were pregnant/post birth, cyclists, and other issues. Muscles are a complex mix so the PT exercises are as well. Best to check with a doctor.
The best snd easiest way to treat constipation is with magnesium supplements. I suffered for over a year with long covid constipation until a nurse friend told me this. It immediately worked like a charm! I take 1 or 2 per day and haven’t had any issues since!
How much magnesium do you take? My doctor said it was ok to take them. Did it take a while to see an improvement?