Chronic constipation : I'm at my wits end here... - IBS Network

IBS Network

47,556 members โ€ข 15,595 posts

Chronic constipation

RhiannonT profile image
RhiannonT
โ€ข66 Replies

I'm at my wits end here. I honestly don't know what to do. I keep suffering with chronic constipation and all I'm told is to add more fibre or increase my Cosmocol sachets or add Fybogel. I've tried all this and nothing works. ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ข I'm at my wits end here and I'm so depressed because of it. I also have an anal fissure which isn't healing properly because of this, the consultant has said the next step will be Botox if it still doesn't heal. I really don't want this. ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ž Does anybody have any advice? I'm losing the will to live here.

Rhiannon

Written by
RhiannonT profile image
RhiannonT
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
66 Replies
โ€ข
Kilgh profile image
Kilgh

Sorry to hear you are in so much distress. Have you tried Magnesium Citrate? Safe if you don't go too far with the dosage. Maybe try 400mg a day. It draws more water into your bowel to soften things up and keep things moving. Just make sure you drink a bit more water to compensate so you don't get dehydrated from the bowel stealing your water. If you need immediate relief (but not a long term tactic) you can take 800mg. That should clear you out. Don't recommend it though. There a bunch of other laxatives still to try also. So don't give up hope yet! As to your anal fissure if it is not healing don't be afraid of a few botox shots. It sucks but you need to heal that up or you will not get well.

Also you should look at your diet and do some fibre research. Too much of the wrong fibres can cause consipation.

And if you truly are having depression or anxiety treat that as well. Don't ignore it. It will not help you get better if you don't address it.

RhiannonT profile image
RhiannonT in reply to Kilgh

Never tried Magnesium Cirtrate. Will give it a go. And yes, suffered with anxiety/depression before but will go back to GP on Monday as I'm getting worse again.

Thanks for all your help xx

Kilgh profile image
Kilgh in reply to RhiannonT

You are welcome. We gotta stick together, right? Just talk to your doc about the Magnesium plan in case there are any meds you are on or anything it could interfere with, or any reason it is a bad idea with the fissure. Can't think of anything, but just be safe as I am not a doctor.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to RhiannonT

Let me know if you can (you can pm me if you want) if the Magnesium citrate..400mg works for you. I'm trying to get off my weekly Senna use, fiber, probiotics, medications are not working for me and Colace stool softener does very little if anything. I guess either my Colon is not working, my weak pelvic floor or a stubborn colon..who knows..I tried bringing up "Magnesium citrate" to have a bowel movement at least once a day, so I can get off Senna and stool softeners, and I just got frowns from both a GP..and gastro..telling me to keep trying "Trulance" which gives me runs all day or that Horrible Miralax they like to prescribe like candy to everyone..which does nothing For me but makes me cramp something awful. Thanks..โ˜บ

hellodolly123 profile image
hellodolly123 in reply to RhiannonT

I had all of your symptoms. Here's from a digestive doctor. A full dose of Miralax at night and a daily colace 100 mcg. Solace is a stool softners. No prolonged sitting on toilet. Super soft toilet tissue. Advil for pain or Tylenol. Will clear up on its own. Mix miralax with a glass of water or in decaf tea at night. This condition causes anxiety and depression. It will clear up.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to hellodolly123

Hope this works for someone. I'm on 3 stool softeners a day..but nothing. Miralax even a full dose..nothing..not strong enough. Just smells like glue and gel like sticky messy stools if I am lucky but still painful just trying to push stools out. Would love hearing back from original poster..if this works.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to Kilgh

How have you been? Haven't seen you on here in a while..

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5

I can relate very much..I have suffered with this crummy condition for decades with no end in sight. Nothing has helped me. I have a weak pelvic floor and large internal hemmorhoids. I can't afford "Kegal exercises" and hemmorhoid surgery right now due to being overwhelmed with medical bills and being on Social Security Disability..very limited income. It's all very frustrating. I get dismissed by ER Doctors, Gastros, etc..they just throw that awful Miralax at you and say "increase your fiber" which makes the stool too bulky for me to pass. Have to make this large stool come out of an anal canal no larger than a quarter. So fiber just makes things worse. Have tried about every single probiotic, supplements, ground flaxseed, black strap Mollases, olive oil in morning and evening, Apple cider vinegar, fermented foods such as pickes, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut.,everything. I have no social life, no life at all. Just decades of this chronic constipation. No way to live, and I too am at my wits end. I take two or three stool softeners a day, which produce very little if anything..I can go 10 days with no bm..maybe a large or two or rabbit pellet. The only thing I take that works is a stimulant laxative every Sunday called Senna. It works..but you are on toilet all day. But so least no pain or stomach cramps. My first day of trying magnesium citrate capsules. Was prescribed Trulance, Amitiza, Relistor, Linzess..just lots of diarrhea. I wish I could offer a solution..but just wanted to let you know I can relate. Hopefully someday, there will be a cure for our suffering..

