Neuropathy and constipation

Posted by korgman123 @korgman123, Nov 6, 2022

I've always had issues with constipation. I've got SFN now for 2 years in my feet and hands, numbness mainly, and notice my constipation is getting worse. Any suggestions?

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Make up this recipe: 1/2c unsweet applesauce, 1 tsp of Vit c powder, 1 tsp of Mag Citrate powder plus 1 tsp Chiaseed. Mix well. Swallow a heaping T of it at bedtime or with a 1st liquid of the day. usually wks in 6 to 8 hrs. If not, use Colon Max and a little Miralax or Colon Support by Peak and a little Miralax.

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Profile picture for fala @fala

I'll just throw this in. I was at my PCP today. For the constipation thing... she said to take equal parts of bran, applesauce and prune juice. Yep, weird combo. Yep, I will let you know...hahaha this is so strange to talk about!

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Ugh, that sounds gross! I’m sure that works for people without neuropathy, but since I know that nerves that tell my colon to move briskly and normally are “broken”, I’ve focused more on what foods to avoid (bran would form a thick sludge in my colon that would sit there and expand) and find a daily supplement or mild laxative that helps. I don’t want to always have special food combinations on hand. That’s just extra irritation. Since I have about 25 more years of dealing with this (I’m 62) I want something easy and efficient. But try it and report back!

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Profile picture for fala @fala

I don't know if Neuropathy has anything to do with constipation? In any case, it is one more thing to deal with that I have had some advice and good results. There is a product called 'Colon Max" that is all Natural and can be bought online. Just a bit of info from PA. We need to share all of our discoveries and ideas, right? Keep it goin!

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The pills I am on for neuropathy cause constipation. It should say that on your medication bottle. I take two senicot at night and have changed my diet to have lots of ruffage and it works for me. Drinking lots of water helps too.

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Profile picture for julbpat @julbpat

Ugh, that sounds gross! I’m sure that works for people without neuropathy, but since I know that nerves that tell my colon to move briskly and normally are “broken”, I’ve focused more on what foods to avoid (bran would form a thick sludge in my colon that would sit there and expand) and find a daily supplement or mild laxative that helps. I don’t want to always have special food combinations on hand. That’s just extra irritation. Since I have about 25 more years of dealing with this (I’m 62) I want something easy and efficient. But try it and report back!

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I really like your concept of "focused more on what foods to avoid." I am histamine intolerant and certain FODMAP food option will cause gas/bloat and constipation. I've been working with my nutritionist to see what works well and what's not. Hopefully I will find a combination that will work for me for a long while. Thanks for sharing.

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Profile picture for tessie63 @tessie63

The pills I am on for neuropathy cause constipation. It should say that on your medication bottle. I take two senicot at night and have changed my diet to have lots of ruffage and it works for me. Drinking lots of water helps too.

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Every comment on this "condition" is helpful! Thanks, I will have to be much more diligent
about my diet. I have had to concentrate on Very low salt, but "move over".... I need more
raw veggies, I too will have to change my diet.

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Profile picture for julbpat @julbpat

I agree with the MiraLAX. My constipation is related to slow motility, and may be related to my SFN. I showed my gastroenterologist a list of all the over-the- counter laxatives I was trying, and he recommended the MiraLAX. I can use it twice a day if needed, and not use it at all if I choose. I find that the fiber options (and foods) cause ridiculous distention and discomfort.
I also have a prescription for Motegrity, taken once a day. My dr. tried several others, and I like this one the best.

My opioid intake is pretty low these days - 7.5 mg per day. Looking back, this problem started before my pain did.

Not being able to take a brisk walk doesn’t help either!

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@julbpat how much Miralax do you take 2x a day. Asking for I take 1 cap after dinner and need to adjust this for it makes me quite gassy and is painful.
Thanks Andrea

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Profile picture for paper10 @paper10

@julbpat how much Miralax do you take 2x a day. Asking for I take 1 cap after dinner and need to adjust this for it makes me quite gassy and is painful.
Thanks Andrea

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@paper10 I take Miralax in the mornings. I take 1/2 cap or less. That previous post was from 3 years ago! Gassiness occurs with me any time I eat fiber (i.e. "healthy foods"). When it happens, I just take some Gas-X. It seems like I'm always having to pay attention to my digestive system. All I know for sure is that I have to stay regular, one way or another, I will have terrible reflux and esophageal spasms.

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I take slippery elm, not to be confused with milk thistle. It works wondeesr

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I hear you - I’ve dealt with chronic constipation most of my life, and I know how frustrating it can be when it gets worse over time. For me, focusing on overall gut balance has really helped: adding things like prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and probiotics, staying well-hydrated, walking daily, and taking magnesium glycinate gummies. Everyone’s body is different, so it might take some experimenting to find what works best, but finding the right combination has made a big difference for me.

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