IBS-C (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation)

Posted by flip1949 @flip1949, Jul 5, 2016

I have IBS-C, and trying to find some relief

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Profile picture for cahnny @cahnny

I have IBS with constipation. I've seen specialists and had colonoscopies. They always prescribed fiber supplements which never helped and actually seemed to make things worse. I did some research on line..reputable links like Mayo, WebMD, etc. There I read fiber supplements don't work for everyone. When I pushed the issue with my doctor they told me to start using MiraLAX. It did help but when I first started using it I got cramps before going to the bathroom. That went away after a short time. I now use ClearLAX which is Walmart's version of MiraLAX every night. I also watch what I eat. I can't digest beef well and too much doughy stuff like pizza doesn't go well for me. I can have 1 slice of pizza but if I eat 2 or 3, I feel it within an hour of eating it. I make a LOT of soups with lots of veggies and use chicken or organic chicken broth as a base. I can't eat too much at one time so I graze throughout the day. As for what I can and can't eat..it's different for everyone so you have to experiment. I have to stay away from fiber drinks like Metamucil Psyllium Fiber though. Again..everyone is different but if I use that stuff I feel just like you described. I stick to ClearLAX.

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Thank you for your information/experiences about IBS with constipation. My IBS has developed into this type in the last few years and I, like you, find I feel better and have less digestive issues if I "graze" my way through the day. I've been taking fiber supplements every day, but sometimes don't find them as effective as they use to be....so perhaps MiraLAX/ClearLAX might work better, and a possible replacement for the fiber pills. Thanks again for your post.

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Profile picture for cahnny @cahnny

I have IBS with constipation. I've seen specialists and had colonoscopies. They always prescribed fiber supplements which never helped and actually seemed to make things worse. I did some research on line..reputable links like Mayo, WebMD, etc. There I read fiber supplements don't work for everyone. When I pushed the issue with my doctor they told me to start using MiraLAX. It did help but when I first started using it I got cramps before going to the bathroom. That went away after a short time. I now use ClearLAX which is Walmart's version of MiraLAX every night. I also watch what I eat. I can't digest beef well and too much doughy stuff like pizza doesn't go well for me. I can have 1 slice of pizza but if I eat 2 or 3, I feel it within an hour of eating it. I make a LOT of soups with lots of veggies and use chicken or organic chicken broth as a base. I can't eat too much at one time so I graze throughout the day. As for what I can and can't eat..it's different for everyone so you have to experiment. I have to stay away from fiber drinks like Metamucil Psyllium Fiber though. Again..everyone is different but if I use that stuff I feel just like you described. I stick to ClearLAX.

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Yup! This pretty well sums it up for me;.always watching what I eat and not too much at one time. I take Benefiber, which helps some, but not all the way.

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Profile picture for safetyshield @safetyshield

I do have IBS I see a gastroenterologist and he has put me on fiber twice a day plus some medication. (That you need to talk to your doctor about). So far my sytoms have gotten better.

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Really appreciate you saying that about childbirth. Apparently, my pelvic floor is lower, covering the bowel area, adding to all this. I assume that is what you mean.

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Profile picture for cahnny @cahnny

I have IBS with constipation. I've seen specialists and had colonoscopies. They always prescribed fiber supplements which never helped and actually seemed to make things worse. I did some research on line..reputable links like Mayo, WebMD, etc. There I read fiber supplements don't work for everyone. When I pushed the issue with my doctor they told me to start using MiraLAX. It did help but when I first started using it I got cramps before going to the bathroom. That went away after a short time. I now use ClearLAX which is Walmart's version of MiraLAX every night. I also watch what I eat. I can't digest beef well and too much doughy stuff like pizza doesn't go well for me. I can have 1 slice of pizza but if I eat 2 or 3, I feel it within an hour of eating it. I make a LOT of soups with lots of veggies and use chicken or organic chicken broth as a base. I can't eat too much at one time so I graze throughout the day. As for what I can and can't eat..it's different for everyone so you have to experiment. I have to stay away from fiber drinks like Metamucil Psyllium Fiber though. Again..everyone is different but if I use that stuff I feel just like you described. I stick to ClearLAX.

