Bad Constipation.... - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

jenjen05 · 11-18-2009, 11:27 AM

Hi folks. I'm dealing with some bad constipation which is making me flare like mad. I've always had IBS-C since I was a little kid.

I've tried Miralax (flare), Benefiber (flare), and Milk of Mag (REALLY BAD FLARE). None of which actually worked.

I need to make something here... any suggestions on ways to stimulate my bowel?

I've asked my Gastro doctor and he keeps telling me I need to use the Milk of Mag even if it hurts my bladder. I just can't do that.

lol jeez this sounds weird.....

Thanks!

nottoc4 · 11-18-2009, 11:34 AM

I used stool softeners when I was constipated. It worked some of the time.For the times it didn't,I took WalMart brand laxatives. They worked.

***Julie B*** · 11-18-2009, 02:08 PM

Have you thought about just doing an enema?

How about the Metamucil capsules?

Mothergoose · 11-19-2009, 06:18 AM

How about metamucil clear, but you need to use it daily and probably 2 x per day, it is a bulk forming lax which is supposed to not be habit forming, I was told if you are constiapted it can take up to 3 weeks to get your bowels functioning again right. You need to talk to you Dr. about this they all seem to have a different idea, I know he said to use MOM but it not working for you, you need more options. You can do things like add flax seed to most thins you eat you can get it in whole which pass right through you or ground which then you getthe omga 3 out of it. I mix it in milk add it to cookies, put in gravies etc. the other side of C is you need to drink lots of water for it to work, and you need to use it on a regular basis.

As I said go talk to you Dr. again about it, or go see a gstro about it, C can make IC so much worse for you.

MG

lalarainbow · 11-19-2009, 12:16 PM

Hi
I have IBS and use Normalcol every day- Metamucil made me way to gassy.. drink lots of water.. I also use Flax flour - I put it on cereal, or on bananas or yogurt which don't bother my bladder...
I find certain meds make me constipated --
Take care,

Tuckersmom · 11-19-2009, 05:28 PM

My PCP said mineral oil is the only thing you need to deal with constipation. Start with 1 tablespoon daily and increase by small increments until you find the dose that works for you but doesn't cause leakage.

bluetou · 11-20-2009, 01:00 AM

I take acacia fibre (a natural supplement powder), and also a natural laxative is aloe vera juice. THIS SHOULD NOT cause you to flare. I took this for many months just for its anti-inflammatory properties...but it also has gentle laxative properties. Your local health food store should carry it.

Try to eat dates daily if you can tolerate them (Just three to four). They are a great way to up your fibre and help with regular bowel movements.

So sorry you are constipated...ugh..nothing worse.

Peace
Blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenjen05

Hi folks. I'm dealing with some bad constipation which is making me flare like mad. I've always had IBS-C since I was a little kid.

I've tried Miralax (flare), Benefiber (flare), and Milk of Mag (REALLY BAD FLARE). None of which actually worked.

I need to make something here... any suggestions on ways to stimulate my bowel?

I've asked my Gastro doctor and he keeps telling me I need to use the Milk of Mag even if it hurts my bladder. I just can't do that.

lol jeez this sounds weird.....

Thanks!

Glenda2 · 11-20-2009, 03:11 AM

ONE TableSpoon of Mineral Oil every 3 to 4 Hours till you have a movement.

It Lubricates your Intestines and allows the Impacted stool to slide on down the line and Out.

It works Excellently*

***ICNDonna*** · 11-20-2009, 03:25 AM

Be careful with mineral oil --- years ago one of my aunts decided to take it daily to help her lose weight. She ended up very ill --- her doctor said it should only be taken occasionally. If you have chronic constipation, please talk with your doctor about taking a stool softener. If you have an impaction (very hard stool that's been there for two or more days), you definitely need to telephone your doctor's office for advice. If that's the case, you could do yourself serious damage taking laxatives.

Donna

ICPrincess · 11-20-2009, 04:00 AM

Wow I usually use Phillips Milk Of Magnesia to actually help me with flares. When i flare, both my bladder and bowel seem to go into spasm together (in fact I take Librax for flares to stop spasms in my bladder and bowel which always seem to go off together on me). If I am constipated my flare is a nightmare until I can go and once I go, the flare goes down a lot. Phillips MOM Liquid (pills do nothing for me) makes me go in a couple of hours every time without cramping, pain or anything. I'm sorry that none of this works for you. One thing to consider is this. Sometimes when we flare, we are going to flare period so then we think everything we eat or drink is making us flare, but we are already flaring and would flare anyway due to our disease in general. You may be the type that will flare with anything you try, but at least you will get yourself going which is better than flaring and being constipated at the same time. You have to pick your poison so to speak.

Phillips is my rescue whenever I am constipated. I bought some of Heather's Acacia Fiber from the ICN shop here and will be trying that soon as well. I also have some Prune Juice just in case I get daring and want to give that a try (my Grandmother swore by that her whole life though I know it is not IC friendly....many things aren't). The Milk of Magnesia is the gentlest of them all and literally causes me no cramping or pain or anything (though I wish they made it in a vanilla base instead of just the cherry and mint). I wish I had a better suggestion for you. I am with your doctor to be honest. Its better to go and flare then stay stopped up and flare anyway. In fact constipation makes me flare worse than anything I can eat or drink. I hope you find the answer.

Mothergoose · 11-20-2009, 06:01 AM

MY FIL was told to take mineral oil, he is in Canada he went to the pharmacy and was told you can't buy that in Canada. Strange why wouldn't you be able too, the pharmacy looked it up and could not find it any where to order it.

MG

gatorgal · 11-20-2009, 03:21 PM

Miralax caused me to flare too!Peri-colace(senna with colace, not just colace) has been my life saver, my psychiatrist suggested it to me. its a gi stimulant and stool softner. it has never caused me diahrrea but I dont know how sensitive your gut is. the peri colace has prevented a lot of straining. I used to take 2-3 times a day, now i only need twice a month.