Problem with Chronic constipation

Posted by bb03 @bb03, Feb 1, 2021

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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mark1952 | @mark1952 | Nov 3, 2024

In reply to @razelrosey "For the past year or so my rib cage area is like really painful the other..." + (show)

Hello, razelrosey,
I have chronic constipation. I take maximum dose Senna at night. Sometimes I divide the dose 10 am and 10 pm. Stopped the MiraLAX because it made me more bloated and gassy. About every two-three weeks I take a dose of Dulcolax. I drink about a gallon of water a day. I keep my rectum and colon as well lubricated as I can. I usually have to manually assist defecation with my finger. I jog on trampoline 20 minutes a day. I hate all of it but what else can I do? Best of luck to you!

graceym1 | @graceym1 | Nov 2, 2024

In reply to @celia16 "I haven’t, but I will ask my doctor about it. I’ve never taken opioids, but I..." + (show)

Hope it helps!!! Good luck to you.

celia16 | @celia16 | Nov 2, 2024

In reply to @graceym1 "Did you try movantik? It’s stronger and my son lives on opioids because of a bone..." + (show)

I haven’t, but I will ask my doctor about it. I’ve never taken opioids, but I am desperate. I have had intermittent periods in which I am regular and normal! Then BAM, I relapse to horribly stubborn constipation. Thanks for the info.

graceym1 | @graceym1 | Nov 2, 2024

In reply to @celia16 "Thanks! I tried both. Linzess worked for a couple of days then stopped. I was on..." + (show)

Did you try movantik? It’s stronger and my son lives on opioids because of a bone dusease. It actually helps him to go fairly regular.

celia16 | @celia16 | Nov 2, 2024

In reply to @graceym1 "Great news!!! Have you tried prescriptions for constipation. My son has severe constipation from long term..." + (show)

Thanks! I tried both. Linzess worked for a couple of days then stopped. I was on daily Miralax for a long time that worked then didn’t. I also tried another prescription med that didn’t work at all. I’m very frustrated and scared.

graceym1 | @graceym1 | Nov 2, 2024

In reply to @celia16 "I wanted to post update as I have posted multiple times around here about my chronic..." + (show)

Great news!!! Have you tried prescriptions for constipation. My son has severe constipation from long term opioid use for his diseases. He took linzess then mirakax. It helped for a long time. Now he’s on movantik Hope this helps!

celia16 | @celia16 | Oct 31, 2024

In reply to @razelrosey "For the past year or so my rib cage area is like really painful the other..." + (show)

I wanted to post update as I have posted multiple times around here about my chronic constipation, improvements and relapses. I had the colonoscopy today and it was normal. So relieved. I do have to wait on the biopsy, but I feel confident.

Of course, this doesn’t help me in my quest to remedy my constipation, but it does relieve me from wondering if something in that area that needs treatment.

shelia49 | @shelia49 | Sep 20, 2024

In reply to @deblf "I too have a rectocele but was told it was stage 2 & not a candidate..." + (show)

Tha Dr I saw did not give me a stage ony rectrocele she just suggested surgery. I am so glad to know that my pain can be reduced
I will follow up after surgery. I don't have date yet.

deblf | @deblf | Sep 20, 2024

In reply to @shelia49 "I have posted before about my chronic constipation. I am happy to report that I think..." + (show)

I too have a rectocele but was told it was stage 2 & not a candidate for surgery. Was also told this surgery does not always last very long. Do you have any more information? I’m 70 & believe I will soon be too old for surgical intervention. Also, I live in Ontario, Canada.

shelia49 | @shelia49 | Sep 19, 2024

In reply to @razelrosey "For the past year or so my rib cage area is like really painful the other..." + (show)

I have posted before about my chronic constipation. I am happy to report that I think I have finally found at least part of my problem. I had to go to Urogynacologist. Spelling may be wrong!
They found Rectocele which I am scheduled for surgery to be repaired.
I will follow up after surgery.

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