Connect
Problem with Chronic constipation
I have a history of hypothyroidism, severe endometriosis/treatment was a hysterectomy 17 years ago.I also have a hx of IBS. My thyroid hormone levels are stable. I eat like a rabbit(I poop like one too, LOL!!!!!!). I eat a large amount of fiber and drink almost every hour(nonalcholic).ONly prescription drugs I take are armour thyroid and my estrogen/prosterone troche. I make a coconut bread and I add psyllium husks,flax seed and chia seed to it. I eat it practically every am. I also eat a spinach salad for lunch daily with nuts and yogurt and eat a lean meat and veggie and more coconut bread at night. I do one cheat meal with a cheat dessert once per week. I am relatively active for my age of 60. I've been to a gastroenterologist and we have tried Linzess which didn't help at all. I take miralax, and a Super Cleanse tab one per day which has herbs to soften the stool and to stimulate the bowel and It barely works. I am at a loss. I have not tried Montegrity yet. I don't know if it will be helpful and the side effects scare me. I had a CT of my abdomen and it was ok, no obstructions. The gastroenterologist that I go to practically accused me of abusing laxatives. I would be impacted if I didnt use the miralax and the Super Cleanse. Diet/water and activity do not help. I had diarrhea from my late teens to the age of 36 when my intestines out of the blue just shut down completely. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I was put on Synthroid but the constipation didn't go away. So if there is any gastroenterologist out there that can help me, please let me know.I feel defeated and worry about my health.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
Disclaimer: This is only my experience going natural. I have used organic, integrative, functional, holistic Naturopathic doctor's advice along with my MD’s since the early 1980's. There is science in alternatives too. Because I work closely with my ND, he told me to study the Migrating Motor Complex and Osmotic Gradient and he bet that I would find what worked for me. How to keep a longer than normal pipe with consistent moisture…. My ND also said because my condition was physical, attention would be needed from now.
I tried laxatives and they are not consistent and have side effects like bloating, etc. All say for occasional use. They disrupt the system if take continuously. I liked a response from a co-redundant colon person: “It’s physical” so regular constipation suggestions may not work. Don’t give up because it took me 4 months to feel I could depend on being regular. It is worth going natural.
Last Dec the doc had me do non sedated colonoscopy. He could get through my colon as I watched on TV. I had had a baby years ago (natural and could stand pain) so figured I could stand it – it was no big deal. Most people in world don't get put out. Very interesting and it helped allow the scope to get through because I relaxed. No wonder I had been constipation on and off starting in my teens. I’m now in my early 70’s.
OptiMag and K2+ Potassium are great supps. I take them when I go to bed and once when I get up to pee. I include prunes/prune juice, winter squash, sweet potatoes, rhubarb etc in my diet. I eat cups of steamed vegetables each day. I like to grind 2T chia, 1 T sesame seeds and 2 T flax seeds, then soak in prune juice overnight. I add a T of carob now since it can help regularity. Take half in the morning and half at night. Throw sugar out along with processed and refined foods. Look up foods and drinks that constipate and give them up. Drink lot of water starting with a quart of hot water in the morning - boyscouts. I use warmed up diluted chicken broth at times too. It is soothing to my stomach. Coffee and Smooth Move are my back ups. I don't like coffee and never have drunk it much but it usually works for me in a pinch. Thankfully I only need coffee a few times a month.
Check out helpful research of biological processes that take place in our gut:
- Migrating Motor complex which is the electroactivity in the GI tract during meals and fasting
- Osmotic gradient. If too much water is pulled into the colon, diarrhea results. If not enough water is pulled into the colon constipation results. Balance of minerals is important. Magnesium, potassium and sodium brings water into the colon. I have found balancing these help prevent constipation. I have to watch my calcium intake because it tends to encourage constipation. Calcium carbonate seems to be the most constipating. I depend on blood work from time to time to make sure my minerals are balanced. Good luck, @farmersmith
I can understand. I have been in same place. I finally found GI specialist, she suggested I could have a (rectocele) I am looking for Dr to treat this. If anyone has had this I would appreciate your help.
@xnkpr1 try Beano for flatulence. Two tablets before eating.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI’ll be following what your doctor advises since I seem to be having the same issue. Was doing fine with Miralax and Metamucil for almost a year, and suddenly the flatulence came on with no change in diet or lifestyle. It’s frustrating.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsCreondave,
I like to use activated charcoal with plenty of water to push it through my gut.
Also, I don't know the exact name, but I call it the doggie pose: get on hands and knees, lower your head and 1. Rock back and forth 2. Same position but lower the whole body, arms outstretched. How can gas/air be so painful?? ShelleyW
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHas anyone here had excessive flatulence? Mine has flared up recently to an extreme degree. I am returning to see my GP and a Gastro specialist this week. Previously the Creon and Gas-X kept it manageable, but it has returned with a vengeance. It came on suddenly, and has not retreated.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactionsbb03, I have had Amitiza, Linzess, and Trulance(a cheaper version of Linzess), 10 years ago when I first started using these, it helped a pinch...now they do nothing for me. I hope it works well for you. Shelley
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionCreondave,
WOW‼️ I have not seen this attitude of needing a break from the HARD NEGATIVE work of self research in any of the online forums I've tried. THANX for sharing, I have been in dark rabbit holes of research failure too. I have to take breaks from forums also. I let myself feel very guilty that I can't find the answers. You sharing helps to validate that my feelings are valid and real. Thanx, Shelley
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionGet your GI Dr to prescribe Linzess.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIt is available but it is very pricey. I’m on it due to IBS-C. For the first time in years, I am regular! It feels so much better. The first couple of days were rocky but now that I’m used to it, I go like clockwork. If you want to try something until you can get it, try two kiwis a day. It worked for awhile for me then stopped.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction