constipation

[sweetpea2555]

Those of you that have constipation, how do you cope? My ic meds are making it worse and I am in constant pain and I can never poop. I try eating alot of fiber but it's not enough. My doctor put me on a new med. for ic but he says i'll still suffer from constipation. Any tips? I am sick and almost vomiting because I can't poop. My MD wants me to stop taking my ic meds but I have to treat my ic. :help: I haven't even been on the boards much this past month because I just feel like crap and I go back to work tomorrow and I am afraid my IBS will get in the way. I also have severe ic. Thanks! :toilet:

[Shalai]

Hi Sweetpea,
Have you thought about seeing a gastroenterologist? Since this seems to be an ongoing problem, and what you've been trying hasn't worked so far, you might need to be checked out by a specialist.
Another thing...are you able to drink alot of water? Fiber works by increasing the water content in the bowels (which helps soften stools), so it's important to drink enough water to help the fiber work properly.
I hope this helps some :)

Sherry

[massagedoula]

Try a tsp. of flax seeds ground up and mixed with some warm water. I have heard wonders about it...I bought a big bag of flax seeds and a mortar and pestle...and then my consitipation went away before I coud try it!

[blondie45]

Check with your doctor first about taking this every day or every other day, but my father's doctor told him that was fine. You can find it by the fiber supplements at Walmart for like $1.60 a bottle. I use it only if I have not had a bowel movement in 3 days as that is when I start to get uncomfortable if I don't find a way to have one. The taste of mineral oil leaves a lot to be desired but for that price I will choke it down!

[Katrina]

One thing I want to stress is that if your constipation is worth than normal see a doctor to be sure that IBS is all that is going on.

Drink a lot of liquids!!! Fiber will only make you worse if you don't drink, drink, drink!!!!
Things that help me...fat, corn, Flax Ceed, store brand aloe vera gel, I would like to also add that the IC diet and too much calcium may be part of your problem so if your IC is well enough to allow you to cheat a bit it may help with the constipation.

I can't stress the liquids enough! Fiber just makes me worse if I don't drink enough!:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[Bianchi]

I take "Citracell" every night mixed with water, then tons of water afterwards. I works, I have no problem. I have been taking it for years for IB and yes some of the IC meds can cause constipation, so I continue with this treatment.
Bianchi

[Kiyoka]

maybe something you should try is fleet soda, it will clean you out. If you wait to look it may never go away. I went out of the country and when I got back, I couldn't go. I cleaned myself out and I felt soo much better, if you don't catch up to the problem it could cause a biggery one......I taste horrible...but you can do it...I Hope this helps some

[blondie45]

Yes, I totally agree with Katrina. Check with your doctor to make sure nothing else is going on besides IBS. I have a colonoscopy every 5 years just to make sure, as I had a grandfather who died of colon cancer.

[Franny]

I discovered that any type of calcium supplement casues me to have constipation. I have relief since I have discontinued all calcium supplements. I can drink milk and eat yogurt so I should be ok as far as getting calcium I need. While I was having constipation I discovered from my Gastroentologist that Benefiber is an easy way to get fiber and a good BM. It just mixes into any liquid and it is tasteless.

[JenG]

Having both IC and IBS I have to deal with frequent constipation. Lately I think I have stumbled upon some really good cures. I take 1000mg capsules of flax seed oil with each meal, you can get it at the ICN shop or at any place you buy your vitamins. It's also a really good source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Also I agree about calcium adding to your constipation. My doctor suggested always taking magnesium whenever you take your calcium. Magnisium is a great way to relieve constipation. Check with your doctor, though, before trying any new pills. Good luck!

[Ginny]

Flax seed works great. Buy the whole golden flax seed in the health food store. Grind a small amount. Sprinkle it on your food. You will not taste it.

[asmashly]

I too have IBS w/constipation. My primary had me take some Ct scans and it turns out my colon was having spasms. I was prescribed Zelnorm. It really works. Once in the morning before food and once before bed. I am now regular, and the pain is gone. I feel the your pain. Call your dr. I am so relieved I did.

[July]

I take psyllium husk for consitipation.