My stomach on all of these meds!

Whenever I take antibiotics, whether for the lyme/bartonella/babesia or for a sinus infection/ear infection, I always get extremely constipated. I have been taking cipro for about a month now and a bunch of other medications for a few weeks and I am so constipated, my abdomen hurts and feels extremely uncomfortable 24/7. I realize that this is really strange because most people get diarrhea when on antibiotics, but for some odd reason, I have the opposite reaction. Anyways, I have tried a stool softener and a laxative and, although it helps a little, I am still extremely constipated and in pain. I increased my fluids (I drink water constantly) and drinking Turkey Hill Diet Iced Tea helps sometimes, but not all the time. I also take a probiotic and zantac for my stomach. When I get this constipated I get horrible reflux and bloating and my air hunger gets worse because my diaphragm is under so much stress from the bloating. I also have to pee like twice as much because their is no room left for my bladder! Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't want to rely on constantly needing a laxative and the stool softener doesn't do much at all when I don't use the laxative! Sorry if this is gross and a little too much information, but I am desperate! I will probably call the doctor Monday and see if he has any suggestions. Please help!

Increase your Magnesium and Vit C will also help

I'm another one that deals with the constant threat of constipation - even without abx!!

Are you using the fiber daily, not just when you have issues? What probiotics are you using and how much?

Have you tried using Milk of Magnesia? It's magnesium hydroxide and treats both constipation and indigestion - so it might be just what you need.

You need to use something to help your bowels move until all the constipation is relieved, then maintain that with fiber, tons of water and something that will help your bowels move. For me that's Magnesium oxide. I have to take that twice a day if I expect my bowels to move at all.

Also, as a side note - the tea that you are drinking contains Aspertame, which is not good for your health, and it won't have any effect on your constipation, other than adding to the amount of fluids you drink.