Lazy bowel

[Easynot]

I have had a lifetime of problems going to the loo. Constipation, bloatedness and wind. Having been treated once for Sibo I continue to have problems and am taking glycerine suppository daily to keep,things moving a little. I have taken bisacodyl for 2 nights running in the hope of having a good clear out from the upper bowel. Nothing has happened. Is this normal. If am not in pain but feel a little uncomfortable and am concerned that if I go out, I, will get caught short. Does anyone have or has a similar problem. This is making life very miserable.

[FRreedman]

I, too, am taking daily suppositories for the same reason. I take 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening, and if, after 4 days still no action, I have to use two different types of enema. It is not a pleasant ritual, but, at least, it keeps me out of hospital. I find that the liquid or powder laxatives fail to have any effect on me, and therefore, no longer use them. I would be surprised if the Bisocydol does work, in your case, but suggest you take a spare set of underwear with you, as well as wipes, just in case. Good luck and stay safe.

[Easynot in reply to FRreedman]

Thanks for your reply, nice to know I am not the only one with a problem.

[marthaalice]

Have you tried Rhubarb Complex from 21st Century Herbs. You can get a free trial on their website and it’s not one of those that you have to sign up for, they literally send you a few days worth to try. . It certainly helps with constipation, in fact they were a bit too strong for me so I had to go on a lower dose.

[xjrs]

I have IBS-C and have been prescribed Linaclotide for it and I am also taking Alflorex probiotic which has been scientifically studied for IBS and is available on a free 2 month trial on joining theibsnetwork.org. These in combination have reduced the pain I am in considerably and I have been able to tolerate more foods so that I am able to consume the extra fibre I need to have a BM including oatbran, wheat bran (if tolerated), 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed, 9 prunes, 2 tablespoon chia seeds and shredded wheat (or GF version: Nutribrex) for breakfast, plus quinoa, wholewheat bread and whole grain pastas at other meals. These fruits are particularly high fibre and can help with BMs: hard pears, dried apricots, raspberries, oranges (contain a natural laxative) & 2 kiwi. I find that I need to have 1 orange a day and then another high fibre fruit later in the day to help with BMs. In some people the Linaclotide also helps a lot with BMs which is its primary purpose.

There is some good advice about constipation here:

theibsnetwork.org/constipat...

theibsnetwork.org/constipat...

I also take 30 drops of ginger extract before bedtime to aid motility. You may need to work up the dose to say 7 drop increments each night.

Some people say that enteric coated peppermint can help with pain.

I have been giving Optifibre a go, which has been helping but I need to be careful with the amount since it gives me gas.

Exercise can help with BMs. The government recommends 150 mins of moderate exercise (e.g. walking as if you are late for an appointment) or 75 of intense exercise (e.g. jogging) per week. I also have a bit of a walk around straight after breakfast to get things moving.

You need to ensure that you are drinking enough fluids (2 litres of fluid per day).

If you really get stuck you can try 800mg+ of Magnesium Oxide. I used to take these for a regular bowel movement when having to be low fibre:

myvitamins.com/vitamins/mag...

I used to start around 800mg at bed time on an empty stomach, then increment by 100mg (1 pill) each night until I got a response the next morning or the morning after. Most of it goes straight to your bowels where it draws in water to bulk out stools.

This worked well when I was low fibre, but when I started to introduce fibre it became more unpredictable (either not working well enough or too well), so I had to give it up.