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Chronic constipation troubles

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Posted 4/2/2011 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
Ever since I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease 3 years ago I was also diagnosed with a chronic constipation problem. (Yeah, what a paradox!) Although the Crohn's is horrible, the chronic constipation problem is harder to deal with. I've been titrating Miralax and fiber to find that "sweet combination". :( Have not found that yet... I've tried Senna, but my doctor has advised me to stay away from stimulant laxatives for as long as possible. I've had accidents, and I've had problems not going. I just started incorporating enemas into my routine. HAS ANYONE FOUND A GOOD WAY OF COPING WITH CHRONIC CONSTIPATION?!?! Ah!!!
Posted 4/2/2011 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
mlatida, I feel your pain!
Although I haven't been diagnosed with Chronic Constipation, it seems like I'm constipated more often than not!
It seems like nothing works :( Mine has gotten so bad that stimulant laxatives didn't even work for me.

I've heard mixed things about fiber. Some doctors have said to add more fiber to my diet, some have said to stay away. It's very frustrating!

I hope you find some answers and feel better soon!
Posted 4/2/2011 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
 

I have been constipated since I had a resection 5 years ago, I'm 73. I too have tried every thing you have. The only relief I get is to take a Dulcolax when I feel the pain coming on, then deal with the cramps. I also have pain in the ligaments of the pelvic area.

Gold Dogs

Posted 4/2/2011 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
I take stool softners nightly in order to keep things softer and easier to pass. Works to keep me going daily. If I miss a day I am in a world of hurt. Give them a try, they do help. Hugs!
Posted 4/4/2011 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
Magnesium / milk of magnesia.
Posted 4/4/2011 1:32 AM (GMT 0)

hey tilda, I used to use enema's almost daily, now I have 9ft of small bowel that has been diseased and removed, so I need to slow things way down, just from short bowel syndrome. I'm malabsorbed and dehydrated, from post op comp's. I also use to drink prune jusice

AG

Posted 4/4/2011 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
I have had chronic constipation for years. I was taking Mirilax for a while but my GI told me to stop and start taking Benefiber. I take the maximum dose three times a day. I take the powder that you mix with your water or any drink. I tried the tablets and they didn't seem to work. It has helped allot. It helps with the texture and makes it allot easier to go. I feel like an oddball sometimes because most crohns patients are skinny with diarea but Im chubby and constipated! I at least wish I got the skinny part if I have to suffer with this disease anyway! lol
Posted 4/5/2011 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
My daughter found yogurt helped her constipation. Maybe a probiotic like acidophilus, which you can get at any drugstore, would help.

I don't have Crohn's, but will get constipated if I forget to drink enough fluids in a day. Sometimes wheat or dairy can cause problems for me.

Posted 4/6/2011 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
Debbiekay:
Why did your GI tell you to stop the miralax? Thought it was safe to to take?
Posted 4/6/2011 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
All he said was that Mirilax is a laxative and shouldn't be taken for long term. Since Benefiber is a natural soluble fiber you can take it forever which I will probably have to do. The Benefiber is actually working for me allot better as long as I take the maximum dose 3 times a day. You can't taste it at all even in water. Not all of those fiber products have the same ingredients. I have tried other ones and they gave me lots of gas and didn't really help. Even the store generic for Benefiber has a different source of fiber and doesn't work for me. Its kind of expensive but worth it.
Posted 4/6/2011 2:59 PM (GMT 0)

Since my CD has been under control/inactive (thanks to Humira), I now have the constipation problem.  A BIG change from diarrhea & upteen bathroom trips a day!  I tried using the Benfiber, etc, but that seemed to cause bowel distention & weight gain.  My pcp suggested trying ground flax seed.  I have been reluctant to try after reading that it has a nutty flavor...just not into that flavor.  So....I've been taking four Senekot-S nightly before bed along with a probiotic.  It is a natural laxative along with a stool softener.  Seems to make things move along easier....  Sometimes I adjust the amount to less, depending on if I've eaten something that I know can contribute to the constipation.

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