Kilgh profile image
Kilgh

A good article for you:

magnesiumeducation.com/usin...

hampson profile image
hampson

Morning, i feel your pain hun. I to suffer, so much i ended up in hospital. It was all very embrassing. After this i have been taking laxido which helps a lot. Have you tried it. Apparently you can take upto 8 satchets for chronic constipation. I now take one day. It tastes ok to.

Maggiet profile image
Maggiet in reply to hampson

I use Laxido as well. As long as I take at least 1 sachet every single day, I'm OK.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to hampson

You are very lucky. It smells like glue to me..so I don't know lol..but I know Doctors and gastros here prescribe it like candy. So..nothing works for me, and I'm stuck with a stimulant..Senna. I wish I could go every day..

nomoreibsc profile image
nomoreibsc

So sorry for everyone suffering from chronic constipation. I find it makes me feel very depressed when I can't go for days. Once I have a clear out my mood changes. It's almost like all the old 'poo' sitting in my bowels is slowly poising me. Feel so different when I can go. Drinking lots more water helps and avoiding some fibre like raw green veg, Bananas, nuts, rice cakes, etc. Magnesium citrate really helps. So does resolor...may be known under another name. When I am desperate I use epdom salt which works like a charm. Has to be food grade one though, the one you can ingest. Feel human again once I have a big clear out. I've seen my GP again and she has prescribed something to speed up my transit which I think is the bane of my constipation..slow transit. Will try it and post the results. Starting seeing a professional at the Colorectal clinic. Did a lot of tests which was helpful in diagnosising the real issue. Currently retraining my bowels to move better.... keep nagging your GP, maybe ask to speak to one who understands IBSC...a lot of the medications are trial and error..takes so much patience. Sending healing vibes to all

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to nomoreibsc

Hi..fecal matter in our intestines/bowels bring "toxic" has been debunked. There are no toxins "building up". I read this in several reputable journals, also you can go to mayoclinic.com, and it will tell you there. This false outdated statement is saddening because people go in for dangerous "colon cleansing" or "colon irrigation" where water is forced through your colon and intestines..causing possible intestinal or colon perforation. There is always going to be stool in the colon..since we are still digesting food..our colons are never "completely" empty. I am thinking of asking my gastro for a prescription for Relistor. I think it now comes in capsule, rather than in an injection. I have tried Trulance, Amitiza, Linzess..but bad diarrhea. Fiber, Fiber supplements, probiotics..tried it all does not work. I just want a cure..as I am at my wits end with this for decades. Glad you have found something that is working. My Gastros just dismiss me, or try to give me that awful Miralax. It's hard to find a good gastro who cares and listens.

hampson profile image
hampson in reply to Eliana5

I agree. After waiting two years i saw a prof at local hospital to be told she couldn't do anything!

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to hampson

Uh..that's awful. I won't go to any consultants or specialists at hospitals, because I was told the same thing by a rude colon and rectal specialist, she couldn't do anything for me for my internal prolapsed hemmorhoids. I then went to another gastro outside of a hospital..and told her what happened. She said it was nonsense and she would help me..

nomoreibsc profile image
nomoreibsc in reply to Eliana5

Hi Eliana5. Was really just talking about how severe constipation made me feel personally not about 'toxins in fecal matter poisoning the body'. So was just sharing my own personal observation of my own body.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to nomoreibsc

Do you have the name of this medication? I'm at my wits end. Nothing works except the stimulant laxative Senna. And I'm on toilet all day. Miralax or Laxido smells like glue and only makes me cramp badly even on a smaller dose of the 17gr. Thanks! โ˜บ

nomoreibsc profile image
nomoreibsc in reply to Eliana5

Really feel for you. IBS C can make you feel so low. New med is called metoclopramide. Worked but the side effects were really awful. I am now using glycerine suppositories as the Colorectal nurse recommend it. Definitely go with this but just not a complete emptying. But I go, which is always a plus. Before I had GERD, warm water and lemon used to work like a charm. I think it's a trial and error journey to find which laxative works best for you. Hope you find a solution real soon.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to nomoreibsc

Me too..and you as well. Not much fun at all..

