Constipation: What helps?

Posted by R @roosan, Feb 15 5:32am

For the past 10 years, I have had severe constipation problems. I tried many medicines, and I have gone through 3 times endoscopy but discovered nothing. From 2015 till now my constipation problem couldn't be solved. To make it worse now I'm having multiple internal haemorrhoids due to this constipation. I don't know why I'm having this constipation problem.
Many people suggested many things like changing diets, taking a lot of fibre intake, reducing stress, quit smoking. I burp a lot and do have acid reflux as well but now it is getting better. What is the best solution for my constipation?

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cblue | @cblue | Mar 22 10:26am

I haven't been following this discussion, but I'm not a doctor. Insoluble fiber (look it up, found in bread and avocados, many fruits and vegetables will help). Soluble fiber (look it up for examples) does add bulk. At least that's my understanding from my nutritionist, following a surgery that affected bowel function.
Also, I don't know if you have good insurance, but there are prescription drugs motegrity, lubuprostone, & many others --which will help to soften stool. I have insurance that covers it for now. But if you don't they are over 100$ each in the greater NY metropolitan area. Have you met with your GI doctor? Second hand information from a layperson is no reliable- Give your GI doc a call or find a good one. Just throwing a few ideas out there. Also, a bidet helps : Good luck!

celia16 | @celia16 | Mar 22 2:34pm

Unfortunately, I may have to postpone my upcoming colonoscopy. My screening one was no charge to me, but for the diagnostic one, I pay a percentage and it’s a hunk of money, imo. (I think they should pay, because 4 years ago when I got the screening one, the provider billed it as diagnostic by mistake and insurance refused to pay. Since provider was at fault, they didn’t bill me and just ate the cost. I notified them of their mistake, but it was too late to correct the billing with the insurance company. I tried to get the colonoscopy scheduled last year, after I had paid my max out of pocket expenses, but they had nothing available until April!