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safetyshield: i was told by my gastroenterologist that there are many people out there with hiatal herniea and never know it because they never cause the patient any problems. And then there are those who have issues. Grazing...multiple small meals throughout the day is good advice for both the hernia issue and IBS. In fact, I've read it's just a healthy way of eating...period. I grown to appreciate it and enjoy it more than 3 larger meals a day.

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Profile picture for cahnny @cahnny

I have IBS with constipation. I've seen specialists and had colonoscopies. They always prescribed fiber supplements which never helped and actually seemed to make things worse. I did some research on line..reputable links like Mayo, WebMD, etc. There I read fiber supplements don't work for everyone. When I pushed the issue with my doctor they told me to start using MiraLAX. It did help but when I first started using it I got cramps before going to the bathroom. That went away after a short time. I now use ClearLAX which is Walmart's version of MiraLAX every night. I also watch what I eat. I can't digest beef well and too much doughy stuff like pizza doesn't go well for me. I can have 1 slice of pizza but if I eat 2 or 3, I feel it within an hour of eating it. I make a LOT of soups with lots of veggies and use chicken or organic chicken broth as a base. I can't eat too much at one time so I graze throughout the day. As for what I can and can't eat..it's different for everyone so you have to experiment. I have to stay away from fiber drinks like Metamucil Psyllium Fiber though. Again..everyone is different but if I use that stuff I feel just like you described. I stick to ClearLAX.

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Fiber can be good for some and not great for others. Everyone is different. My doctors pushed it for a while and then realized it wasn't right for me and told me to stop using fiber supplements. I use MiraLAX/ClearLAX and usually eat one or two Fiber One brownies a day to satisfy my sweet tooth. The combination seems to be working well for me. My IBS with constipation is doing quite well. When I get a bad flair up I just start eating homemade chicken veggie soup that I simmer for two hours to really get everything soft and easily digestible. I also drink Ensure twice a day. With a really bad attack I'll stay on that regimen for a week or so and then things work themselves out again and I go back to my regular diet. Basically I try to get my two kinds of fiber from a natural diet.

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Profile picture for cahnny @cahnny

I have IBS with constipation. I've seen specialists and had colonoscopies. They always prescribed fiber supplements which never helped and actually seemed to make things worse. I did some research on line..reputable links like Mayo, WebMD, etc. There I read fiber supplements don't work for everyone. When I pushed the issue with my doctor they told me to start using MiraLAX. It did help but when I first started using it I got cramps before going to the bathroom. That went away after a short time. I now use ClearLAX which is Walmart's version of MiraLAX every night. I also watch what I eat. I can't digest beef well and too much doughy stuff like pizza doesn't go well for me. I can have 1 slice of pizza but if I eat 2 or 3, I feel it within an hour of eating it. I make a LOT of soups with lots of veggies and use chicken or organic chicken broth as a base. I can't eat too much at one time so I graze throughout the day. As for what I can and can't eat..it's different for everyone so you have to experiment. I have to stay away from fiber drinks like Metamucil Psyllium Fiber though. Again..everyone is different but if I use that stuff I feel just like you described. I stick to ClearLAX.

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You're welcome cherriann and good luck. Like I said I've read from several reputable sources that fiber supplements are not for everyone. Easy goes it with changes in diet. If you're having problems, of course see your doctor first but eat foods that are easy to digest and lay off raw fruits and veggies for a while. Cook fresh veggies until they are soft and easily digested. That's what my doctor said and it seems to work. I'm all for fresh veggies that are raw or gently cooked but when I'm dealing with an IBS attack...very easy does it. I even substitute a few mini meals a day with Ensure if I'm really having trouble with a painful stomach that's not digesting properly. .

