IBS-C (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation)

Posted by flip1949 @flip1949, Jul 5, 2016

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

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

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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Thanks cherriann: I know it's hard not to laugh. I really had some doubts just because of that stupid name. How undignified...lol. You think that's funny, you should see the last commercial I saw for it on their website.

Well writing that last sentence made me go to the website and see if there's anything new. Oh for heaven's sake. Now we've got unicorns pooping soft serve rainbow ice cream???? Oh grosssssssss. Who comes up with this stuff. The video does show how the footstool works and why though...regardless of how stupid it is. It's true...how it works...NOT the unicorn.LOLLLLL

REPLY
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

Hi @mvestuto, I'd like to connect with other members who live with IBS. Please meet @jeanie26 @srobison @cherriann @flip1949 and @keysgull. You may also be interested in these discussions:
- Severe IBS-D and pain in spinal area http://mayocl.in/2bYWgJU
- IBS-C http://mayocl.in/2bYXi8S

I also thought you might find this article useful "What to Do for Incomplete Evacuation" https://www.verywell.com/what-to-do-for-incomplete-evacuation-1945278 Does any of the advice ring true for you?

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While I'm dealing with AFib I need to join a conversation on Uncontrollable bowels every morning. It's been going on for months. I seem to lose about 8oz a day. I thought I needed more fiber so added Psyllium Husk. Eating high fiber foods. Added magnesium but that seemed to make it worse. At least it's still light brown in color. I'm happy about the weight loss, but I feel like it's an unhealthy way. Can anyone guide me? Grandmajan

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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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High fiber irritates intentinal lining and I think cortizones aka steriods should be reserved as a last solution ! I have been put on predisone so many times my immune system wont shut off also a steriod used when all else fails for anaphylaxis shock , I swear by magnesium look up foods rich in magnesium for constipation I take in pill form have doctor check your levels with a simple blood test! Spinach and other greens are magnesium rich I take in pill form ! Good luck D

REPLY
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

Hi @mvestuto, I'd like to connect with other members who live with IBS. Please meet @jeanie26 @srobison @cherriann @flip1949 and @keysgull. You may also be interested in these discussions:
- Severe IBS-D and pain in spinal area http://mayocl.in/2bYWgJU
- IBS-C http://mayocl.in/2bYXi8S

I also thought you might find this article useful "What to Do for Incomplete Evacuation" https://www.verywell.com/what-to-do-for-incomplete-evacuation-1945278 Does any of the advice ring true for you?

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Nate, Thank you, Yes I follow the AFib thread. I usually don't have a lot to say but I read them all. <br><br><br>

REPLY
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

Hi @mvestuto, I'd like to connect with other members who live with IBS. Please meet @jeanie26 @srobison @cherriann @flip1949 and @keysgull. You may also be interested in these discussions:
- Severe IBS-D and pain in spinal area http://mayocl.in/2bYWgJU
- IBS-C http://mayocl.in/2bYXi8S

I also thought you might find this article useful "What to Do for Incomplete Evacuation" https://www.verywell.com/what-to-do-for-incomplete-evacuation-1945278 Does any of the advice ring true for you?

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Hi @grandmajan. I'm tagging @safetyshield, who may be able to help with his experience with IBS.

Also have you ever looked into this discussion on Connect called "AFib questions" http://mayocl.in/29iD8aJ There's a lot of information shared among members there including @martishka, @gonefishinmt and many more who may be able to share their experiences with you.

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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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I use Premarin Cream for my hemmorrids and it heals them almost immediately if you lie down for 30 min or less. It's a prescription a Gyn told me about it. Been using for over 10 years!

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Profile picture for delaneynmaddie @delaneynmaddie

I purchased a squatty potty as well and it really does help. I have had mine for about six months. Wouldn't be without it now.

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Maybe we should make an effort to get the word out. I know how much it helped me.

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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>

Jump to this post

I purchased a squatty potty as well and it really does help. I have had mine for about six months. Wouldn't be without it now.

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.

Jump to this post

I remember finding out about the squatty potty. It does work. My daughter is a manager at a Bed Bath and Beyond in Texas and she said they had it. So got one and it does work, the position completely makes a difference. You are correct about diet and what your doctor tells you but this stool is terrific.Thanks for enlightening all.

REPLY
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.

Jump to this post

I dont know why he seems reluctant to prescribe anything. He tells me sometimes meds cause other problems. He seems to feel benefiber and avoiding certain foods will help.

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