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Severe Constipation
I have had severe constipation for a long time. I drink lots of water and have had almost every test possible done and tried many prescription medications. These medications work for a little bit then stop. I currently take 3 docusate in morning and at night I will take 2 senna/docusate. I still dont have a daily BM. So i get bloated crampy and back pain from this.
I was told I could go to the Mayo Clinic as they may have ideas for me because they are out of options for me here.
Anyone else suffer from this?
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@celia16
I’m glad it turned out okay!
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4 Reactions@jlharsh
I certainly feel mentored. Compassionately brow beaten even. Thanks
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1 ReactionI have had severe constipation all of my life. A CT scan revealed a tortious colon. I have both twists and folds, making it very difficult for food to pass through the gut, leading to constipation. I am to the point where I believe that if I eat several pieces of toast, and then otherwise eat lots of the right foods, I will still have a major problem because the mass of bread reaches a twist in my colon and blocks anything else behind it, despite if those are the right foods. (This is just my impression, about my condition.) I have had to use enemas in order to function (for decades). Anyway, I wrote on the tortious colon blog that I've discovered (for me, anyway) that insoluble fiber helps more than soluble fiber. (There's a book on amazon called IBS-IBD Fiber Charts, if you want to explore this. Its the only resource I've found so far that lists the sources of soluable and insoluble fiber.) Now that we're in the Holiday season, I've been eating very small pieces of fruitcake (1/2 inch slice) every day. Suddenly it was like I had never had a problem at all. No enemas. Everything normal. We ran out of fruitcake, and I was back to my miserable existence again. (The fruitcake I like is Deluxe Fruitcake, from Corsicana, Texas, and available on Amazon...just FYI.) Anyway, its mostly pecans, candied cherries and pineapple, and dates. I looked those up. All are around 75-80% insoluable fiber. So my theory continues about fiber. Anyway, I hope you find something that will help you. I understand that tortious colon can be from birth (which then is called a redundant colon), but can also just develop sometime later. Hope you find some relief. Its wonderful when you finally get there!
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4 ReactionsInteresting! Question: how does your constipation present? Usually mine seems to get ‘stuck’ in rectum eventually, each day or so,, leading to discomfort and I finally get it moving, only for it to happen again and again…
I also feel it in gut area. I pass poop but there is always more coming but it gets stuck…
Is Sun fiber insoluble ? Can’t remember. It was recommended as way to regulate poop regularity….
I may try that fruitcake!! So glad you’re having some relief and potential ‘cure’!!!
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1 ReactionIn my own case: I've had some constipation for decades; usually BMs every 3 days or so. This seemed to happen to me after having babies and two surgeries in my 20s/30s. Logic tells me that antibiotics and other meds may have damaged my gut . . . probiotics should help . . . and they do, to some extent. But I've also realized that I cannot digest DAIRY (except for butter; I'm fine with butter). Dairy, such as cheeses and buttermilk/sweet milk STOP my digestive tract. It's not easy, but I avoid dairy and take probiotic gummies daily. Possibly these two ideas could apply to others.
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1 Reaction@andoman The prune juce doesn't taste very good but it works.
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1 ReactionRecently d/x w/diverticulitis and my doctor’s words, “constipation is my enemy” which I’ve been dealing with for years. Been taking Linzess for 5 years at least. After d/x doctor advised adding Colace & MiraLAX to my daily routine. In addition, I adhere to a high fiber diet. Still do not experience a healthy, daily BM. Doctor has now switched me to Lubiprostone 24MCG capsules (Amitiza) 2X/day & continue on high fiber diet. I’m fatigued and miserable and am hoping this works.
@learningtime
Have tried prune juice with a pat of butter, warmed in microwave, and it was helpful. Visiting nurse told me this remedy when I was undergoing many surgeries due to breast cancer. Will try today. Thanks for reminder.
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1 Reaction@electracat maybe prunes/prune juice, dates, or dried apricots…maybe a gentle assist from colace…if more help needed, MiraLax mixed in Gatorade…if it persists, time to go to a doc, especially a gastro doc. Good luck ! (Perhaps a probiotic recommended by a doc or NP).
@jkoc2612 question- is loading up on fiber the best thing when you are backed up ? There are 2 basic kinds- soluble and insoluble—I’ve heard that insoluble may be a bit easier on the body..personally, i eat fiber, but gently, and use colace to soften things up, which avoids straining…usually helps me….