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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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@suzzee3
Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
If you have checked this Digestive Diseases Support Group you’ll see that chronic constipation is an all too common concern.
However, each one of us is different.
I think it’s a great idea to request a colonoscopy instead of only relying on a cologuard test. You didn’t mention your age, but colonoscopy is appropriate at any age with abnormal colon function.
Find out who your physician recommends and request a referral- or self refer if your health insurance lets you.
Please get back to us with the results! We are all learning from each other.
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6 ReactionsThank you. I am 58. Blessings
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1 Reaction@suzzee3
Thanks for the information.
At your age over 50 you definitely should have a colonoscopy- or should have had already.
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5 ReactionsI have had them before and they were all normal. It's been about 12 yrs since I have had one and I got a call from my Dr's office this morning and they are they sent out the referral this morning...thank you Jesus
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4 ReactionsI've dealt with constipation for over a year. It has taken some time and perseverance on my part pushing for proper healthcare in order to sort out and manage it. Over these months I've learned many factors can play into constipation. A colonoscopy as others have recommended can help to rule out serious ones. For that reason it can be very helpful at helping to identify the underlying issues at hand, even if it does so by only ruling things out. In competent hands a colonoscopy is a very route procedure. Something even as simple as a unchecked diaper rash can wreak havoc in the lower G.I. system. Hang in there, help is at hand for those who don't listen to any doctor who may have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed.
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I am not a healthcare practitioner but have read a lot about constipation and suffered from it myself. It turns out for me the cause was taking my nausea medicine Ondansetron. Once I stopped that medication I found a significant Improvement. I have also read that certain pain medications can lead to constipation. I'm glad that you are going to get a colonoscopy because I have lost several friends because their colon cancer was not diagnosed in time. The most recent one died at 28 years old. He had been having GI issues but hadn't seen a doctor because he didn't have insurance. Once he got a job and got insurance he got a colonoscopy but it was too late. I am wishing you well and hoping that you find answers very soon.
annabelle
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1 ReactionCould it be hemorrhoids? Is there a little blood on the toilet paper when you wipe?
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1 ReactionHas this check up been done by hospital? What kind of process in it? I will wait for your reply?
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?
When I was slightly anemic I started eating more fruits and vegetables with both high fiber and iron, such as spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, figs and dates. Perhaps it's worth a try to work more of these foods into your regular diet?
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