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5

What I hate most is the feeling after I do manage a bowel movement, is the feeling of something "stuck" like an incomplete movement. Don't know if it's just a large internal hemmorhoid that I have from straining..or if I have an impaction. I had a movement last night, had that stuck feeling..drank a ton of water..but nothing more came out..now I am concerned, as I took the Senna last night..and still have the "stuck" feeling in anus. It's the Pitts. Can't afford E.R. waiting for coffee to brew as it helps move things along and praying I can go..๐Ÿ˜Ÿ

RhiannonT profile image
RhiannonT

Thanks all for the suggestions. It's really good to know there's other people out there who are in a similar position and can offer advice ๐Ÿ˜Š I had a high fibre dinner last night and a good breakfast this morning and sure enough it did the trick, I needed the toilet straight away (TMI I know), it was definitely less painful but there was a lot of blood, particularly dark almost black mixed in to stools. I don't know if I should go back to GP tomorrow.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to RhiannonT

Wow! So glad fiber works for you. โ˜บ. It makes me feel worse unfortunately. Makes the stools too long, large or bulky. I can't push them out..because I have a weak pelvic floor. Glad to hear the good news.

nomoreibsc profile image
nomoreibsc in reply to RhiannonT

I would go to your GP. Please don't delay or feel embarrassed about it. Let us know how it goes. Best of luck x

RhiannonT profile image
RhiannonT in reply to nomoreibsc

Going to see my specialist IBS nurse on Thursday ๐Ÿ˜Š will keep you all posted. Xx

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to RhiannonT

Did you go? Are you okay?

RhiannonT profile image
RhiannonT in reply to Eliana5

Hi everyone! So sorry for the lack of replies. I ended up in hospital for 2 weeks end of December and was diagnosed with FND (functional Neurological disorder), so that's been really hard to adjust to, and been off work for 3 months now!! . I'm still having problems with my bowels, although the Linsezz did help initially. Still experiencing a lot of blood, painful bowel movements etc. My IBS nurse sent away stool tests so I'm just waiting on the results of those and I'm getting a Laparoscopy in 2 weeks for potential endometriosis, as well as my dad just finished treatment for Oesophigal cancer so I'm in a bit of a bad place atm. ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ž Hope you're all well. Xx

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to RhiannonT

I'm so sorry to hear about all this. I can relate very much as you probably know I have had decades of severe and chronic constipation and was rushed to ER for bleeding in my anus that would not stop. I see a surgeon for this later this month. I think your post only came to me, and you had put "everyone on it" but maybe people will see it. I'm glad you are okay..are you still on the Linzess? It worked? But then it stopped working? Dang..just when we get our hopes up..๐Ÿ˜ณ

RhiannonT profile image
RhiannonT in reply to Eliana5

The Linsezz was great! It did work ๐Ÿ˜Š but they only gave me a 1 month supply for some reason and I've not got a review with my IBS nurse till the 14th for the Linsezz so I'm kind of stuck till then. ๐Ÿ˜” How are you doing? X

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to RhiannonT

They usually do that (1 month supply) when you get on a new medication to make sure you are doing well on it, or it is working for you. Since it is, I am sure they will give you 3-5 refills. I'm so glad it's working for you? Are you having a movement everyday? I still have not had the courage to try Trulance or Magnesium citrate. I hate that we have mandatory groups here where I live. If I didn't have such a structured housing situation..I would try different things..but I'm still unfortunately on the Senna, and miserable. Keep us posted on the Linzess..always encouraging to hear success stories. โ˜บxx

RhiannonT profile image
RhiannonT in reply to Eliana5

Aw sorry to hear you're not doing too well. That's not good. ๐Ÿ˜ถ Hopefully they can sort things soon for you. And yeah, I was having a movement every day pretty much. Most I would go without one would be 2 days. It is however still very painful and lots of blackish blood, so they've sent off some stool tests.

X

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to RhiannonT

Gosh..I'm sorry to hear that. I also get the tarry black stools. Gastro doesn't seem too concerned, but like you, I'm going to do the stool test..not much fun. xx

nomoreibsc profile image
nomoreibsc in reply to RhiannonT

So sorry that you are going through so much. Hoping for healing for both you and your dad.

0126 profile image
0126

Hi RhiannonT. I am Ron and I suffer from very bad chronic constipation due to IBS-C. I tried everything and I recommend Linzess 290mcg plus ( this is a miracle herb) 2 tablespoons of Dr Schulzโ€™s Intestional Formula #3. Order it from California he is a Functional med dr and this is truly a miracle formula that will clean out everything from your colon. Itโ€™s 22$ a bottle and lasts a while. I also take a heaping tablespoon of Psyllium Husk powder with almond milk before dinner. Problem solved. Good luck and God bless.

