For years I had IBS-D....then over a period of about a year--it up and decides to switch to IBS-C...!! Hard to believe this happens unless you experience it yourself. Anyway, my problem is this: Doc Rx'd me the ingredient in MIralax but it and I don't get along well... I try to eat right and drink enough...but this is the main problem (please forgive me but I have to get a bit graphic.) My stool...either hard OR soft enough will come up right to my anus and then it seems like my muscles won't work to push it out...Sometimes I push so hard I can literally make myself sick (not good...) and so often I have to 'dig it out' which is a miserable task...you would think that would be a stimulant but NO. I have tried glycerine supps, no help, and hate to rely on Milk of Mag which works SOMEtimes...
Any ideas or suggestions... (talked to Doc not much help) I am older (70's) and do not exercise as much as I should...maybe its just an age thing? Wish I knew. (THANK YOU!)
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Betty30
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Have you tried Citracil or Metsmucil? You can take them both. One gives bulk & the Miralax adds water to your stool. Exercise would also help a lot. Are you going to a gastroenteroligist. There are other medicines that affect motility (movement of food thru the colon). Is there a University near you, that specializes in digestive problems.
I'm 70 as well and mine has been helped hugely by low Fodmaps eating have you tried it? I seem to have managed to go from IBSD to C as well but find that easier than IBSD and I usually only have to use the toilet once or twice a day now . Also don't have any pain or bloating .
I walk every day and swim sometimes and I think those two exercises help. It is definitely more difficult as you get older as various other factors start creeping up on you. I have arthritis in my knees which restricts me a bit but it is importNt to keep doing as much as you can.
I have the same problem as you do. I have chronic constipation. I have been to private consultant and had the tests done. There are two new drugs that you can get on the NHS called Prucalopride and Linaclotide. The don't work like traditional laxatives, they work on the receptors in the stomach. Prucalopride was best for me. They should give it to you if nothing else works. It is on the NICE guidelines and you should say this to your doctor. Having said this I no longer take it as it is expensive and I was paying privately as I have private medical insurance, which covers everything else but not medication. What I take now is about 600 to 1000mg of magnesium citrate or oxide on an empty stomach before bed with lots of water. This works great, naturally and is effective. My colorectal consultant recommended it as well. Look up information on magnesium and constipation. If I don't take it I don't go.
There are other magnesium products for the colon that are excellent although more expensive but worth it. They are in order of my preference, Oxypowder, Aerobic Mag07 and Colosan. You can get them on Amazon or a place called the Finchley clinic. They are very helpful and you can call for advice. Hope this helps.
A strong triple shot coffee and some exercise- I was IBS-D when I was a teenager, about the age of 20 it changed to IBS-C and has been that way for over ten years
Hello Betty,
Magnesium can help (it does for me anyway). My blogppost on magnesium may give you some ideas of how to get more sickofibs.com/ibs-symptoms/...
Moderate exercise makes a difference as it stimulates bowel movements - 20 minutes a day of just walking outside can be very beneficial, if you can do that. You may find that over time this helps to activate your muscles too and improve your "toilet experience"
And a low Fodmap diet as Sashapet already (for a few weeks) is a good idea so you can work out what your food triggers are.
I SO sincerely thank ALL of you for your replies... just to hear from people is in itself comforting and encouraging... I will keep tabs of these ideas and be GLAD to give 'em a go!! So, here is hoping!
I won't do them all at once! heh!!...I don't want to launch over the moon!
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I'm really trying to help
Any help appreciated! 
Dr thinks its IBS advice would be appreciated.
