Severe Constipation

Posted by klk464 @klk464, Feb 28, 2018

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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@loribroda

Where can I find that? I also use Miralax

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I found Prunelax at Walmart. My preference is Senokot and snacking on prunes.

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@kathy5645

It contains the same ingredient as miralax which makes me very I’ll. Looking for other possibilities.

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@kathy5645,

They are two different classes of stimulants altogether.

Here are the ingredients for Prunelax:

Dried senna and plum extract and acts as a stimulant to move stool through the bowel.

Dextrin, Dextrose Monohydrate, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Soy, Lecithin and Sodium Citrate Dihydrate). Other Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Croscarmellose Sodium, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Silicon Dioxide, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Pregelatinized Starch, Sodium Starch Glycolate, Magnesium Stearate, Opadry Ns Clear (Coating).

Miralax contains polyethylene glycol, an osmotic drug that attracts water, distends the bowel wall and triggers the movement reflex.

It may be worth looking at again.

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@sue225

I was sure that Prunelax contained senna as main ingredient. Will check

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@sue225 Yes it does, as well as plum extracts and other substances, I’m assuming that are preservatives.

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@kathy5645

It contains the same ingredient as miralax which makes me very I’ll. Looking for other possibilities.

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Yes, I find Miralax despite all the promises of no bloating, no cramping, etc., makes me feel horrible. Better luck with senna (for me). Ingesting propylene glycol long term does seem a bit toxic.

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@clutch

@kathy5645,

They are two different classes of stimulants altogether.

Here are the ingredients for Prunelax:

Dried senna and plum extract and acts as a stimulant to move stool through the bowel.

Dextrin, Dextrose Monohydrate, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Soy, Lecithin and Sodium Citrate Dihydrate). Other Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Croscarmellose Sodium, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Silicon Dioxide, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Pregelatinized Starch, Sodium Starch Glycolate, Magnesium Stearate, Opadry Ns Clear (Coating).

Miralax contains polyethylene glycol, an osmotic drug that attracts water, distends the bowel wall and triggers the movement reflex.

It may be worth looking at again.

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Thanks. It makes me sick also. Dry frustrating.

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I am recovering from C-diff (9 months into recovery). All my life I have dealt with constipation and later in life found out I had a tortuous intestine. Finally, it seems, and I'm praying it lasts, the Prunelax is working for me. I am still working on the dosage, which is different for every individual. BUT I have tried all the regular anecdotes the doctors usually recommend and I did it religiously. Miralax, lots of fiber, lots of water, psyllium powder (which I still use on my oatmeal and cereal), but nothing has worked for me like the Prunelax. I have stuck with it. I may try the maximum strength down the road because currently I'm taking the mini-tabs. (less to take with max. strength but not a big deal.) So, from my experience, I recommend the Prunelax. I have read on here that it doesn't work for some people and I guess that's to be expected but I also know you have to work with it and give it a chance. I ended up taking 4 mini tabs for a month or more and now I'm adjusting to 3, and hopefully I will be able to taper off with time to 2 or possibly taking the 3, 3 times a week. It is an ongoing process. Best wishes to all who have to find their way with this problem. I truly understand how it can affect one's life. Keep the hope and the faith! Jacque

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very lucky you have naturopath near you. in small cities we're stuck. you did the right thing but it's very depressing for the rest of us. when it comes to colons and kidneys, the practice of typical american medicine remains a mystery. intergrated medicine is the way to go, but it's not going my way. very few practice this. our medical schools in most places seem to be one track. perhaps virtual medicine will be
the way to go. anyway, glad you got better.

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@thellman

Have you tried Motegrity?

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No I haven’t. Will order it on amazon. Thanks so much.

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@kathy5645

No I haven’t. Will order it on amazon. Thanks so much.

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It's a prescription drug, talk to your doctor.

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@thellman

It's a prescription drug, talk to your doctor.

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Realized that after post. Will call my gastroenterologist Hope I can get in soon but could take a month or two. Will see if she will call it in but haven’t been seen for a bit.

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