Ron

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to 0126

Oh my gosh..I would be in so much pain if I took all of what you are taking. My hat is off to you. Wow!

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5

I would start on the lowest dose of Linzess as it can give very bad diarrhea. I had to stop taking it even at the lowest dose, as it is strong..but everyone is different. Then gradually move up to the higher dose if needed. Try the Linzess by itself, as you will be on the toilet all day with the others mentioned. Always make sure to consult with your doctor before trying any herbs or supplements as there may be interactions.

RhiannonT profile image
RhiannonT

Hi all.

I'm starting on Linzess this week at some point. Really hoping it works.

Rhiannon

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to RhiannonT

Keep us posted. It didn't work for me, just gave me the runs all day. I hear they just came out with the 72mg dose. I was on the 145mg and even the 290mg. I was just prescribed "Trulance" which gastro says much easier than Amitiza Or Linzess. I'm still debating whether to take it. I'm sort of chickening out. I may try Relistor which is supposed to be even better and more gentler on your system. Can I ask what dosage you are on the Linzess? Is it working? The only thing that works for me are the Senna herbal laxatives..4 of the 8.6 mg once a week. But I want off of it, but nothing else works. I have tried it all. A very frustrating condition. I want my life back.

natalieqa profile image
natalieqa

I have this problem for 35 years. I am using senna tea every evening. My doctor is ok with it. It is the ONLY solution for me.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to natalieqa

Same here. Have been on it for 10 years. (the tablets)..I know you are not supposed to take it for a long time, but I have been on it (4 of the 8.6mg tablets once a week). And only thing that works along with strong brewed coffee and Stevia Sweetener (Sorbitol) and Powerade. I can't find anything else..have tried it all. Stool softeners and fiber are not strong enough and do nothing. I have a very stubborn colon. I wish they would just take it out.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to natalieqa

I know the Senna tablets make me have to be on toilet all day as it really cleans me out and pretty powerful. Which is why I can only take it once a week on Saturday nights and I'm in bathroom all day on Sunday's. You say you take it everyday. Wow! Does it make you go all day if you don't mind me asking? Maybe the tea is more gentler than the tablets..

natalieqa profile image
natalieqa in reply to Eliana5

tea works perfectly. I take it in the evening before going to bed, and it makes me go one time in the morning and sometimes one time in the afternoon.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to natalieqa

What does it taste like? If you. Don't mind me asking? Where can I get the tea. The tablets I take don't smell good at all..

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to natalieqa

I just went on the link you provided. It just says "slim tea" I Definately don't need to lose any weight. It didn't say "Senna" on it. Is it the same thing..also others (although I don't really trust reviews on Amazon) were saying "on toilet all day..stay near a toilet" so now I'm really confused..sorry..๐Ÿ˜ณ

natalieqa profile image
natalieqa in reply to Eliana5

They always say dietets tea or slim tea. Look at the ingredients and google it: it is senna

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to natalieqa

Okay..thanks..โ˜บ

natalieqa profile image
natalieqa

Where do you live? I live in San Francisco, USA. I get the tea in Chinese stores. It is completely tasteless. The beauty of the tea is that you can divide the content if 1 bag is too much for you.

I am sure you can find it on Amazon.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to natalieqa

I live in Ohio. No Chinese stores here. I live in a small town just north of Cincinnati. Do you drink the tea every morning? How much? Does it make you cramp? Sorry for all my questions. The tablets I take keep me on toilet all day. I hate it. Will have to look on Amazon...hopefully I can find it..

natalieqa profile image
natalieqa in reply to Eliana5

This is what i use:

amazon.com/China-Slim-Extra...

Start with the 1/2 of the tea bag (tear it and split the content in 2 parts) . In the morning pour boiling water in the cup with the loose tea.

Cover it with the lid.

IN THE EVENING, around 7 or 8pm after some food, drink it cold warm or hot.

At the beginning you might feel some cramps. Within a week it should stop,

I take it only in the evening. It make me go in the morning once or twice.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to natalieqa

Wow..that sounds like an awful lot of effort having to do the boiling water thing and devide it. yikes? Could I just do this in the evening? I live in a studio apt with no stove to boil water. We just have small fridges and Microwaves. I guess I could make the water very hot in there. Thanks for the link. I'm glad it is helping you..โ˜บ

natalieqa profile image
natalieqa in reply to Eliana5

Yes, you can boil a water in a microwave pour it over the tea and drink 5 minutes later. You can also use the whole tea bag and drink only half

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to natalieqa

I will give it a try. I would give just about anything to feel like a normal person again. My entire weekend is ruined from the Senna tablets..(I take 4 if the 8.6..and even with that I have to have strong black coffee to get things moving) sorry for TMI. Then Monday and Tuesday it is still working on that if I eat something it just comes right back out. No way to live. I hope the tea helps better. If not, it's on to the Magnesium citrate. Thank you, you are an angel for answering all my questions. Just having a lot of anxiety right now. xx

natalieqa profile image
natalieqa in reply to Eliana5

Good luck. It has been proven to work!