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Profile picture for cahnny @cahnny

I have IBS with constipation. I've seen specialists and had colonoscopies. They always prescribed fiber supplements which never helped and actually seemed to make things worse. I did some research on line..reputable links like Mayo, WebMD, etc. There I read fiber supplements don't work for everyone. When I pushed the issue with my doctor they told me to start using MiraLAX. It did help but when I first started using it I got cramps before going to the bathroom. That went away after a short time. I now use ClearLAX which is Walmart's version of MiraLAX every night. I also watch what I eat. I can't digest beef well and too much doughy stuff like pizza doesn't go well for me. I can have 1 slice of pizza but if I eat 2 or 3, I feel it within an hour of eating it. I make a LOT of soups with lots of veggies and use chicken or organic chicken broth as a base. I can't eat too much at one time so I graze throughout the day. As for what I can and can't eat..it's different for everyone so you have to experiment. I have to stay away from fiber drinks like Metamucil Psyllium Fiber though. Again..everyone is different but if I use that stuff I feel just like you described. I stick to ClearLAX.

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I remember when I was young that my GP told me I had a hiatal hernia when I complained about heart burn. But nothing was recommended. Not until I had problems digesting the food that my gastroenterologist told me more about my hiatal hernia and still told me it was up to me when I wanted to get this repaired. When it so bad I decided to go to a general surgeon and he was the one who said to eat smaller portions throughout the day. So not to put to much of a strain on the stomach. I also heard that these operations have to be repeated every third year. The surgeon once again told me stick to eating smaller meals and you will not need another surgery. It's been since 2011 so so far so good.

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Profile picture for cahnny @cahnny

I have IBS with constipation. I've seen specialists and had colonoscopies. They always prescribed fiber supplements which never helped and actually seemed to make things worse. I did some research on line..reputable links like Mayo, WebMD, etc. There I read fiber supplements don't work for everyone. When I pushed the issue with my doctor they told me to start using MiraLAX. It did help but when I first started using it I got cramps before going to the bathroom. That went away after a short time. I now use ClearLAX which is Walmart's version of MiraLAX every night. I also watch what I eat. I can't digest beef well and too much doughy stuff like pizza doesn't go well for me. I can have 1 slice of pizza but if I eat 2 or 3, I feel it within an hour of eating it. I make a LOT of soups with lots of veggies and use chicken or organic chicken broth as a base. I can't eat too much at one time so I graze throughout the day. As for what I can and can't eat..it's different for everyone so you have to experiment. I have to stay away from fiber drinks like Metamucil Psyllium Fiber though. Again..everyone is different but if I use that stuff I feel just like you described. I stick to ClearLAX.

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Well said @cahnny I use and need fiber because I have IBS with diarrhea which needs fiber. So if you have IBS with constipation it makes sense that the fiber may make things worse

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Profile picture for mvestuto @mvestuto

<p>I would like to know if anyone experiences IBS like I do. I either go or don't go to the bathroom. When I do, it usually feels incomplete. Once I start walking around, I often feel the urge to go again. It feels like there's a huge ball pressing down in my rectal area, like pressure, like my rectum is "open". My doctor has me on daily Benefiber to soften stools. I often take Tylenol for pain relief in hopes of shrinking my tissues. Does anyone have any ideas on how to rid myself of this?</p>

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Ok..first don't laugh at this because it DOES sound funny. Also this is NOT a commerical. This is my own personal experience.

I was just in the bathroom and a light bulb went on. I should tell you all about...wait for it (and don't laugh)...the Squatty Potty. Oh gosh even I'm sitting here laughing. Why the heck did they name it that. Here's the story. I was in a having a LOT of problems with IBS with constipation. I had had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy and the doctor was touting fiber with a little advice about diet. Ok...so there I was trying to get myself so I could go to the bathroom without straining really hard and causing other problems. I discovered fiber was not for me but MiraLAX/ClearLAX worked well but still there was quite a bit of straining.

