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Posted 5/27/2009 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
I have chronic constipation, I guess from my meds..cymbalta any lyrica..I have had a problem with "c" since I was born, so the drugs aren't helping..but before I was put on all this med. I could control it by drinking extra water and eating a piece of fruit and some bran cereal..now I've tried everything..the only way I can go is if I take a laxative about once a week..Right now my lower left side hurts and it "pinches" when I bend over or move just right..I expect my intestins are full!!  Do you know if I can take Senna all of the time along with maybe a stool softener..Idon't care if I become reliant on a laxative..it's better than not going for days on end!!  Also was wondering about "vegetarian digestives"  I read somewhere you could take those all of the time..anybody have any suggestions?  Don't say prunes..I've tried those!!

I've never been diagnosed with IBS but I am wondering if that is going on too..

Posted 5/27/2009 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
You can take senna for a long time! I've been posting about senna recently and looked into side effects and duration...They have done autopsies on persons who have used senna for years, and no ill effects have been found... senna is a natural vegetable based laxative that also has saved my sanity by taking care of my IBS-C. I also take a stool softener along with the senna and like clockwork, I go the next morning

I understand you when you say you don't care if you have to take it for the rest of your life as long as you can go. I also have had constipation since I was a child, and I feel the same way...there are different brands of senna and stool softener...find the combo that works best for you...right now I do 50mg of senna and 300mg of sodium docusate ..... good luck to you
Posted 5/29/2009 12:41 PM (GMT 0)
thanks so much for your suggestion..I have started taking both senna and a stool softener nightly..I have a few glasses of water in the a.m. and a cup of coffee and so far it seems to be working..what a relief..I feel so much better! I am going to try taking some digestive enzymes to see if that will help..I think maybe I've had IBS,but just never been diagnosed and my meds have just made things worse...But for now everything seems to be working well...thank you, thank you!!
Posted 6/4/2009 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Glad this combo worked for you! I know how you feel, the relief you feel that you have some control over your body...I started doing this combo six months ago and it still works...and that is important. I keep reading posts that state they found something that works great, but the working only lasted for a short time, a month at the most. Drink plenty of water when you take the pills, it helps.
Posted 6/4/2009 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Have you talked to your doctor about Amitiza? Many people don't like the side effects, but it has really helped me.
Posted 6/9/2009 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
grammiejean  Gosh, I feel your pain.  I have had it for years and yes you can take senna and vegetable lax. every day, even twice a day.  Some things to try are Miralax 2 times a day or even 3, or a tea call Traditional Tea Chocolate Smooth really works.  But unfortunately not for me as my IBS causes gas pockets that wont let my bowels move.  I too always have pain in my left side.  Good luck to you, those are worth a try....ooh, Flack seed crushed up on some food every day is supposta help too ..... nono
Posted 6/9/2009 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
the constipation from IBS can be so extremely painful. I've had IBS- c for over 30 years and its under control a good portion of the time, but when it's not I feel like I am going to die. I just took Vicodin (painkiller) for just 3 pills 2 weeks ago, and no matter what I take, I am still terribly constipated. even taking an enema and a glycerine suppository did barely a thing for me. The idiot doctor told me on the phone to take the grueling gross liquid you take sometimes for colonoscopies and I think I'd rather go to the ER than take it. I will try taking a stool softener with my senna stuff, and I just can't drink enough water. I am too bloated already and can't stand it. Any advice? or understanding, at least?
Posted 6/10/2009 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Most of us here, unfortunatly, understand all too well how you feel.  The senna and stool softener combo has worked fantastic for me. I started using that combo about 6 months ago and so far, so good.  Try the colon cleaner your doctor suggested

it might help...I do know that the more anxious you become, the more impossible it becomes to have BM.....

and, are you sure about the gas pockets? With IBS the colon sometimes squeezes itself shut if you are having severe anxiety

Posted 6/10/2009 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Yes unfortunately gas that is trapped and will not let anything come down.  So I start the enema and let a little flow in and lower the bag and out comes the bubbles and I do that a few times and then continue on with the enema because I cant get the gas that is trapped up higher.  Today I tried a half of an apple and I will not eat that ever again I am so swollen like I am 9 mos. pregnant.  My intestines feel like the are so bloated that they could explode.  I wish I knew what kind of doc might help me if anyone has any ideas I would love to here... mad
Posted 6/10/2009 5:47 AM (GMT 0)
There are times for me I don't dare eat an apple...I don't know if its the sugar but I bloat, Italian bread bread, pasta ...I feel my stomach has a balloon in it...

