HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Constipation question?

Support Forums
>
Crohn's Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 4/5/2019 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
I'm usually here for my Daughters benefit, as she's the one with Crohn's not me. Today, I have a question that pertains to me though. I've always battled constipation. This last year or so, it seems much worse though. In fact, without a very strong coffee, I would say I will definitely not be having a BM. I often go 3-4 days without a BM. I'm quite familiar with all the typical remedies, but my problem is, most of the typical treatment options produce way too much gas for me. I end up so uncomfortable that it's just not worth the trouble.

Does anyone have any advice for taking something that will help with constipation but not produce an abundance of gas? I was thinking of trying a glass of prune nectar before bed for starters.
Posted 4/5/2019 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
Obvious question alert, but do you eat enough fibre and drink enough fluids (not alcohol or strong coffee)? I know you mentioned gas, but if you increase your intake gradually, avoid certain gas-producing foods (like beans, onions, cabbage, etc), and increase your fluid intake, the bowels should adapt to the extra fibre without producing extra gas. It may be trial and error for a while though, as you work out which foods give you gas and which don't.

Or alternatively try the prune juice. If it works, it's a lot simpler! I used to suffer from chronic constipation as a child and teenager. Once I began eating more fibre and getting more fruit and vegetables into my diet it gradually went away over a few months. I had 5 glorious years of 1 solid BM a day, then the Crohn's started....
Posted 4/5/2019 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
I should have mentioned, I really don't ingest a lot of fluid. Almost never thirsty. Have to admit, in the Summer when I'm buying a lot more fruit, it's not near as much of an issue. I really figured it's age related, (just turned 60). Thanks for your suggestions though. I'll try what you mentioned.
Posted 4/5/2019 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Fibre and water (or soft drinks - it doesn't have to be water if you find plain water hard to get down) are good for keeping you regular.

On the other hand, it might be worth seeing a doctor too - just to be on the safe side. I didn't really think about this before, but sudden changes in bowel habits without any obvious cause should usually be checked out.
Posted 4/7/2019 7:09 AM (GMT 0)
Agreed that diet and fluid intake is paramount. I get most of my fibre with my nutridrinks but I also drink about two litres of water everyday. I must have been a camel in my previous life!

You could also try drinking a large glass (or two or three) of warm water first thing in the morning on empty stomach. It should be 37C or a little bit warmer when you drink it. The body doesn’t need to do anything with it and just sends it down into your small and then large intestine.

I never used to suffer with constipation much but now I can’t eat bread or else I get bunged up pretty bad. Plus I always get it post surgeries. Lukewarm water is the only thing that really works for me. Prune juice did nothing, Lactulose didn’t do much either.
Posted 4/7/2019 9:25 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the suggestions Ladies,

I will certainly try the fluid uptake approach first. I've been chalking this up to aging, but who knows, as NCOT suggested, if things don't improve, It might be time to get checked out.
Posted 4/9/2019 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
I am not a big liquid drinker either, however, I had to change my habits. It gets extremely hot where I live & I like being outdoors. I have ended up in ER from dehydration. I have never been a water drinker, mostly tea which is even worse, lol. I started drinking cranberry juice over crushed ice & that helped me a lot. For the past month I have been drinking water over crushed ice & eating the ice too, lol. Getting dehydrated that bad caused constipation issues too.

Try the Miralax, but keep in mind it takes several days to kick in, I took it at night before bed, warm prune juice is another if you can't handle it cold, also the old MOM remedy. Stay away from harsh laxative as they deplete the colon of water.

If you can't get things moving go see your dr.
Posted 4/10/2019 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
Besides roughage foods and water, another suggestion is to go on a predetermined set time, even if you do not have the urge. Some people are just too busy to go, which could make things worse.

Post Edited (EruditePaul) : 4/14/2019 4:26:10 PM (GMT-6)

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply