Constipation

[ruskin10]

Hi I was recently prescribed lactulose for my constipation/bulking problem having had ibs for years but only officially diagnosed 6 months ago. I have symptoms very day which gives me anxiety as to how my day will go. First 5 days taking lactulose wasn't bad, symptoms much less toilet better. Last few days though cramp, wind all the time, uncomfortable. Dis bit of reading to find lactulose not suitable for ibs people. Anyone help please as to whats alternative. Pat

[janetmtt]

Have you looked at triphala or slippery elm - both get good reviews

[ruskin10 in reply to janetmtt]

Thankyou Janet I will try anything to have some relief

[janetmtt in reply to ruskin10]

know the feeling. Also Life Extension does a probiotic called Daily Bowel Regularity and it is good Bif Lactis helps constipation. I use 1 or 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil drizzled over veg. You could use flax oil. I find the EVO helps plus makes it an easier journey out as softens it

[janetmtt in reply to janetmtt]

been there got t shirt and have tried everything.

[Sharon1969bal]

Hi, I had similar problems. It’s a catch 22, it seems a lot of medication had a negative effect with IBS. I drink lots of water and put chia seeds in a yogurt twice a day. I now go every day, it’s worked wonders. Try eating plenty of fibre as this also helps.

[ruskin10 in reply to Sharon1969bal]

Thankyo Sharon I have flaxseeds on porridge , are they similar.

[Sharon1969bal in reply to ruskin10]

Hi, yes similar but different 😄 chia seeds contain more fibre and flaxseeds contain more antioxidants

[Wallace-s]

I would suggest first and foremost try adjusting the dosage of lactulose.

Have used it myself and found it excellent, but similar to you - too much wasn’t a good thing.

Assuming you take it everyday = reduce to every other day, give it couple weeks and see how you go, if needed adjust again.

IBS is a constantly evolving issue, and these kinds of issues will arise and change over time - all dependant on foods, mood, activity levels etc etc

Best of luck

[ruskin10 in reply to Wallace-s]

Thankyou Wallace, I will try this as it is a bind having it all the time.

[xjrs]

You may find my (xjrs) answer to this post helpful:

healthunlocked.com/theibsne...

[edwangy]

Ask your GP for linaclotide. If you are in UK they only have 290mcgms which I find far too much. I open the capsule and just take a quarter of the capsule, it depends on each person as to how much you need

[Edgar77]

I am prescribed fibogel. A high fibre drink taken after your main meal. 1 sachets a day. I'm now on hold a day but I now go little and often. Very inconvenient and a bit uncomfortable so may have to increase it. Its just trial and error.

[watercolour123]

I find forget the best

[ruskin10 in reply to watercolour123]

Afraid can't do that with constant symptoms varying each day

[M77L26]

yes I did use that but only neede a little bit

[Eddie777]

Have you worked on improving bile flow? How is your digestion? Do you have any symptoms after eating? Like gas or bloating?

[ruskin10 in reply to Eddie777]

All of the above

[Eddie777 in reply to ruskin10]

Improving bile flow should help you. Also verifying that you are producing sufficient HCL in your stomach would be important. Thanks

[ruskin10 in reply to Eddie777]

Do docs have to find these things out?