I have used that colon flush for my exam.. it seems to blow everything right out of me! to tell you the truth, I kind of looked forward to the exam because I knew the prep would leave me cleaned out..and there have been a couple of times when I've been really constipated, I've used it, you can buy it at your local drug store, and it worked. I know I've been really lucky using the senna/softner , and its been six months of comfort, but still every time I sit down on the toilet to go, I still feel some anxiety until I go....keep us informed to what is going on
Posted 6/10/2009 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
I am new to this forum but I have very bad bowel movements and IBS-C. I go fine in the morning 2 or 3 times. (and I too am anxious until i have gone because I know the pain it will cause if I can't). Then the rest of the day I am constipated and I too can't pass gas. It seems to get stuck and eveything seems to back up. I have so much pain on the left side under my ribs that somedays I find myself leaning to the right. After a few days I will pass a bowel movement --a 2-3 inch ball. Not sure why it is so round.

I eat prunes and fruit every afternoon by themselves so it won't irrate my stomach. They don't seem to help. I have not tried the senna but what helps me is a product call Natural Calm. it is magnesium. I take it at night. My doctor says I have a very tight anal sphincter which is why I have problems passing gas and having proper Bowel movements. She said 10-15 min warm sitz baths (i think that is how you spell it) are helpful. Has anyone found that it works???

My GI specialist also recommended the liquid stuff but the pharmacy said it didn't make sense to drink a quart of liquid before you go to bed and it wasn't a good long term solution. (who do you believe??) so I didn't try it.

She did give me a product called IBEROGAST. for bloating gas and heartburn. It helps a little but not enough for me. I have been taking that for about 2 months.

My bottom is so sore all the time from the pressure and pain that I can't sit very long. I luckily only have 1 small hemmroid. (i can't believe I am sharing this with hundreds of people :))

Does anyone else have pain and can't sit? ANyone have ideas on relief for that??
Posted 6/10/2009 4:37 PM (GMT 0)

Hi there,

For constipation I would recommend Acacia fiber at www.helpforibs.com.  This website also offers a wealth of information to help you through your really tough days.  It's fabulous! Acacia is the least gas forming fiber and offers effective relief from constipation.  For the acacia to work properly, it's crucial that you start with a low dose (1/2 teaspoon twice daily) and gradually increase to a dose high enough to resolve constipation (which may be 4-5 tablespoons a day). If you got gas or bloating, that would mean you increased your dose too quickly. It can take several weeks to gradually increase up to the dose you'd likely need to resolve constipation, and unfortunately you can't rush this. Acacia is not a drug or a laxative so it won't work overnight.

I really feel for the constipation folks, as it takes some patience to start slowly, increase gradually, and eventually get your daily dose up high enough to resolve symptoms. A lower dose can't worsen constipation, but it won't resolve it, either. You may want to start over following these directions and see if you have better luck.

Senna tends to be a little too abrasive to the gut and therefore those with IBS or sensitive digestive systems is not the best choice.  Senna also causes more gas and bloating for some, especially those with constipation. 

Of course drink plenty of water.

Best,

Erin

Posted 6/17/2009 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, I am 22 and developed severe constipation since I was 16. I been researching everything. At first they just gave me a generalization of having IBS. IBs is a bunch of BS you need to go to a top colorectal surgeon and have them run very specific tests for you to see if u colon muscle dont work properly or if you have an obstruction. I realized that my sigmoid colon does not contract that why stool wont pass to my rectum. HEre are what has worked for me.

