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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.
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After so many tests, pills, OTC meds the only thing left was to remove my entire colon. It was scheduled but I couldn’t do it. Yes, this has ruined my first two years in retirement but I think a total colectomy would only bring on just another issue. I think I’m able to at least regulate my diarrhea with going out. I met my son in Disney last thanksgiving for a full week. I had a grocery store drop off fruit I could digest cases of water and lots of ensure plus. I did a huge cleanse day before I left. I went the entire week without laxatives and never went once. As soon as my plane landed my husband was at the airport with my go to laxatives and I started Immediately. Yes, the next week was tough but the week with my grandson was worth it. You just need to plan it out. Never easy.
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.
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2 ReactionsYes. 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.
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1 ReactionSmart pill is a large bullet shaped device that you swallow at your Gastro office because this device is rather large. You then eat a smart bar, fast for 6 hours and then you can eat. This smart pill takes hundreds of pictures as well as checking ph balances throughout entire digestive system. You wear a recorder for 5 days and you pass it out rectally. It has no radiation which I love. It begins recording after you swallow until you pass it. I’m going 5 days because I suffer severe chronic colon motility.
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2 ReactionsYes, all my Gastro have been motility specialist and I’ve been with naturopath as well over a year. I get visceral massage, pelvic floor PT. I do it all and without laxatives I will not go. I’ve been it to 13 days and gave in. Thank you
Can you define "the smart pill"?
Thank you.
I look forward to your post after your visit with the naturopath.
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.
Did you consider seeing a gi that specializes in motility? Just a thought. Also, after years of doctors throwing meds at my constipation with less than great results and my 30 years of constant migraines, I gave into my daughter’s nagging and scheduled an apt with a naturopath. I figured one more opinion couldn’t hurt.
Wish you the best. I have same problem.