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Post by iamkristinl16 on Feb 18, 2015 14:57:10 GMT
According to my mother, I have always had issues with constipation, even as a baby. It varies, but I wuold say that I typically go to the bathroom once or twice a week. Sometimes a decent amount, sometimes not. Usually I don't feel uncomfortable and figured that is just how my body worked. I have used Miralax, Metamucil, etc over the years intermittently. I try to eat good amounts of fiber.
A few weeks ago my brother was having a lot of stomach pain and they thought it was his appendix. However, he had a CT scan and found that he had 6feet of BM backed up in his intestines, even though he considers himself to be "regular" and that was the source of his pain. I am not sure why, but that really made me start to wonder about my own digestive system and how it is affecting me. I have been eating a lot more fruits and veggies, drinking water, cut down on grains and sugary snacks. I am starting to feel miserable. I read that if you take a shot of coconut oil dissolved in hot water, that is supposed to get things going. I have done that every day this week with no results. Last night I took Miralax as well and had stomach pains all night long but still no results. What else should I try? I'm going to continue to use the miralax regularly but need to get things moving here soon, and keep it moving to clear out everything that is in there (gross, I know).
If you have any suggestions or experiences that would be much appreciated! Thanks!
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Post by kimberlyr on Feb 18, 2015 15:00:17 GMT
My son had the same trouble and his doctor told him to continue taking myralax mixed with red liquid every 30 minutes until what you see coming out is red. Them you know you are cleared out. I use myralax every day to keep things moving.
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Gravity
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,244
Jun 27, 2014 0:29:55 GMT
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Post by Gravity on Feb 18, 2015 15:05:59 GMT
Keep a food diary for a week by writing down everything that passes your lips. You may not be getting enough fiber.
Increase your water consumption. Actually write it down, don't just guess. You may be surprised at how little you actually consume.
Limit dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt.
Do you take a calcium supplement? These make some people constipated.
Take a stool softener.
Bump up your exercise time by at least 30 minutes a day. Sedentary=Constipated
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paigepea
Drama Llama
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Jun 26, 2014 4:28:55 GMT
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Post by paigepea on Feb 18, 2015 15:06:10 GMT
I have had trouble for hers. I've taken mineral oil and miralax over the years. I now take miralax on trips, just in case, but in recent years my problems have gone away.
I must:
Exercise regularly
Eat mostly fruit and veg - I stopped eating sandwiches (wrap my fillings in lettuce now) and limit pasta
I increased my thyroid meds
I would say the thyroid meds and exercise help my regularity the most. I go every day.
When I did take miralax, I took it regularly for at lease 3 weeks before regularity set in. Vitamins tend to block me up, especially calcium.
Paige.
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 21:24:59 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 15:08:32 GMT
Metamucil is supposed to work but I found it only gave me stomach cramps. Miralax or whatever we call it in Canada worked for me. Then I stopped taking this *one* medication that I had been on for a long time. (Many many years of this medication) and the problem has seemed to resolve itself. I only go about 3x week but compared to what I was before and taking so much laxative, this is progress.
I take a fair amount of codeine for jaw pain. (My doctor knows as she prescribes it and really it's the only thing that works...we have tried everything under the sun). Constipation is a side effect of codeine. I won't say things are perfect but they are pretty good.
Good luck!
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Post by rumplesnat on Feb 18, 2015 15:15:42 GMT
Colace and senna twice a day. Miralax as needed.
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Post by lucyg on Feb 18, 2015 15:21:33 GMT
My sister had problems due to long term medication and would drink a small glass of prune juice in the morning. That would usually get her moving. You can buy it canned or bottled. And the usual. I always told my kids to drink lots of water and eat lots of fruit and veggies. This is not a problem I've ever suffered from so I'm not any kind of expert.  |
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Post by librarylady on Feb 18, 2015 15:22:08 GMT
My SIL had similar problems and all the usual remedies did not help. At one time she was drinking a quart of prune juice each day.
After she suffered for YEARS, she had extensive allergy testing done and found out she has some food allergies. Onions stop her up.
Perhaps yours is a food allergy also.