GO VEGAN! if that is too hard at least become a vegetarian. Before you go and say that is unhealthy please read 'The China Study" or atleast skinny *****. It works lost so much weight, each as much as I want, have so much more energy and gas and constipation has decreased dramatically. It not totally gone. Therefore i got my doctor to prescribe me adderall. I take it and 15 min later everything in my colon comes straight out. Works amazingly for me because adderall stimulates your central nervous system, therefore allowing contractions in my colon.

I have tried everything you guys have posted believe me. These are the top for right now. But make sure you go to a TOP doctor cause i have been to many and 90% are idiots.
Posted 6/18/2009 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for the info, is Adderall a prescription med?   Its like my intestines do not like food in them, they start hurting instantly and feel like they are going to explode.  I have been drinking enough Mirilax that I should have constant diahrrea but noting...my tummy is so distended and will not go down and its been that way constantly for 3 days and I am doing every thing I can to avoid doing an enema....Vegies seem to make things even worse so I dont know what to do except starve...thats the only time I do not have problems...just about to give up, so sick of this I could scream....
Posted 6/18/2009 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
For me the only way I can live is to be strictly vegan. Really before you try it read the books I suggested. Ever since I went vegan I have more energy, softer skin, my cellulite disappeared. It does not solve the solution but it really helps.

Adderall is prescription, but since it the only thing that works and I have tried every medication possible my primary care doctor prescribed it to me for the short term until I find a solution.

I really wouldnt take any laxatives because they cause even more damage, then you will not only have one problem but two.

I also use water enemas they are what get me through the day. I by the fleet enemas and just empty out the solution and use the tube and fill it up with water. They are the only thing that lets me live.

If you have severe constipation there are several things that might be wrong.

might have an obstruction in your bowel
might have a prolapse
pelvic floor disorder
It might even be something wrong with your stomache. Ask to take a sitz marker exam and a gastroemptying exam.
All of these can be fixed, unfortunately my problem is that my sigmoid colon no longer contracts by itself and there is no solution as of now. Please it really important to go to a top COLORECTAL SURGEON. Google top doctors in your area.
Posted 6/18/2009 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
I have already had a partial bowel resection in 2003, and alot of the pain is in the area that they connected...fleet enemas do nothing for me I always have to do the big one every other day or I am in so much pain I cant stand it...right now I am fighting to not do one I am in so much pain, I am so irritated that I cannot sit still...thanks for all your help nono
Posted 8/6/2009 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
that is so wierd, im on adderall too and it seems to get things moving. glad im not the only one.
Posted 8/6/2009 6:27 AM (GMT 0)

Do they perscribe Adderall for constipation only?  Or do you know, it says that it's a stimulant, so does it make you jittery or nervous or keep you up at night.??  Just wondering, I don't really have C but air build up that will not let my bowels move.

Ever since my scope my intestines have been so sick and swollen and things seem to be worse, so that just seems to be my life every day and its getting real old.  I guess that's just the way it goes, but I am hoping that things will get better.  I had a acute IBS attack in April and was in the hospital for 4 days and have never gotten any better.  So I am just at a loss for what to do.  They said all was fine with my scope and he has no clue as to what is going on with me so they are going to send me to see a specialist.  Well hope you are well and I would appreciate anything you could tell me on that drug...Leslie King

 

Posted 8/7/2009 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
I am so miserable.  Back is hurting.  Haven't had BM in over a week and have no gas.  I have had only a small amount come out - this is gross - but they are tiny balls.  I am eating veggies like crazy and taking all kinds of stuff.  I'm scared.  Please tell me anything you know.  Thanks!
Posted 8/7/2009 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
suewants2,  Try the Mirilax or do a enema but do not let it go on longer or you could become impacted...good luck to you... yeah
Posted 8/7/2009 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Leslie,
I have been doing mirilax for days. I did buy an enema today - will try later. Can you think of any reason why this is happening?

Thanks for your input.
Posted 8/7/2009 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Adderall is not prescribed for Constipation but its becoming more common. My doctor gave me a short term prescription cause I made a good case and she is understanding. I do not know if it would work for you but it really does not hurt to try it once if you know someone who is prescribe it. Its a miracle working for me. That and I also am a vegan.

suewnts2...
your symptoms sound like mine please read what I wrote earlier. I think adderall will be a miracle worker for you as well.
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