IBS-C with chronic constipation and abdominal pain at night.

[Hennen]

I was prescribed Constella (linzess) and it helped really well for a while. Now it seems to do nothing for me. Anyone else had this experience?

[Sandra600]

Hi I take macrogol for chronic constipation

[Hennen in reply to Sandra600]

Thanks for the tip! Do you buy that over the counter?

[Sandra600 in reply to Hennen]

No I get it on prescription I’ve been taking it for about 7 years

[edwangy]

I have exactly the same condition and I take a quarter of a 290mcgm capsule every morning which is very effective. what does do you take

[Hennen in reply to edwangy]

Hi, I take 72 mcg daily. I first started with taking it every other day, now daily. It worked well but lately is less effective. I mostly get pain at night which keeps me up.

[edwangy in reply to Hennen]

that's what I take and it works ok, always have pain at night though, don't sleep much. Try upping your dose a bit

[Hennen in reply to edwangy]

Hi, so I upped the dose for a couple of days and then it was too strong. Now, since I saw a pelvic physiotherapist, which really helped, the daily Constellation (linoclotide) seems too strong. I am back to taking 72 mcg and I think I will have to take it every other day as I am getting cramps and discomfort.

[xjrs]

I have been taking Linaclotide for some years now and it doesn't seem to be wearing off (touch wood). However, I do pair it with Alflorex probiotic which I found enhanced the anti-pain effects (by bringing bad bugs in my gut under control that were oversensitising intestinal nerves causing pain). Though I must admit that Linaclotide has never helped me with constipation, just the pain.

[Hennen in reply to xjrs]

I will look into Alflorex, thanks! Is that available in Canada?

[xjrs in reply to Hennen]

You might find its equivalent as a product called Align. The important bacteria in it is: Bifidobacterium longum 35624.

[Hennen in reply to xjrs]

Thanks! I did try Align a few years ago but probably not long enough to notice a benefit.

[xjrs in reply to Hennen]

Yes. A normal trial is 3 months.

[Krisbetty]

Just been to see my GP about the excate same thing, i stopped taking it for a week and reintroduced it and that seemed to kick start it again, it soothes my colon but in some respect doesnt help with constipation, my GP recommended to take dulcalax if i hadnt had a bowel movement in 2 days, this seems to be working. I am waiting too see a pelvic floor specialist physio to sort out my muscles as this should help with constipation.

[Hennen in reply to Krisbetty]

Hi Krisbetty, my GP said to either take a break from linoclotide or double the dose. I currently take 72 mcg daily because the higher dose caused cramping. I took double the dose yesterday because I was so backed up and it helped but today I am taking a break. I hope to see my gastroenterologist in the next two weeks. I have tried pelvic physio in the past and it is somewhat helpful. Going to try it again soon. Do you take any fibre supplements?

[Krisbetty in reply to Hennen]

Fibre makes my constipation worse.