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IBS and on-going constipation

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Posted 8/22/2011 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
I've had IBS since I was about 13, the past few months have been the worst I've ever had with my symptoms.

I will be constipated for about a week, until I take a laxative, then I have the runs for a day, then I'm back to being constipated again.
I have spoken to the doctor about this and she just gave me some different laxatives to try, but I didn't find they helped.

Sometimes I can go to the toilet and feel like theres still more in there, but nothing comes out. It's really getting to me now, because it makes me feel nauseous, bloated and I'm in pain alot of the time.

My diet is high in fibre, which I know should make you regular, but it doesn't seem to be helping.
I just don't know what to do anymore, I really shouldn't be taking laxatives most of the time because I know it can do more damage than good, but it I don't take anything then my constipation just gets worse.

Does anybody have any advice for me? I cannot see my doctor for a few days, as she's on holiday mad
Posted 8/22/2011 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
Amy I used to be plagued with IBS quite frequently until I started eating yogurt on a routine basis and drinking lots of water. Every once in awhile I will get a bad bout of IBS that will cause severe pain and vomiting. During an attack, I will do deep breathing...the exhaling seems to help with relieving the gas pain. Being ative during the day helps me...I think walking has really helped.

Hope you find relief :)

Hugs, Robin
Posted 8/22/2011 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
My husband goes thru total misery with this. My accupuncturist suggested eating greens such as collards, etc.  Then, I read that if you eat an apple and a pear each day, it will clean the colon. Drinking water is a must with this also. I have IBS D and I understand the misery & the inconvenience of this. Please try the greens and fruit for a few days and see what happens. Take care, Anne
Posted 8/23/2011 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
If you do try yogurt, make sure it says "Active Cultures" on the container, and it needs to be at room temperature, not right out of the fridge cold, to give you the most benefit.

You are eating fiber, but perhaps not the right kind for your body. Have you ever been checked for Celiac Disease?
Posted 8/23/2011 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
I had the same problem most of my life, and in desperation (after trying a gluten-free diet, which made it MUCH worse) I found a thread on HealingWell's IBS forum...Heather somebody's diet. It changed my life for the better!

I eat -ready for this? - very little in the way of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Lots of starches. I know, it sounds bizarre, but it works for me. If you take the time to read this, it explains very well the reasons why. It works for constipation AND diahrrea - at least, for some people...who have ultra-sensitive colons.

I also take Citrucel every day (I already was) and Miralax too (although not much, and not if I'm too loose.)

My rabbit-pellet days are gone! :)

Debbie
Posted 8/23/2011 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
I just looked back to see if I could find it - under Feature Articles, it's "Book Excerpt - Eating for IBS," by H. Van Vorous.
Posted 8/23/2011 5:17 AM (GMT 0)
I have had IBS for as far back as I can remember. I have tried all kinds of stool softeners and high fibre diets and the best for me is water , lots of water I have a laxative built into my pain medicine and also take metromucel or lax a day depending on how I am doing. I have gone over 3 weeks with no bm then went a tiny little bit and went another 2 weeks. Very painful, I was so bloated. I recently had a colonoscopy and the found a divertcula and a polyp they removed but ever since that I have had a problem emptying my bowels its like there's more in there but it just will not come out, now I am drinking at least 12 cups of water a day.
Posted 8/23/2011 12:53 PM (GMT 0)
Lately I have been drastically swinging from constipation to diarrhea and back again... not fun. I have started taking Apple cider vinegar which is supposed to aide digestion. It's only been a few days but I already feel I have less gas.
Posted 8/23/2011 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
My grandson has severe constipation issues. His pediatrician says to give him miralax every day with out fail. She also said that it could take up to a year to get his body to function the way it should. If my daughter forgets to give it to him for even two days his system goes out of whack and they have to start all over again.
I was wondering if there were any disease related issues that could be the reason he has such severe constipation. Everything I read has to do with diarrhea and he is the total opposite. (he is only 6 and this has been really hard for him and his mama)
Posted 8/23/2011 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Denita my grandson is the same age and has always had a constipation problem, when he is here I make sure he drinks water and juice and it works for him too.
Posted 8/23/2011 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies.
I am not dehydrated and the only yoghurts that I can eat are the activia ones, and they can depend on day to day if my bowels wil handle it.

This really sucks
Posted 8/23/2011 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
Amz24,

There is an herb called cascara sagrada. It helps stimulate the bowels. Also stool softeners help along with it. If you are taking any narcotic pain relievers, that will cause constipation. Though it could just be good old fibromyalgia. I drink a lot of water and walk a lot. That helps me. I hope that you find what works for you. It is no fun having ibs problems and being constipated. I hate that feeling.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 8/24/2011 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
My son has had recurring issues with constipation (my IBS is mostly of the opposite type) and his gastroenterologist said that after a long time of dealing with constipation issues that the colon gets stretched out and can hold more (hmmm...trying not to get too gross here) and a bigger bm which is harder to pass. This causes a cycle. Often what you are able to get out is the softer stuff that moves past the large mass. The dr said Miralax every day and if he didn't have a movement at least every other day we gave him a suppository to help him. The reason it takes so long to recover is that the colon needs to shrink again.

I hope this helps.
Posted 8/24/2011 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
I've had the same issues for years.

I eat prunes and it helps a lot.

Also try licorice.  But the black type and if you can find some made in Australia that's the best.  It's made more like the old fashioned.

Hope this works for you.

 

Posted 9/4/2011 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
I had the same thing, I had to have my Gallbladder out due to too many Gallstones. Also have your Gastroenterologist test you for Diverticulitis
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