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Post Covid Long Term Chronic Constipation Like Marbles - Anybody Else?
First - I thank the Lord I found this forum. I knew there had to be others having strange, unexplained issues.
November of 2021, I returned from traveling and 2 days later started experiencing diarrhea. At that time, NOBODY told us diarrhea was associated with Covid or could be only symptom. We now know you can have ONLY gastro symptoms with Covid. I did not have respiratory symptoms other than a slight runny nose. On day 4, I got a very bad headache that lasted for 2 days. And exhaustion at night. Other than that, I felt ok. Diarrhea multiple times throughout the day. On day 13 of diarrhea, I went to an urgent care. The NP looked at me like I was an idiot because I hadn't been tested for Covid. Why would I? Informed me yes, you can present with ONLY diarrhea (who knew!) Said it was too late now, I had already been out and exposed people, and it may or may not show as positive after so many days. So - I never got an official diagnosis other than medical staff telling me "duh, you have Covid...".
Day 14 was my last day with diarrhea. Then 2 weeks of extreme fatigue. AND - I've never had a normal stool again. Just hard round "deer pellets" - like large hard marbles. I do go, but never empty completely, and never a normal stool shape. I have used probiotics for many years, and am otherwise VERY healthy.
Yes, I've tried it all: kimchee, sauerkraut, nuts, vegetables, fruits, high fiber everything, ground flaxseed, chia seed, little to no processed foods, etc. I drink minimum 60 oz water a day. I exercise regularly and am active. It's nothing that I've done or am not eating correctly. And I didn't suddenly get IBS or Crohn's. I 100% believe my intestines were damaged from having intestinal Covid. My biome is broken.
Seeing all of you describing long term symptoms (many so much worse) gives me hope maybe they'll figure this out. It's at least starting to be acknowledged. In the meanwhile, I'm going to keep trying and hoping. If you've found any fixes, I would love to hear.
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Hello @nlcarl and welcome to Conenct. I'm also glad that you found this forum and are able to post about your post-COVID problems. I am sorry to hear about your atypical COVID symptoms. It is frustrating to realize you had COVID, but were unaware because your symptoms weren't "typical."
Regarding resulting constipation. You did not mention in your post that you've consulted with a GI specialist. If this has not been done, it might be a good idea.
In Connect's Digestive Health discussion group, there is a conversation on Chronic Constipation. Here is the link to that discussion, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/problem-with-chronic-constipation/?commentsorder=newest#chv4-comment-stream-header.
As you seem to have healthy eating habits and remain active, you might find using products like Metamucil and Miralax to be helpful right now. Do you have any plans to see a GI specialist if the constipation does not clear up?
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2 ReactionsI do plan to eventually see a GI doc if I can't get this resolved. (Maybe some sort of scar tissue??) I recently did Cologuard test, all normal. Past colonoscopy results 100% good. I do believe the issue is a result of Covid and my vaxes fighting in my intestinal tract. The vaxes doing what they were meant to do. Result was leaving a broken mess - not as bad as others I've read about on here (some still suffering with diarrhea). I'm hoping to not end up having to become a laxative user, but who knows. And yes, tried a course of Citrucel. For me, adding lots of xtra fiber and bulk just leaves me with all that fiber and bulk waiting its turn to turn into little balls and slowly leave. I'm going to work from the holistic side and try some different probiotics and herbal healing remedies. As you can see by reading the med articles here and experiences by the users, medical people are just starting to address and acknowledge this. There aren't any answers yet or fixes.
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2 ReactionsMy situation shares some features, but differs too. Although I felt quite sick during the pandemic onset, no Covid-19 testing was available to me at that time. Fast forward to now & I too struggled with (new onset) marbles. When I heard both a counselor and a dietitian ask me if I had a Breath Test, I thought I should ask for one. I was referred to G.I. for that. Results were negative. So I asked to see a Proctologist, and was able to be seen by one of this clinic's Nurse Practitioners. Based on their screening I underwent anorectal manometry tests (This is where I think we diverge).
I was told to take psyllium husk daily and to get a "Squatty Potty'. Both measures have been helpful. The psyllium husk is taken at the same time every day. I also received a Pelvic Clinic Physical Therapy prescription. I do believe it was that illness that triggered the need for this level of interventions.
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2 ReactionsHello @linh
Thank you for sharing your experience with @nlcarl and others who are facing post-COVID problems. If you are comfortable sharing more, did the anorectal manometry reveal any problems?
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1 Reaction"Findings were consistent with pelvic floor dysfunction", I will spare you the details!
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1 ReactionI have/had the same challenges. My GI said drink miralax until you get everything to move. I went through two 14 dose bottles before the marbles released and turned into mud pies. Now I am supposed to use one capful of miralx a night to keep things moving.
Miralax has no texture or taste and can be mixed with anything. Just don't casually try to pass gas, you might be surprised 💩
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3 ReactionsLol! 😂
Started my first dose of Miralax this morning. I can see where this might be a long process. Did you use only one capful at a time once per day for both 14 dose bottles?
Oh no, I dumped half the bottle of Miralax into my water and water 3 days...nothing. So I did the same thing with the 2nd bottle and the cork finally blew but I had round balls for 2-3 days before 3 weeks worth of liquids, ensure barely any food found its way towards the exit.
They said that covid effected the modality and went after my GI tract. They are hoping that within 6 months I should be back to normal, until then, since things are moving, to keep atleast a capful a day on board.
Good luck!
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1 ReactionThanks for your info, it's helpful - and hopeful. I'm not being very aggressive with this, looks like I need to step it up. I'm coming up on 1 year November 2nd. Figured awhile back this could take about a year to remedy.
I had and an still having almost identical situation. Had diarrhea with COVID and then began having constipation and passing nothing but pebbles. I began having pain under left rib cage and on occasion lower left abdomen. I've had CT scan of abdomen and they ruled out any physiological problems and just told me I was severely constipated. "Take fiber and drink more water". Despite going to the bathroom almost everyday, I'm still passing pebbles and still experiencing pain under left rib cage.