Ibs c

[lynchk]

I have ibs c and have just had an appointment with a gastro and they have prescribed senna and cosmocol for 4 weeks then if that doesn’t work to be prescribed linaclotide. I thought it wasn’t safe to take senna long term and has anyone found anything natural to take that works, so fed up with it all.

[FRreedman]

I have been taking 30 mg Senna daily (On Consultants instructions) for three years now, and still suffering with c. Depending on why you are constipated, you can try prunes, Kiwi fruits (my favourites - cos the work, not because of taste) and Lactulose.

[xjrs]

I've heard that Senna isn't good long term since it weakens the intestinal muscles and can make you dependent on them for a BM. However, I wouldn't think 4 weeks would be considered 'long term'. I have used Magnesium Oxide in the past. You could start at say 800mg and work up the dose by 100mg per night to see when you get a response - I've used these 100mg tablets: myvitamins.com/vitamins/mag....

I have been on Linaclotide for IBS-C and intestinal nerve pain. It hasn't helped with the 'C' but it has definitely reduced the pain. However, since the pain has reduced it as allowed me to expand my diet to include more fibre (including prunes) helping me towards a more natural bowel movement without laxatives. It helps a lot of people with 'C' too.

[xjrs]

I also meant to include these links that give you the options for constipation:

theibsnetwork.org/constipat...

theibsnetwork.org/constipat...

theibsnetwork.org/constipat...

[Caroline369]

I have just bought magnesium oxide powder and it is working for me as senna is too painful. Mag oxide is an osmotic laxative. Just be careful about quantities as it can affect electrolytes.

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Hi there, we suggest speaking to your GP or pharmacist.

[Artemisraluca]

Add hydrolyzed guar gum powder to your beverages or soft foods. It is a soluble fiber that softens the stool and helps with IBS. Nestle makes one in a green can. There may be other brands for cheaper over there.

[xjrs in reply to Artemisraluca]

I've not heard of this for IBS-C before and found this study which looks promising, so thanks very much for the info:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

It seems pretty expensive in the UK. Is the PHGG (partially hydrolyzed) version better since it's easier to digest and will give less side effects? Where are you based and could you provide a link to where you get yours from? Thanks in advance.

[lynchk in reply to xjrs]

Thanks for reply, I live in Scotland.

[Artemisraluca in reply to xjrs]

You are very welcome! I think I stumbled onto that study, also!

I firstly heard of guar gum from a nutrition site, then researched it to see if it is legit.

I honestly do not know if this version is better or it is the one that is easiest to find or easiest to use (it dissolves completely in water).

I only know of the one I buy, Nestle Optifibre (the can looks like their baby formulas, but smaller). It should be found where those are found, or in pharmacies. It is expensive for the quantity, indeed. The equivalent of almost 8 pounds. I would be glad if I found a cheaper one. I will search around.

I live in Romania. I think you and the OP may probably have more options.

Doses up to 15g/day are definitely safe, I read. I estimate I take 5-8g split into two/day.

While my poops are still big (tho I go daily or every 2 days as before, may be because I am sedentary and eat quite a lot of protein, beside IBS and emotional factors), they are softer and easier to eliminate for sure, which is what I desired at the very least. Sometimes they are even normal.

[xjrs in reply to Artemisraluca]

Thanks again for the info. It does sound promising.

[Artemisraluca in reply to xjrs]

You are welcome. At least it is safe to try!

[RhiannonT]

Hi. I've just seen you're in Scotland too so thought I'd reply, I'm from South Lanarkshire. I've been on Cosmocol on and off for approximately 3 years as well as Senna occasionally too. I have predominantly IBS-C. I've been put on Constella too and it's really really helped. Definitely take the Cosmocol every day though or as instructed as I find if I go a few days without it it just becomes a vicious cycle again. Hope that helps. Xx

[lynchk in reply to RhiannonT]

Thanks for the reply. I live in North Lanarkshire! I have been on cosmocol for 3 years he has just added senna in because the cosmocol wasn’t enough for me. It will be worth trying the Constella, hopefully I positive results with it.

[RhiannonT in reply to lynchk]

The Constella worked great for me so definitely see if you can get it. 😊