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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what is PJ?
Hi 456,
I think the others' suggestion that fat, maybe meat fat is useful for constipation. Other things to consider and that I use (I cannot tolerate much fat) is:
1-2 kiwi at night
Rhubarb at night
A more liquid diet (soups, hot cereal)
Less meat and other food that is dense
Beans if you can tolerate them
Spinach and other leafy greens
Magnesium supplement (I take Hilma Gentle Bowel Support)
Slippery Elm Inner Bark Powder
Drinking more plain water
Physical Activity
Floor stretching to ensure things 'move' in your gut
Thank you very much, research-maven,
All the best.
You're welcome Barb.
We're cat people and have had to put several of these cherished, loving creatures to sleep. IMO, it takes one year to properly grieve after a loss. Please be kind to yourself.
And as for CIC, certainly this doesn't help. FWIW I've had limited success with a drug called Motegrity. Problem - it doesn't have a generic so it's expensive. Because I'm on SS I get the drug for free, based on annual income.
All the best to you Barb.
Joe
PJ is prune juice.
Tadueo
Cats or dogs, doesn't matter. It's just as bad either way. Thanks for understanding.
I also had Motegrity, worked for a week, then quit. So sick of all these pills! Can't someone find us a cure that works? Take care, Barb
Yuk !!!
Hopefully things will turn around do you. I have found some relief by mixing a bottle of magnesium citrate (lemon flavor) with 50/50 lemonade-ices tea (Brisk has it in a liter bottle). I drink an 8oz glass in the morning and another before bed. Not the perfect solution but it is working enough to keep the pain and bloating at a minimum.
Thanks Kristin.
Tadueo
Oh my goodness, drinking hot water after breakfast (but not so hot you can't take a big swallow) that someone suggested speeds up my normal motility and eases it. Two days in a row now. No more "waiting around." What a gift!