One night my husband and I were channel surfing looking for something to watch when we saw this crazy product on a program called "Shark Tank". These people had come up with a foot stool that wraps around the base of your toilet so it's not in the way. When you want to have a bowel movement you just pull it out and put your feet up on it. I hope I use the write terms to describe this correctly.They showed a diagram of how there's a bend in the lower end of your colon that your stool (note the foot stool...the poop stool) has to maneuver before evacuating. They said by putting your feet up you straighten that bend out so your stool can more easily just slide out. I watched and thought it was hype but they started giving some medical info and my husband said I should do a little research and check it out. By the way...the blonde chick on that show became partners with them and they're making a killing now on those foot stools.

First I went to Amazon to see if they were sold there and they were. I started reading reviews written by recent verified purchasers ONLY. The numerous reviews were very positive. It was being sold as an Amazon Prime item so I knew I had nothing to lose. If I didn't like it I could return it free of charge. After a little more research I decided to try it. OMG....IT WORKED!!!!!!!!!! It was amazing. At the time I first tried it, I was having bowel movements. It's just it was kind of hard to get them out. I put my feet up on that stool as directed and within a minute or so I was done without straining. I yelled to my husband..."honey, you won't believe it. I just pooped and it didn't hurt"....lol. I've been using it ever since and wouldn't be without it. Now this stool does NOT keep you from getting constipated. That's diet and the things your doctor tells you to do. This just makes it SO much easier to go. I don't strain any more. I HIGHLY recommend anyone with bowel issues tries one of these things. It's so worth every penny.

REPLY
Profile picture for cahnny @cahnny

Ok..first don't laugh at this because it DOES sound funny. Also this is NOT a commerical. This is my own personal experience.

I was just in the bathroom and a light bulb went on. I should tell you all about...wait for it (and don't laugh)...the Squatty Potty. Oh gosh even I'm sitting here laughing. Why the heck did they name it that. Here's the story. I was in a having a LOT of problems with IBS with constipation. I had had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy and the doctor was touting fiber with a little advice about diet. Ok...so there I was trying to get myself so I could go to the bathroom without straining really hard and causing other problems. I discovered fiber was not for me but MiraLAX/ClearLAX worked well but still there was quite a bit of straining.

One night my husband and I were channel surfing looking for something to watch when we saw this crazy product on a program called "Shark Tank". These people had come up with a foot stool that wraps around the base of your toilet so it's not in the way. When you want to have a bowel movement you just pull it out and put your feet up on it. I hope I use the write terms to describe this correctly.They showed a diagram of how there's a bend in the lower end of your colon that your stool (note the foot stool...the poop stool) has to maneuver before evacuating. They said by putting your feet up you straighten that bend out so your stool can more easily just slide out. I watched and thought it was hype but they started giving some medical info and my husband said I should do a little research and check it out. By the way...the blonde chick on that show became partners with them and they're making a killing now on those foot stools.

First I went to Amazon to see if they were sold there and they were. I started reading reviews written by recent verified purchasers ONLY. The numerous reviews were very positive. It was being sold as an Amazon Prime item so I knew I had nothing to lose. If I didn't like it I could return it free of charge. After a little more research I decided to try it. OMG....IT WORKED!!!!!!!!!! It was amazing. At the time I first tried it, I was having bowel movements. It's just it was kind of hard to get them out. I put my feet up on that stool as directed and within a minute or so I was done without straining. I yelled to my husband..."honey, you won't believe it. I just pooped and it didn't hurt"....lol. I've been using it ever since and wouldn't be without it. Now this stool does NOT keep you from getting constipated. That's diet and the things your doctor tells you to do. This just makes it SO much easier to go. I don't strain any more. I HIGHLY recommend anyone with bowel issues tries one of these things. It's so worth every penny.

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Sorry, even though you said not to laugh, I couldn't help it as I read your post about the Squatty Potty - great writing in making a serious subject easy and fun to read!! I've never heard of the Squatty Potty, but will be watching to see if anyone else has, and what they think of it. Thanks again for a fun read and putting a smile on my face.....

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