Severe Constipation

Your general Dr. can prescribe it as well. You probably could get in faster with him/her.

I have severe constipation. I have always been constipated but this is on a whole different level. I do suffered from automatic small fiber neuropathy and I am quite sure I have a motility issue. I have tried every single thing mentioned in the comment excluding prescription drugs. Not a single one helped, they worked for a short period of time. I currently take six magnesium citrate tablets along with two Phillips Laxative tablets before bed. This seems to work well but occasionally I have to use a small enema. I buy the tiny fleet enemas or the CVS small enemas. They are really small so I don’t mind and now the need is less than it was. I took the smart pill test to see what was going on and my gastroenterologist said she was presenting my results to a panel of doctors who go over difficult cases. I have a tele-health visit on January 3rd and I should know more then.

Diane, I would be very interested in what you learn at your upcoming appointment. Will you report back to us?

Of course

@mothermary1 Joanne, How have you been doing? Haven’t heard from you and wondered if all has been going well. Will you let me know?

I use to go to the bathroom and have big bowel movements. Then I would have severe cramps, throw up and then have a bowel movement and then diarrhea. I have pain just below the strum and to my right, I had my gallbladder removed. I do have a lot of scar tissue do to 3 C sections, complete hysterectomy and 2 incision hernias. Now I can’t go unless I take a laxative on Tuesday to poo on Wednesday. Doc has put me on Miralax 4 times a day, 2 stool softeners a day and now Linzess. Now I poo like a kitten every time I pee. I have had 2 colonoscopy within a month. Doc said because of my antonym he can go only so far. Now he said if I haven’t had a good poo, 2 laxatives every 3 days. Had a endoscopy he took 2 biopsies said my stomach was really red and bleeding, that’s why I’m anemic. He prescribe me 40mg of Prilosec, I don’t have heartburn. He also said my liver didn’t look great took 2 biopsies. I have been diagnosed with a fatty liver in 2008. I also have a 7cm hiatal hernia located behind the heart. I still don’t know what’s going on and I feel taking laxatives isn’t good for you and taking heartburn med. when I don’t have heartburn

Hello @lskoehl62 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I am sorry to hear of all of the digestive problems you are experiencing. I can understand your frustration and why you are looking for some suggestions and help.

As you have had a lot of surgeries and as you say you have scar tissue, does your doctor think that this is contributing to your problems? I have had three surgeries on the upper digestive tract and I understand all about scar tissue and constipation. You say that taking Mira lax four times a day is causing loose stools might you consider slowing down the amount of the Mira lax? It might be a good question to send to your doctor's office through the patient portal or by phone.

Because of the extensive problems you have had, might you consider getting a second opinion? If you could consult with a university medical school or a facility like Mayo Clinic you might get a fresh look at your health issues and perhaps some new treatment plan. If you would like to have a video or personal consult with Mayo, here is a link where you can arrange that, https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments.

Would you consider getting a second opinion in order to obtain a new perspective?

I have had chronic constipation since birth. I am now 54 years old. I have ran out of laxatives to try. I went to a gastroenterologist a couple of years ago who did a marker test (nothing moved) and then attempted to do a colonoscopy but I told him beforehand that the solution did not clean me out so of course it came back inconclusive because it wasn’t cleaned out. He diagnosed me with colonic inertia and prescribed Linzess which sort of worked for a while then it started making me nauseous and not working. I started taking Miralax every day at the suggestion of a different doctor, that worked for a while and now it just makes me sick and doesn’t work either. I have an appointment with yet another gastroenterologist next month. I go weeks without a bowel movement sometimes 4-6 weeks and of course I feel miserable. Anyone else have the same issue?

Have you tried OTC, Prunelax? It works for many. There are two strengths now.

Hello. I had a similar situation and went to Mayo in Jax. I was diagnosed with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction by their wonderful Gastroenterology team. Prior to Mayo, I saw some of the top specialists in my state and they couldn't figure it out. Mayo prescribed pelvic floor therapy which really turned things around. Now I take measures such as using a toilet stool, drinking detox teas like Hyley Slim tea and Epsom salt in warm water to help my bowels move consistently. My new tool is a high fiber cereal called "Poop like a Champion" or something like. It's kinda expensive but it works like clockwork every day. I know how you feel and I hope any of this information is helpful. God bless you.