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Post by gramasue on Feb 18, 2015 15:22:41 GMT
Don't know if this is acceptable for you or not, but my Mom, in her eighties, would drink half a beer to relieve constipation. She only experienced it occasionally, but this seemed to work for her. She lived with us, and she would ask my DH if she could "borrow" a beer from him, then drink only half of it. Then she would say "Oh, I owe Bob a case of beer". We would laugh at this, but that's how she was!
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Post by Linda on Feb 18, 2015 15:26:46 GMT
my daughter has always had constipation issues as well. She does miralax and 2 fibre gummies every day. She also uses a stool softener on occasion to make things move easier. Water is key - especially if you've increased fiber. A heat pad on your belly sometimes helps and so does exercise
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Feb 18, 2015 15:27:08 GMT
Thanks for the suggestions. I used to drink a tablespoon of syrup if I felt constipated and that would help. Diet coke sometimes does, too. But that is only when I "feel" like I need to go but can't. Right now I have stomach cramps but no urge to go. Drinking a diet coke right now to see if it will help.
I've wondered if it was a food allergy as well. Maybe dairy, since when I was an infant I would have just had formula? I don't eat a lot of dairy now. Yogurt once in awhile (I have had some both days this week) and cheese occasionally if I have pizza or something with it in it. It is rare for me to drink cow's milk.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:24:59 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 15:28:24 GMT
My sister had problems due to long term medication and would drink a small glass of prune juice in the morning. That would usually get her moving. You can buy it canned or bottled. And the usual. I always told my kids to drink lots of water and eat lots of fruit and veggies. This is not a problem I've ever suffered from so I'm not any kind of expert. Lucy, based on the advice you gave your kids, if *anyone*reads up on what to do about this problem you gave them excellent advice. You may not be an MD but you gave pretty expert advice  seeing how it's word for word what my GP told me... |
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Post by heckofagal on Feb 18, 2015 15:28:44 GMT
I've had issues with constipation too. Had a dull pain in my lower abdomen, had a scan of my appendix and was told it was probably 'sludgey' and not ready to come out but may need to before long. I figured out this pain was most prevalent when I was constipated and started to take magnesium every day. This helped tremendously. It's been 7 years and I do not have that pain anymore. I was told to take Magnesium Asporotate as it is best absorbed by the body. I take the Solaray brand 400 mg. Directions say to take 2 per day but I just take one each night and that keeps me where I need to be.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Feb 18, 2015 15:34:55 GMT
I've had issues with constipation too. Had a dull pain in my lower abdomen, had a scan of my appendix and was told it was probably 'sludgey' and not ready to come out but may need to before long. I figured out this pain was most prevalent when I was constipated and started to take magnesium every day. This helped tremendously. It's been 7 years and I do not have that pain anymore. I was told to take Magnesium Asporotate as it is best absorbed by the body. I take the Solaray brand 400 mg. Directions say to take 2 per day but I just take one each night and that keeps me where I need to be. Thanks. I do have a magnesium supplement but am not always good about taking it. It is probably not the kind you mentioned, though. Will check it out! |
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Post by eebud on Feb 18, 2015 15:36:21 GMT
I used to have issues staying regular. I take a probiotic everyday and it has really helped. A health nut guy that I know recommended Swanson brand. I have been taking this one for a few years. Swanson Probiotic |
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Post by threegirls on Feb 18, 2015 15:56:37 GMT
My sister had problems due to long term medication and would drink a small glass of prune juice in the morning. That would usually get her moving. You can buy it canned or bottled. And the usual. I always told my kids to drink lots of water and eat lots of fruit and veggies. This is not a problem I've ever suffered from so I'm not any kind of expert. When my daughter had trouble with constipation, I gave her prune juice. She didn't like it straight up but would drink it mixed with grape juice and ice. She also ate prunes (I think they were Sunsweet ones, each one was individually wrapped in plastic). She thought they were candy! In addition, I gave her Miralax. She also increased her fruits, veggies and water intake. It took some months but she went from going once a week to once a day. My daughter never used them, but there are over-the-counter glycerin suppositories which also include a laxative ingredient. Ask your pharmacist about them. |
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Post by joyfromny on Feb 18, 2015 16:04:35 GMT
I have problems also. Found out during last colonoscopy that I have IBS with constipation. He prescribed Linzess and boy that stuff is a god send.
