Chronic Constipation AGAIN.

[RhiannonT]

Hi all.

Some of you might remember this from when I've posted on here before. But I have IBS-C. I've suffered chronic Constipation for years, nothing helps really. I take Constella (290mg) once a day, plus Cosmocol sachets. I was doing okay and actually going pretty regularly but the last 3 weeks or so have been dire. It's getting to the point I'm going 4/5 days sometimes without a BM. And then anytime I do open my bowels I'm in utter agony. Also getting a lot of blood/mucus in my stools again. I have a history of Hemmeroids and Fissures. I've also been diagnosed with Endometriosis recently and am awaiting a Laparoscopy. My MRI scan revealed something to do with my Sigmoid Colon (not endo on there but it's attached to something else or something). I'm also experiencing increasing levels of fatigue, I'm so so so tired it's ridiculous. And I'm losing weight and don't have much of an appetite. Does anybody have any ideas? I'm worried the GP will just fob me off. I'm 25, from the UK BTW.

[Rozzy46]

Dear RhiannonT,

I'm so sorry to hear of your struggles - it sounds wretched and anxious making for you. I think you must have a serious talk with your doctor and get referred to a gastroenterologist to find out what the problem is with your sigmoid colon is - you need expert help and advice. As you've had an MRI scan I'm assuming that anything major has been ruled out but there must be something to help you. The other thing is, if you can find techniques to calm and relax you it will help - you've been alright before so you can again. Relaxation breathing is very helpful - look online if you need help to learn how to do it. All the very best.

[RhiannonT in reply to Rozzy46]

Thank you. I'll try and have a look at the report again to understand what the involvement is exactly. I've seen Gastroenterology loads before and they just dismiss me as I've had loads of tests. Been taught relaxation breathing before. It is very good!

[nomoreibsc in reply to RhiannonT]

Hi Rhiannon, how you been referred to the colorectal team? They've helped me with my constipation, especially with finding out why I am so constipated. I'm using the irrigation system which helps so much. I didn't get on with cosmocol. Some of the ingredients triggered the IBS c even more.

[RhiannonT in reply to nomoreibsc]

Thanks. Yes, I've seen Colorectal loads. Just got prescribed Constella and told to get on with it tbh. I'm hoping Cosmocol works.

[nomoreibsc in reply to RhiannonT]

Oh gosh. I'm sorry they don't seem to be more helpful...I think I decided to be very vocal with my colectal team as I had been dismissed by Gastrology after a few appointments. Unfortunately you may have to be persistent with them. Shouldn't be this way but alas it's what we have to do to get treatment that is effective.

[xjrs]

So sorry to hear your troubles. It sounds like your multiple issues (endo & IBS-C) might be impacting one another and good you've been having further tests. I'm not sure if you've seen this advice about constipation: theibsnetwork.org/constipat....

I take magnesium oxide when I am bunged up but this can be very dose dependent (and it can be easy to flip either way), but might be worth a try if you are desperate. There's also fibre and what level of fibre you are able to tolerate, for example ground flaxseed (linseed) can be less gas forming: theibsnetwork.org/constipat...

[RhiannonT in reply to xjrs]

Thank you. I'm going to see the GP today, just to make sure nothing sinister going on. I think they very much are impacting one and other unfortunately. I do have Fybogel if I need it but I cannot tolerate the taste. It makes me feel sick.

[xjrs in reply to RhiannonT]

Good luck with your appointment and hope you find relief soon.

[RhiannonT in reply to xjrs]

Thank you. I'm getting some bloods done and the Dr did an examination of the back passage (tmi). I have some BM stuck in my rectum which obviously shouldn't be there. So I've to take up to 5 sachets of Movicol a day to hopefully clear it out.

[Ashweb901]

Right there with you. I take Trulance, a prescription which may not be available in your country. It doesn't work all that well so maybe don't bother. Part of my issue is that I have an extra long and redundant colon. Additionally, i have autoimmune gastritis with pernicious anemia so the nerves that control peristalsis may be in poor condition. I take mag oxide and it usually works in high dosages but this week it is not working. I can always use glycerin suppositories but as you know that can be habit forming so I try not to.

Triphala has been effective before but it is only made to use for short term, like 2 weeks. Smooth Move tea has sienna (also habit forming) and that works sometimes. It's not unusual for me to go 7 days. And then 3-4 times a year I'll have an attack where I'm immobilized with pain and many movements in a row.

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Hi there, sorry to hear you're struggling.

We understand and are here if you need help and support with your IBS. However, we do recommend that you speak to your GP.

[RhiannonT in reply to IBSNetwork]

Thank you. GP is running some tests.