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to natalieqa

Thanks..I'll post back after I get it..keeping my fingers crossed..

CW97 profile image
CW97

Hi everyone thank you for your information in the above posts I have just found this site and your messages have been so helpful. Iโ€™m 21 years old and will be suffering from IBS and bowel movement issues 2 years in June. Like Rhiannon I too am suffering from severe pain when using the toilet, blood and tearing. I sometimes feel the IBS symptoms are nothing compared to this pain I feel. Like yourselves I have tried the basics powder sachets, extra fibre, creams etc and in February 2018 tried the Botox injections which helped slightly but not fully. The issue I am having now is being frustrated with this issue as you can imagine however my insurance will only cover 2 Botox sessions ever and I have already used 1. I have an app on my iPhone called Cara which is great for tracking your food, BM, mods etc and shows you which foods you eat on your good and bad days, totally recommend it. I picked up dulcoease from my supermarket today but from your messages am intrigued to try linzess too. Iโ€™ll start with Dulcoease and see how I get on :)

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5

Hi..I can relate very much. I so wish there was a cure. I hope you get it all worked out..Keep us posted.

How are doing now? You can control the constipation and fissure paint by simply changing your dietary preferences. Please take high fiber diet like beans, nuts veggies, and berries. Beans works best. This video can also help you. youtu.be/b0uJlirFW3E

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to

Fiber only things things worse in most constipated people. I'm on a low residue diet. Fiber gave me too much gas and bloating even in small amounts and constipated me further.

Misslovely profile image
Misslovely

I used to suffer very badly, my IBS can make me go either way and so I totally understand how youโ€™re feeling. I tried all sorts like you and nothing seemed to work until I tried slimmatea - I buy it from H& B - 1 cup of that and the day after I can go no issue, I started with just half a cup until my body was used to it - works a treat for me! I hope you find relief soon x

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to Misslovely

I may try that..but my gastro told me it is the same thing as Sennam.a harsh stimulant laxative (Tablets) I take on Sundays. He told me it wasn't good to take a stimulant laxative..even in tea every day. Especially if one doesn't want to lose weight..x

Misslovely profile image
Misslovely in reply to Eliana5

Ahh I only have it when Iโ€™m really bad these days which isnโ€™t as often as it was as Iโ€™ve managed to find out my trigger foods and have reduced them or removed them, I hope you find something that works for you soon ! x

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to Misslovely

Me too. The Senna works great. Have been on it for seven years. But I just want a normal life, to have a movement every day. Instead of Isolating myself on my weekend laxative days. May try Prucolapride. x

RhiannonT profile image
RhiannonT

Hi all. Sorry I've been a bit absent on this thread. My symptoms are getting significantly worse. Just waiting on my colonoscopy now. โ˜น๏ธ X

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply to RhiannonT

Let us know how it goes. I used the Supprep Bowel prep. Refused that huge jug of Miralax/GoLytely water/powder. My gastro was fine with that and prescribed the Supprep. Just two tiny bottles, comes with a cup. Not bad tasting at all..like lemon-line. Then you just fill the small cup with bottle and some water to "fill line". (I only needed the one small bottle) and I'm less than two hours was cleared out. x

RhiannonT profile image
RhiannonT in reply to Eliana5

Thank you. ๐Ÿ˜Š I usually just get given Moviprep, I don't mind it too much. Xx

RhiannonT profile image
RhiannonT

Sorry for the lack of replies everyone. Been a lot going on with my own health, as well as my dad going through cancer. And I'm currently on my phased return back to work. My bowel symptoms have remained the same, turns out the consultant did a flexi sig even though it was supposed to be a colonoscopy. They never found anything surprise surprise. X

You may also like...

Chronic constipation

hi so I have been suffering with severe chronic constipation soft stools for almost 3 years, they...

Chronic Constipation AGAIN.

ridiculous. And I'm losing weight and don't have much of an appetite. Does anybody have any ideas?...

Chronic constipation and IBS

direction. Sorry itโ€™s long! I have suffered constipation my whole life. I remember hospital trips...

Chronic constipation

to the loo but they don't happen so often. Sorry to go on but I'm at my whits end.

Chronic constipation

Second time of chronic constipation, impaction in bottom, disgusting huge piles which are very sore