Problem with Chronic constipation

How are they treating you now that you have these findings?

Good luck! I know migraines and the associated meds have their own issues. I no longer have migraines , due to a total hysterectomy in my late 30's. Getting on a level dose of hormones helped a lot. I no longer take any hormones due to my age.

I also deal with chronic migraine and have to juggle those meds because many cause constipation. I recently asked my neurologist for a referral to a psychologist who specializes in chronic illness. She felt this was a great idea as neither of these issues have a “quick fix”. I have my first virtual visit on March 18 so I will let you know if I think it will be helpful. I do have my husband to talk to but I think he grows weary of hearing about my bowel movements or lack of!

I use IB Gard everyday during a flare of bacterial growth in my intestines and then as needed for left lower quadrant pain.
After 5 years of chronic constipation and then diarrhea for 7 months due to bacteria, and treatment with antibiotics this is the first week of bowel movements 3 days in a row!!!
I take 1 Colace every night. As well as Align, IB Gard and Colace.

Yes. You swallow a little capsule that has a computer chip inside. You wear a transmitter. I believe it was for 3 days. So many days prior and during you cannot use anything that could affect motility such as fiber, Imodium, laxatives, etc. you have a little diary where you write down if you have any symptoms, if you have pain, have a BM, sleep, etc. You return the transmitter and at some point will poop out the capsule. The results determine how long it takes the capsule to navigate through your entire digestive system. I think it measures other things, too. It showed that I have slow transit/slow motility which is why I am always constipated. They then can better treat you.

I so feel your pain and frustration. I have redundant tortuous colon, constipated all my life (74) now. I used to go almost daily, but hard and small. Recent colonoscopy only showed some thickening of Sigmoid colon wall ( muscular hypertrophy) I've done all the 64 oz of water, fiber, exercise, Miralax 4 x's a week . It's a balancing act to not get cramping and diarrhea. I too have had to cancel trips, and live alone and it's affecting my social life, and mental health. And yes, people don't understand , nor do they want to hear about it. Best to you! Bobbie

I agree, Miralax takes several days, at least 3 for me, too sometimes more. My GI Dr. said to speed that up I could take it 2 X's a day. I have been relying on it along with Citracel and lots of water and fiber in diet, but finding a balance of both as to not be " going all the time" is tricky. Plus I'm not real happy about relying on the Miralax. But it has helped my lower left pain and constipation issues.

It is so frustrating. It’s also difficult because I’m always having to cancel plans with friends or trips my husband and I want to go on. We just cancelled our third attempt to go to Florida this year. And what do you say to people? They really don’t want to hear about the fact that your colon doesn’t function properly.