I've had constipation problems for as long as I can remember but in the last few years it has got a lot worse. I have seen my GP several times,had my tummy examined,stool tests,blood tests and a scan all coming back normal,apart from the discovery of gallstones,which my doctor dismissed as being a problem. She prescribed a laxative and suggested taking a large amount to "clear" me out. Fortunately I only took 2 sachets because I then was on th loo for most of the day with excruciating stomach cramps. My system now seems to be in the pattern of hardly pooing for about 5 days then with no connection to my diet I have a couple of hours of stomach cramps and complete emptying of my bowel but not diarrhoea. I then go another 4/5 days with no bowel movement. Over the years I've tried more fibre,less fibre different breads,no bread,natural laxatives like Senna but I cant seem to regulate my system. I'm putting it down to IBS c after reading lots of info but am getting very depressed about how debilitating this is becoming as never know when or why it will strike. I havent lost weight and my good days go walking and am quite active. I dont sleep well and do worry a lot but dont know what to do next really. Have another appointment with GP next month. Anyone experiencing similar symptoms?
IBS or something else?: I've had constipation... - IBS Network
IBS or something else?
Try to see a gastroenterologist. I would do this even if you have to pay privately (assuming you are in the UK). Also, see about dyssynergic defecation. This is a condition which can be tested for and does have some treatments. It is a recognized condition involving nerves and muscles in the anal area. Ask the doctor if Magnesium citrate would help you, as well. But, most important, see a gastro.
Thank you for your reply and suggestions,is this because you have experienced similar symptoms?
I find that these types of constipation problems rhyme, but are never identical. They just have similarities. My gastro has told me that a large percentage of people with significant constipation do suffer from dyssynergic defecation, so it is just one other think to check. I have gone to biofeedback PT, which is somewhat helpful. I also use Miralax daily and take a capsule of 160 mgs. of magnesium citrate daily. This combination definately works (sometimes too well). Check with your doctor, however, before making any changes to your routine as everyone is different and what helps me may well not be good for you. PS there are 4 different types of dyssynergic defecation and a test, usually done in a hospital or by a colorectal surgeon will show in detail if you have it and what type. The test gives very precise measurements of what is going on in the last part of the colon and anus.
I have very similar issues although now my bowel may try to evacuate a little after five days but in essence I am left using stimulation laxatives like dulcolax. I have had a colonoscopy which showed no disease.
No one seems to take much notice but it cant be right to take weekely heavy duty laxatives. My own assessment is either I have a problem higher in my digestive track, I suffer with horrendous acid reflux and failed oesophageal peristalsis or I have an issue with the enteric nervous system causing motilty issues. If the nerves snd muscles in the gut are failong then I dont know where to turn with this. I am considering consulting a neurogastroenterologist in London privately.
Wishing. You well its a horrid condition.
the only treatment I have found to work for my constipation is fybrogel twice a day I have tried the laxitives and eating whole bran and the breads
I sympathise as i have very similar problems. Next to nothing for days, then an emptying out. I dont take laxatives as the emptying out bit is debilitating, and i dont want to make it any worse. I have been trying other things to regulate it but it seems to be stuck in a cycle. I think i have slow transit constipation, it takes a long time to get through my system, i can feel the lumps in my colon on the left hand side. Trying to get any answers or tests on the nhs seems nigh on impossible, i have been waiting for a consultation with a gastro for over 15mths. Unless they class you as an emergency you cannot get one, its just ibs they say and you have to get on with it! The only thing i sometimes take is peppermint capsules, or mebervine, although the doc says peppermint is not the recommended treatment any more
Does sound very similar to my situation,how long have you been like this ? My symptoms have definitely got worse over the last 2 years,fortunately I am retired as I dont think I could manage to go to work !
Yes i have had problems for many years, but it has changed and seems worse now, as it doesn't really go away. I developed a hernia in my groin which was caused by the bowel - constipation and hard stools, so that protudes at certain times which does not help. I am also retired luckily but try and do voluntary work and have to drive my husband around at present. When i had a colonoscopy about 3yrs ago they said i had a loopy bowel, so i think stools get stuck. Having to use guesswork as cannot see a specialist to ask.
drink lots (2 litres minimum) of water / day, peppermint oil capsules to soften stool and smooth bowel muscle relaxant.
I would also suggest exercises for pelvic floor dysfunction, I had similar problems and a specialist put it down to tight pelvic muscles. Attributed to pelvic floor dysfunction, look it up on dr. Google
My constipation is gone -- totally. I avoid whole wheat bread, most fruits and milk. I eat sourdough bread, use margarine. I can eat most cheeses. You need to try elimination diet to find your constipation triggers. Also, I use alpha galactosidase supplements with onions, beans, cruciferous vegetables. Don't give up until you have exhausted all food intolerances.
Hi there, it's so miserable to suffer like you are doing. I have suffered with constipation all my life as I have a tortuous colon!!, basically my colon is a lot longer than normal which means stools don't pass through quickly or easily. I have found that taking probiotics has helped fantastically and I now pass normal poos rather than long thin ones. I still have to take Laxido occasionally and still get anxious about going to the loo if I'm going somewhere but on the whole things are much better. I hope you resolve your problem.
I have just started taking Alflorex so hoping that helps and need to discipline myself better to drink more water as someone else suggested. Its reassuring though to hear that other people are experiencing similar symptoms as my doctor seemed more interested in suffering (or not) from diahorrea !
I certainly feel for you I have similar problems and yes it's very debilitating had test come back normal I can go a week without going to the loo then out of the blue terrible lower tummy pain followed by hard to pass stools then diarrhea and vomiting at the same time take laxative every day doesn't seem to work going back to the docs
Hello, I found my vomiting was caused by dehydrating after a bout of diarrhoea as you are losing body water and salts. Taking a Dioralyte satchet with water appears to stop the vomiting. You have to take this drink after you start having the bowel movements. Rather than drinking it all at once, I find it better to sip it gradually. Sometimes, you might need more than one satchet - instructions on box. These satchets can be purchased at any pharmacy and also details Precautions in back of box who should not take them if they have a specific illness. Hope this helps.
Hi Thankyou for your advice will try this
It's very frustrating as can never pinpoint a specific thing either with what I've eaten or what I've been doing and in between the awful loo day which doesn't actually turn to diarrhoea just lots of "normal "stools,I feel fine and able to go out walking etc. Would love to be able to be regular but lost as to how to find that solution! Wish you well and be interested to hear how you get on !
Wowe how similar your symptoms are the same as mine.
just saw a letter to my gp from a consultant dated 2011, it states to put me on a fodmap diet, first I have heard of it.
Have looked at Fodmap diet but thought looks quite hard to follow but would be interested to hear anyone's experience with this as ready to try anything!
Its no fruit or vegetables. No milk or wheat, and the dietician in 2011 recommended at the to buy fresh pasta 🤔...
Low fodmap fruits and vegetables are allowed and there are many.
Sounds like me...Ibs with the beginnings of Diverticulitis. Ask gp to refer you to Urology , a Dietician, and the Pain Clinic. Ibs does what it wants and can dramatically or slightly change without any warning. You shouldn't have to put up with or deal with any type of pre curser to a bowel movement that isn't normal, has changed or causes pain and/or discomfort. Stress and anxiety does affect your bowels massively, hence my suggestion to the Pain Clinic referral. Please keep us all posted. I wish you the best 😍
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