Problem with Chronic constipation

@cl0wncl0wn Cutting water intake may make constipation worse because the colon reabsorbs water that the body needs. Constipation does cause pain as dense stool is moving through the intestines.

My question would be have you tried an elimination diet? I developed gluten issues and food allergies and had to do this to figure out what foods were bad for me by starting out eating just one thing, for example rice for a few days. If that is fine, add one more food, etc. As long as you feel OK, keep adding more. Eating a lot of vegetables should help. I know if I eat a lot of fruit, it can move through my GI tract quickly. Gluten comes from grains and things made from grain, so cutting out grains will help. The grains that don't have gluten are corn, rice, and oats. I buy "gluten free" oatmeal because when crops are rotated from year to year, there can be cross contamination of other grains that also grew in the field and is mixed into the harvest.

It may help to eliminate all foods with gluten right from the start which is a lot because you have to read labels and understand what ingredients may come from wheat even though it isn't listed on the label, for example, vinegar can be made from wheat or apple cider and you may not know. Constipation can be a symptom of gluten intolerance. This website can give you information:
https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/gluten-free-foods/
Also, I would ask what medications or supplements do you take? Side effects from medications may possibly cause constipation. Pain medication can do this and is a concern with prescribed medication after fractures or surgery.

You can test your diet and have this information available for your appointment with your specialist. It may take a long time to really figure out what to avoid, but it is worth it when you feel so much better.

A gastroenterologist is what I'm waiting for since nobody else was able to find anything. I've done everything to try and reverse the constipation, exercise, diet, fiber, upping my water intake, lowering my water intake. Nothing has worked.

Hi @cl0wncl0wn, I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled:
- Problem with Chronic constipation
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/problem-with-chronic-constipation/
I did this so you could meet other members talking about their experiences with chronic constipation and other GI issues. Members like @bb03, @notmoff, @dsoots, and @heisforme2 all discussed either bouts of constipation or chronic constipation.

@cl0wncl0wn, you have sought out medical advice many times and have not found answers. That must be frustrating. What specialist are you seeing in December?

I'm 20, very young to be having problems this bad. When I was younger I had severe depression and anxiety, still do, but I've only ever had the occasional constipation with a quick fix solution then I was fine for years.

Around my birthday I had a severe, and sudden, bout of constipation. It went on for weeks, and when I say constipation I mean ZERO bowel movement, not even a sliver. So, I went to the hospital. I got stigmatized, they told me it was just constipation and I'd be fine, handed me a few packets of laxatives and sent me off.

The laxatives worked, at first, but deep down I knew it wouldn't solve the issue, so I used them sparingly as I saw my family doctor. 6 months later and the issue is still persevering, in fact, it got worse. Now my digestive system is struggling to digest food, I am constantly hungry despite the fact that my digestive system is too slow to eat food normally anymore, if I eat it won't come back out.

I had a small few weeks of no severe issues, and suddenly it got twice as bad recently, as I write this my stomach is screaming at me to eat, as if it's starving. Mind you, I never felt this way before when I woke up until all of this began happening. I considered if food could be a trigger, but none of it makes sense, because I've constantly switched my foods and never had stomach pain, gas or bloating unless I haven't had a bowel movement for days on end.

I have no idea what's wrong with me, other than sharp gut pain, usually around the lower abdomen/belly button, and the fact that I usually I can't have a bowel movement at all unless I bomb my gut with laxatives. I'm at a loss, I'm terrified, and I've been to the ER 3 times and the Urgent Clinic once along with my family doctor 3 times. When I call helplines (yes, I'm that desperate) they tell me to go to the ER, but the ER never takes me seriously.

I've had a CT x-ray, an ultrasound, and I'm stuck waiting until December 22nd for a specialist. I'm at a loss, I don't know if I can wait that long anymore before I start digging out my own stomach. What do I do?

MAy I ask what bacteria did you have ? I’ve had c.diff and SIBO years ago . I have chronic left lower pain especially after a . The pain gets excruciating and lasts for days
I feel like it’s a bacteria .
Is IB guard a probiotic ?
Have you been out on antibiotics?

Has this check up been done by hospital? What kind of process in it? I will wait for your reply?

I am a Canadian and have not heard of this but I will check it out. Thank you so much. Joyce

I am a 71 year old female with tortuous intestine and have suffered with constipation all my life. In the last year, someone from this site recommended Prunelax to me. It has been wonderful! I started out with the mini tabs, having to take 4. I have now switched to Prunelax Max and take 2 every evening. It is THE BEST I have felt all my life. I conferred with my gastro. doctor and was given approval to continue with the Prunelax. It will eventually change the interior color of the intestine because of the senna but there is no harm. The colonoscopy doctor even say this is better to see polyps. I do not plan on any more traditional colonoscopies because it is so incredibly hard on my body. It's painful and I run the risk of tearing my colon because of it's length and twists and turns. I have much more intestine than normal for a person my size. 5'2" and 100 lbs. I would highly recommend the Prunelax. I hope it helps you as it has helped me. Best wishes. Jacque

I am in the same boat but not as nbad as you. I can easily go a couple of weeks without a movement. I drink a fair amount and eat fresh fruit especially plumbs and the like when I can. It usually helps at first then stops working. Walking helps stir things up but I can't get from A to B without my bowels moving and I don't know I've already gone because I can't feel it until it's too late. Now I take a suppository before I go to the gym 4 times a week and a 5 mile walk at least once a week, so thats 5 a week I take. I know it may ruin me in the future but that's the only way things work for me today. I'm almost 77 and in very good shape for my age.

What a lot of challenges you have vanquished!
So glad to hear you have a brighter life ahead.