Severe Constipation

Hi @woundedbear64, I also struggle with constipation which I think may have played a part in my inguinal hernia surgery last year due to all of the constant straining. I've since done a little better by using Miralax several times a week along with a fiber supplement. I've found that a hot cup of a special Prunelax tea that I let steep for about 10 to 15 minutes before drinking does wonders for movement. I only use it about once a week to get me back on track - https://www.amazon.com/Prunelax-Natural-Laxative-Tea-Count/dp/B07DFSNYQW.

There are a couple of discussions you might want to check out here:
--- Constant constipation: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/constant-constipation/
--- Severe Constipation: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/severe-constipation-1/

@johnbishop Since my Robotic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy, I have to keep things moving to be sure my intestines are not blocked and moving. No straining to give the mesh time to attach securely. This could take 2-3 months. If things slow down I have been drinking Miralax (3Tbsps) in the afternoon. So far everything is moving but as a single ball. I need to start taking fiber. What do you take and how much at a time? This was suggested at my post-op surgery appt. I have no idea of a brand, how much, and how often. Any comments would be appreciated. KLH

Hi @kilh, I've been using Heather's Tummy Fiber which is said to work for IBS constipation or diarrhea - Here's a link to their website that has a video explaining how it works - https://www.heatherstummycare.com/p/suplmts_acacia-can/tummy-fiber-acacia-senegal-can/.
I haven't found my normal dose yet but it does seem to help. The easiest way to use it is mix it with a moist food but you can mix it with room temp water but you have to follow their directions to help it dissolve better.

@johnbishop Do you think this could be dissolved in a cup of hot tea? That is how I take my Miralax. Also, does it cause any boating or side effects? Any taste in the fiber? Thanks for the link. I will read it tonight but now the weather report and evening news then off to dinner. KLH

@kilh I haven't tried it but they do say in the directions that it's best mixed with room temperature liquids. It's like most fibers and doesn't really have a taste. I usually put 1 or 2 teaspoons in an empty cup and gradually add water while stirring with a fork. It does bubble a little but mixes in with water. I have a lot of gas also but no abdominal pain or cramping. It just makes the BMs noisy 🙃and like baby cannons if you know what I mean. They also sell some Tummy Fiber tea which I like and is for gas and bloating so maybe I will try mixing a couple of teaspoons of the fiber with the tea tonight and let you know.

I've been taking opioid pain medication for over thirty years now, I have had trouble with constipation as a young man, but after adding in the opioid it's gotten out of hand.Does anyone have any good remedies for constipation, or at least stool softening?I naturally only have a bowel movement once a week, the doctor said some people are like that, but add in rock hard stool, and constipation and you have a great deal of pain to deal with.I think straining on the toilet is what caused my current spinal cord problems, I have two shunts, so I'm not supposed to strain, but I just can't help it, any help will be well appreciated!Thank you.

What more do you have to do. I suffer from this a lot. Magnesium citrate, liquid, helped me, but since the recall, there is none. It bums me out, because it would help me once in a while. I did get the fiber capsules, but I'm still backed up. Going to ask Dr maybe to increase my Reglan (sp)? The constant bloating just sucks. And honestly watch the water. I think the levels of chlorine they are putting in the water are hurting a lot of people's digestive systems, because it's poison. My water is so bad at my house, the city won't do anything but call the cops on me, while my health deterriates. And now have to pay culligan for safe drinking water for my family and pets. Just be careful. Stomach pills is a huge money maker. Any advice on being more regular would be helpful. I'm only taking 2 capsules a day, maybe I need more? It's the one with the phylum husks (sp).
Thank you and God Bless.
Gastrochic

Hi Woundedbear64,
I'm so sorry to hear about your situation! That must be awful for you!

I can recommend a home remedy for constipation that my mom always gave me. I'm 77 and still use it. It's natural but may be a little harsh. It's a teaspoon or more, if needed, of baking soda (the kind you cook with – Arm and Hammer) dissolved in a glass of water. Drink the whole glass. You may want to squeeze a little lemon juice in it to make it taste better. It tastes awful, but it works. Stay near the bathroom. It works fairly fast. By the way, this also helps get rid of gas and bloating. After it works, try and drink a lot of water to keep from being dehydrated.

Eating certain foods also help such as prunes, fruit, nuts etc. But you probably already know that.
I hope this remedy helps you.
PML

I've been taking opioid pain medication for over thirty years now, I have had trouble with constipation as a young man, but after adding in the opioid it's gotten out of hand.Does anyone have any good remedies for constipation, or at least stool softening?I naturally only have a bowel movement once a week, the doctor said some people are like that, but add in rock hard stool, and constipation and you have a great deal of pain to deal with.I think straining on the toilet is what caused my current spinal cord problems, I have two shunts, so I'm not supposed to strain, but I just can't help it, any help will be well appreciated!Thank you.

I've been taking opioid pain medication for over thirty years now, I have had trouble with constipation as a young man, but after adding in the opioid it's gotten out of hand.Does anyone have any good remedies for constipation, or at least stool softening?I naturally only have a bowel movement once a week, the doctor said some people are like that, but add in rock hard stool, and constipation and you have a great deal of pain to deal with.I think straining on the toilet is what caused my current spinal cord problems, I have two shunts, so I'm not supposed to strain, but I just can't help it, any help will be well appreciated!Thank you.