Slow gi motility with severe constipation

Posted by sallyw133 @sallyw133, Feb 28, 2023

I’ve posted here before under other topics but decided to start my own thread. Diagnosed three years ago
With extremely slow gi motility, stomach down, but symptoms primarily in colon which takes 82 hrs to process. Been to numerous drs, including motility specialists, and just no relief. Also claim some pelvic floor issues so I’ve done therapy twice. My main problem is finding a regimen to maintain some kind of regularity. I’m on Bethanichol, normally for urinary retention, but helps with motility, and Amitiza daily. Then add in mineral oil, senna, dulcolax as needed. The dailies help some, but not enough, so gradually add in others, then diarrhea. Or increase dose if dailies and same. Then there’s the “is it diarrhea or overflow” issue? My gi is little help. All questions go through nurse who never gets details right or doesn’t call back for days. I’d switch, but I have no idea who else to go to as can’t go to just a regular gi. I have been on every constipation med and have even consulted a surgeon re an ileostomy, but that just sounds like a whole new group of problems. Any one there share these issues?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

beracha | @beracha | Sep 3 8:12am

In reply to @amalynne69 "My motility at its worst was 28 days. Good fibre, water, every kind of laxative ......" + (show)

I have struggled with IBS constipation my entire adult life. Using laxatives and OTC may not be helpful. I started motility drug motegrity, and it has helped me and my life improve. Others in my family are using LINZESS on a as needed basis per GI doctor.

tdassler | @tdassler | Sep 4 3:23pm

In reply to @beracha "I have struggled with IBS constipation my entire adult life. Using laxatives and OTC may not..." + (show)

Motegrity isn't working. Tried Linzess 290 mg didn't work either
Gastro dr in Tucson not very good....
Ugh

tumblewind | @tumblewind | Sep 4 3:41pm

In reply to @beracha "I have struggled with IBS constipation my entire adult life. Using laxatives and OTC may not..." + (show)

After 1 week, Motegrity only worked for 3 days to different degrees. Day one -explosive diarrhea. Day 2 - normal bm! Day 3 - a few tiny stools. Now hasn't done anything for four days. Linzess was a similar experience. Back to playing mad scientist with OTC laxatives and stool softeners like miralax, CALM magnesium powder (worked one day). I know it's not a food, exercise, thyroid, hydration or pelvic floor issue. Why do our bodies reject everything we try to do to make our guts work normally!!! I wish more studies were done on those of us who have gotten to this point after having emergency childbirths that ripped into our rectal areas. My constipation problems began after that until now, 35 years later, I have it constantly.

beracha | @beracha | Sep 4 7:09pm

In reply to @tdassler "Motegrity isn't working. Tried Linzess 290 mg didn't work either Gastro dr in Tucson not very..." + (show)

Sorry to hear that.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 5 5:06am

In reply to @tdassler "Low motility too. So scary at times. Sometimes I wait up to 10 days. Six years..." + (show)

Hello @tdassler

Welcome to Connect. Anyone who has had surgery of the digestive tract can certainly sympathize with your situation. I have had three surgeries of the upper digestive tract and experience low motility as well. After surgery the landscape of your digestive tract changes and it becomes a challenge to accommodate those changes.

I would encourage you to take a peek at a discussion group for just this situation. Here is the link:
--How Do I Eat After Digestive Tract Surgery
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-eat-after-digestive-tract-surgery/
In this discussion, you will find others who have this same problem, and you can see how they addressed problems with food moving too slowly. It seems that everyone has to find their own eating plan.

My one suggestion is to get a referral to hospital registered dietician. I have had two appointments with a registered dietician and have found their suggestions most helpful. Have you been referred to a dietician yet?

jackielb | @jackielb | Sep 5 8:58pm

Try eating 1 - 2 Kiwi (green variety) fruits a day ; a serving of apple sauce; i also add a Tablespoon of Chia seeds to my smoothie. Celery works great. Ezekiel cereals, raisin bran, and frosted mini wheats. Also add a Tablespoon of Alo Vera juice to my smoothie

margaretfriel | @margaretfriel | Sep 6 10:37am

Thank you for sharing, you have a Legion of fellow sufferers. Best of Luck to All of you fellow Sufferers.
My problem with "slow bowl syndrome" began when I was @ age 5, a few years later learned I inherited it from my Fathers' side of the family. @ age 30 I learned I'm HypOthyroid, a Major contributor to the slow digestive & waste-disposal system. The problem has gone back at least 3 generations in our family. All 3 generations have gone to Mayo Clinic ( Rochester), my Grandfather & Father had surgery there, but ultimately it was Colon Cancer that were the Final Diagnosis. Mayo extended my Fathers' life from 82 to 97yrs. + 11 months. He thanked us all for a Long Wonderful Life & told us "It was Time for him To Go!" If a surgery will give me a few more years of Quality Life, "Have At It", as long as I can be somewhat independent, I don't want to be a burden on my family.
I'm 87 ... have had a Fabulous Life, but I'd Like to be here for a few more years, I'd Really Like to see 90. & it goes without saying, "That's In The Hands of The Good Lord."

cpeffer | @cpeffer | Sep 7 1:15pm

I have been dealing with severe constipation for 3 months and they diagnosed me with ileus. its been 14 days since I had a bowel movement, and my gastro Dr just told me 2 weeks ago my case was too complex I need to go to someone else and the UPMC hospital said they would not treat me because I'm not ruptured!!! I'm going to another hospital today and I'm praying they will help me. I can't believe they won't treat me at UPMC memorial hospital until I rupture, and get sepsis and maybe die. I just can't believe it. Im in so much pain.

charliesophiedaisyro | @charliesophiedaisyro | Sep 7 4:39pm

In reply to @cpeffer "I have been dealing with severe constipation for 3 months and they diagnosed me with ileus...." + (show)

What about a Fleets enama? So sorry!!!

cpeffer | @cpeffer | Sep 8 9:27am

In reply to @charliesophiedaisyro "What about a Fleets enama? So sorry!!!" + (show)

I've tried fleet enemas, mineral oil enemas, the hospital did 3 soap suds enemas, stimulant sopositories, I'm on 290mg of Linzess, And can someone please tell me how when I try a whole bottle of miralax with 64 of Gatorade I push out a little bit of stool then I'm passing clear liquid??? the miralax use to work???! then last Thursday just clear liquid comes out, I did golytely a whole gallon Friday and IT DIDNT MOVE MY BOWELS AT ALL NONE OF IT CAME OUT. I've ask Drs and nurses and. GI Drs, and they all say they don't know???Am I the only person this has happened to???

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