Constipation with continued stomach issues. What to do?

Posted by crazycat3us @crazycat3us, 4 days ago

After feeling sick and nauseous for 2 weeks I went to me Dr. She did an xray and my system was fully backed up. Three days of magnesium citrate. Two weeks of miralax a few times a day and stool softeners. Now I've been advised to add Metamucil. I have had soft bowel movements, but it doesn't feel enough to clear out. I'm still having stomach discomfort and passing small amounts. I can't get into a GI Dr. Until March. I'm tired of being tired and sick.

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Dear crazycat3us ~
Have you had a Colonoscopy.? I would’ve thought your doctor would recommend that you schedule one. As far as constipation is concerned, your symptoms seem to be very extreme.
There are other possibilities that could be causing this
1. A Prolapsed organ.
(Rectocele, Cystocele,
etc)
2. Peristalsis issues. If you’ve had any recent surgeries or a percutaneous procedure, nerve damage to the enteric nervous system can result (http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Enteric_nervous_system)
I mention the above because I have both conditions!
What has been working very well for me -and it took months- is following:
~ 2-2.5 T psyllium
~ 1/2 cap MiraLAX
I take the psyllium in a drink, made with frozen fruit, almond milk, protein powder, yogurt - around midday.
MiraLAX take in the evening mixed in juice + water.
I had been taking only MiraLax for months - it resulted at times in near or full diarrhea, fecal incontinence & fecal smearing.
I hope this helps you.
Feeling like you’re full -of you know!- is the worst.
Best … ☺️

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Profile picture for gravity3 @gravity3

@musicjewishcarp2008

My husband has great results with adding fermented foods and a squatty potty. But his elimination issues may be quite different.

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@gravity3
Every situation is different because it all comes down to reason for problems that guide the treatment. I had a bowel leak after colon resection and became septic twice, so I am on low fiber diet and not able to add pre/ pro biotic yet. Also got c diff from all antibiotics and walking a tight rope. Have to admit sick I f it all.

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Profile picture for pml @pml

Hi Crazycat3us,
I'm so sorry that you are having constipation issues and other problems! That can't be pleasant. I can reccomend a home remedy for constipation that my Grandmother and Mom both used and gave me when I was growing up. I'm 79 and still use it when it's needed.

Put a tablespoon of Baking Soda (Arm and Hammer like you bake with.) in a glass of water. Stir well and drink the whole glass. It tastes terrible but it works and is natural. It won't hurt you. My Mom was giving it to me when I was 8 years old. Stay close to the bathroom. It works fairly fast. You can add some lemon juice if you want to help with the awful taste. After you drink it try and drink some more water to keep from being dehydrated. Besides water helps elimination. This also gets rid of gas and bloating.
I hope this helps you.
PML

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@pml and all - I am glad that you have found something that works well for you for constipation, pml. I personally have not been constipated much in my life. In fact, I have had more of the opposite reaction to medications, food and drink at times. But I cannot imagine that being constipated is fun at all. It sounds really rough.

I wanted to mention an article that might be useful to note about the use of baking soda for constipation:

- Using Baking Soda for Constipation Relief https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/baking-soda-for-constipation

A key paragraph in this article is this: Some people also promote baking soda as a constipation treatment. However, there’s no research to support its use for treating constipation.

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Profile picture for pml @pml

Hi Crazycat3us,
I'm so sorry that you are having constipation issues and other problems! That can't be pleasant. I can reccomend a home remedy for constipation that my Grandmother and Mom both used and gave me when I was growing up. I'm 79 and still use it when it's needed.

Put a tablespoon of Baking Soda (Arm and Hammer like you bake with.) in a glass of water. Stir well and drink the whole glass. It tastes terrible but it works and is natural. It won't hurt you. My Mom was giving it to me when I was 8 years old. Stay close to the bathroom. It works fairly fast. You can add some lemon juice if you want to help with the awful taste. After you drink it try and drink some more water to keep from being dehydrated. Besides water helps elimination. This also gets rid of gas and bloating.
I hope this helps you.
PML

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@pml Baking Soda (Arm and Hammer like you bake with.).............helps only indigestion

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Profile picture for Lisa Lucier, Moderator @lisalucier

@pml and all - I am glad that you have found something that works well for you for constipation, pml. I personally have not been constipated much in my life. In fact, I have had more of the opposite reaction to medications, food and drink at times. But I cannot imagine that being constipated is fun at all. It sounds really rough.

I wanted to mention an article that might be useful to note about the use of baking soda for constipation:

- Using Baking Soda for Constipation Relief https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/baking-soda-for-constipation

A key paragraph in this article is this: Some people also promote baking soda as a constipation treatment. However, there’s no research to support its use for treating constipation.

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@lisalucier
Baking soda treated constipation for my grandmother, my mother and myself for many years. I'm 79 and have been using baking soda for constipation ever since I was 8 years old with no side effects. They probably didn't do any research on it so they could sell their expensive over the counter treatments for constipation.
PML

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Profile picture for peterose @peterose

@pml Baking Soda (Arm and Hammer like you bake with.).............helps only indigestion

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@peterose
Baking soda treated constipation for my grandmother, my mother and myself for many years. I'm 79 and have been using baking soda for constipation ever since I was 8 years old with no side effects. Perhaps baking soda didn't work that way for you. Everyone is different.
PML

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Risks and Precautions
Lack of Scientific Evidence: There is little scientific research supporting the use of baking soda for constipation relief, and it is not widely recommended by healthcare professionals.
2
Potential Side Effects: Excessive consumption of baking soda can lead to serious side effects, including stomach discomfort, gas, bloating, and even a ruptured stomach in rare cases. It can also disrupt electrolyte balance and interact with certain medications.
2
Consult a Doctor: It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using baking soda as a treatment, especially for individuals with high blood pressure, kidney issues, or those on a sodium-restricted diet.
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3 Sources

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I have found a cup of senna tea with 2 of the docusate sodium stool softener taken in the evening straightens out my digestive issues. After colon resection I tend to sluggish bowel movements sometimes. Eating lots of fresh fruit like cantaloupe and strawberries also keeps my stomach happier.

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If nothing else, for two weeks eat NO FIBER. No fresh fruits or vegetables. No nuts. No Big Mac’s with lettuce, onion bit, whatever. Not even canned fruits and vegetables. No popcorn. If you DO have a blockage or structure somewhere, the fibrous stuff will clump and not pass through. Horrible cramping may result. You are beyond where deliberately taking fiber stool softeners will help.
I am not a doctor. Only personnel experience. Wish you luck.

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Profile picture for larust8 @larust8

I have found a cup of senna tea with 2 of the docusate sodium stool softener taken in the evening straightens out my digestive issues. After colon resection I tend to sluggish bowel movements sometimes. Eating lots of fresh fruit like cantaloupe and strawberries also keeps my stomach happier.

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@larust8 ."ABOUT TO START THE SAME!||.........a cup of senna tea with 2 of the docusate sodium stool softener ..........

How long have you been doing this and glad it is working

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