SEVERE Costipation with my IBS; any sugg's?

[liz25]

:toilet: I have just started having major problems with my IBS the past 8mos. The pain from my IC is usually the biggest problem I have. Now, I am constipated ALWAYS!!! I have tried drinking more water, I used senekot, I tried laxatives, I even resorted to trying enemas, nothing!!! Finally, I had to try magnesium citrate, which I have a lot of trouble getting down, that works but not always. My DR. wanted me to try ZELNORM, but I don't have insurance and I don't have $161 to spend every month. I am on narcotics and I know they cause constpation, but I have been on them for 3yrs and never had tis problem. I don't think it is from the pain killers, I think it is my IBS. Does anyone have any suggestions I am so uncomfortable all the time I am going crazy!!!! :dizzy: :yikes:

[blackcat]

I have ibs, constipation version. I've had times when my bowel has almost totally shut down for a week plus. I recently started taking amitriptyline which set the constipation off in a major way. I don't tend to have a great deal of luck with the senna products, and needed something a bit more long term. First I tried fibre-gel, but that didn't help! Next my doc suggested Lactulose, but I've found that gives me major stomach pains and terrible gas. Anyway, she gave me this stuff, Movicol. The chemical name for it I believe is macrogol. There little packets of powder that you mix with water. They don't taste too great, but its bareable. The box says to take 1 sachet 2 or 3 times a day, but I'm doing just fine on 1 a day. I live in the uk so I'm not sure if you have it there. But if you do, it might be worth a look into. I've had no stomach cramps with it, and no gas. Only trouble is sometimes it works a little too well!!! I was told it was safe to use long term, and its designed to draw water into the bowel. I'll take a quick look and see if I can find anything about its cost, shall post more if I find anything.

[blackcat]

Not having a lot of luck in finding reference to it in the USA. But I did find a price in uk pounds for packets of 30 sachets. Which was £15, which converts to $27 US dollars. It is likely something you would need a prescription for from your doctor, if your country has it.

[Kimbamor]

Pure blackberry juice...found in health food stores. It's not acidic but I have no idea if it would set off IC. The other would be black licorice...but if potassium bothers your IC forget it. Dang not much help is it....too bad we can't cross our IBS ince I am on the other end of the spectrum...

[liz25]

Thank you for your suggestions! I will see my Dr on friday for a pre screening for my surgery, so I will ask him about the Movicol. I have similar problems with my bowel shutting down for weeks at a time! I will also ask about the blackberry juice and the licorice. Thanks again! :) :)

[janetm]

Miralax is helping my constipation. It is a prescription powder you mix with water and drink.

[JAMIEL]

Ditto on the Miralax..I take it daily and it seems to help..

Jamie

[kadi]

I take 2 tablets Fibercon daily & it helps me. (Colace gave unpredictable bouts of the runs - ugh) I also eat at least 5 servings of fruits & veggies a day. Pears are especially good for the constipation issue.

[mallenajolie]

Hi:

Try the miralax! I am sure your uro will give you a script...mine did, and you know what I know....The oxycontin gives horrible constipation. I had an extreme period of bowel bleeding which he knows about, and doesn't mind giving the miralax (or generic equilvalent). Its very gentle.

[sunshine_77us]

Kadi
The Fibercon is safe to take with IC. I'm having a terrible time with constipation and need to get something. Seems like I tried Fibercon before I had IC and it bloated me so bad but I guess it wound until your body gets used to it.

[Amanda]

I have chronic severe constipation (I have had an ileus, where the bowel completely stops moving, three times). I have tried all that was mentioned above. Currently, I take Colace and Senokot daily, as well as Zelnorm.

Amanda

[sunshine_77us]

I did take senokot last night and it has worked this morning. I wanted to start taking Colace but I worry about the dyes. I know that yellow # 5 tears my bladder up so I'm hoping the dye in the senokot won't bother me. It's 10 and #6.

[Jmeisnor]

I have fentanyl patch, take percoset, but even before I started these narcotics, I was already having constipation. It began with my first bout of IC, which I can identify from last May. I have used senna, metamucil, smooth moves tea, stool softeners, laxatives with stool softeners, and these past three times Dulcolax, which is a straight hard core OTC laxative. Each time, it takes longer to work, not to mention the pain along with my usual IC pain. I called my Uro today and he said to use Ex-Lax. I remember that stuff from when I was a kid. Uuuk. But I will try whatever. I bought some prune juice the other day, but this IC has me so skittish. I'm so fearful of more IC pain. I will take suggestions for scripts mentioned here to the Uro, have appt on Thurs. Any ideas about prune juice?

[sunshine_77us]

I'm having bladder pain today from the dye in the Senna. I was afraid of that but I had to take something. I just hope I can get it under control before it gets too bad. I don't know what to take for constipation anymore.

[rjyoon]

I know this idea isn't a cure-all, but if it helps, why not? I use self-massage from a Shiatsu book when things are bad. Costs nothing but a little time. Yes, I also use Zelnorm, but if I still get backed up I also massage. I got the information from my sister, who is a massage therapist/physical therapist.

[shennan]

yes, my uro just gave me a script for miralax. i just started the elavil and am doing heparin instills. have harder stools. am no eating too mych because my tummy is so :dizzy: from the heparin....

hey rjyoon, send me your sister to tx, i need a good message. thanks... :)

good luck, liz.

shenna

[sunshine_77us]

Has anyone tried Cascara Sagrada. I found that at Drug Emporium. It is made by Nature's Way and is supposed to be good for constipation. Also wondering if anyone tried Psyllium Seed Husk???

[KathyS]

I have started on it, but haven't had a bowel movement yet--three days have gone by. I know the instructions say it may take 2-4 days, but I am worried. Has anyone else had this problem with starting on it? I had such high hopes for this to work. Thanks for any help.

Kathy S.

[liz25]

Well, Jan I totally understand!! I have been on narcotics for years now and never had a problem until the past 6mos. I have tried MiraLax (which you can get frm. dr.),senekot, fiber pills, laxatives enemas....everything!!! The only thing that gives some releif is a bottle of magnesium citrate. It tastes nasty, but it helps to get the job done. And it didnot bother my IC. Good Luck!

Liz

[sunshine_77us]

I guess no one has tried those 2 things that I have listed. I haven't tried them yet so I dont' know how they will work or if they will bother my ic

[liz25]

I haven't even heard of the 2 thigs you listed Pam. Like I said, magnesium citrate ened helping me it just sucks goig dowm!! good luck pam

:evilsmile

Liz :butterfly :butterfly

[sunshine_77us]

The Psyllium Seed Husk I found at the GNC store and the Cascara Sagrada I found at Drug Emporium. SO far I haven't tried either one. I've been lucky these past 2 weeks. Thanks for your reply.