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Post by hennybutton on Feb 18, 2015 16:18:36 GMT
So, let me see if I got this straight. For your whole life, you have only had bowel movements once or twice a week. You have no pain or discomfort. BUT, because your brother had a blockage, you think you need to have more movements. Did I get this right? Do you know if your brother had infrequent movements like you? Had he made any changes to his diet recently?
I think you need to have a discussion with your doctor. Just because your brother had an issue, it doesn't mean you will. I don't think it's wise to make dietary changes or taking laxatives and fiber supplements just to poop more without consulting a doctor. You could end up causing problems rather than correcting something thay may not be a problem. Of course, you should be eating a healthy diet with lots of veggies and whole grains. However, if you have a condition that makes your colon sluggish, you could end up like your brother if you add too much fiber.
So, my advice is to talk this over with your doctor. You might even want a consultation with a gastroenterologist to make sure your digestive system is working the way it should.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:24:59 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 16:20:34 GMT
Please whatever you do, don't say the word Senna ever again. LOL. The word makes me nauseous. It may cause premature death.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Feb 18, 2015 16:41:41 GMT
So, let me see if I got this straight. For your whole life, you have only had bowel movements once or twice a week. You have no pain or discomfort. BUT, because your brother had a blockage, you think you need to have more movements. Did I get this right? Do you know if your brother had infrequent movements like you? Had he made any changes to his diet recently? I think you need to have a discussion with your doctor. Just because your brother had an issue, it doesn't mean you will. I don't think it's wise to make dietary changes or taking laxatives and fiber supplements just to poop more without consulting a doctor. You could end up causing problems rather than correcting something thay may not be a problem. Of course, you should be eating a healthy diet with lots of veggies and whole grains. However, if you have a condition that makes your colon sluggish, you could end up like your brother if you add too much fiber. So, my advice is to talk this over with your doctor. You might even want a consultation with a gastroenterologist to make sure your digestive system is working the way it should. I have talked to doctors about this and they just say to eat more fiber, etc. I do have pain and discomfort, but it is usually right before I go. I was just saying that I don't feel miserable for days before going. Hearing his story has just been a little more of a reminder that having waste sitting in your body for long periods of time isn't healthy. I find it hard to believe that my body only produces the small amount of waste that I get rid of. My brother had no problems with his bowel movements prior to this, which is why it took awhile for them to figure out what was going on. |
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,718 
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Feb 18, 2015 17:15:56 GMT
Get rid of diet coke and processed foods. Eat a vegan, whole food diet and watch the regularity begin.
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Post by scrapmaven on Feb 18, 2015 17:25:03 GMT
A great GI can really help you. The fact that you have pain alone is reason to get checked out and get some relief. There are natural and medicinal remedies, but first it might be a good idea to find the source of the pain and make sure that you don't have an issue that won't be exacerbated by the remedies you try.
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Peamac
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea # 418
Posts: 4,240
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Post by Peamac on Feb 18, 2015 17:40:20 GMT
I drink a mug of hot water (from the coffee maker, not just the tap) first thing in the morning and that helps. An elderly friend of ours was going in for surgery and had to take 5 enemas to get everything cleaned out. The doctors were amazed there was so much packed in there!
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calgal08
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,519
Jun 27, 2014 15:43:46 GMT
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Post by calgal08 on Feb 18, 2015 17:48:26 GMT
Drink hot water. My Nana always swore by it as the best way to keep things moving, and dammit, it works. Until doing this all day everyday I was just like you.
Plus, lots and lots of veggies
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Feb 18, 2015 17:49:55 GMT
Drink hot water. My Nana always swore by it as the best way to keep things moving, and dammit, it works. Until doing this all day everyday I was just like you. Plus, lots and lots of veggies I recently heard that if you drink a shot of hot water with coconut oil in it, that will make you go fairly quickly. Been doing this this week as well and nothing. |
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Post by padresfan619 on Feb 18, 2015 17:52:00 GMT
Pomegranate juice can get things moving. If you don't mind green smoothies I would try that too with ground up flax seed. Don't just use whole seeds, you won't get the benefits. And don't grind them up until you're ready to consume them, they go rancid quickly once they are ground up. Exercise and staying hydrated is important too, even just taking a 20 minute walk will get things moving.
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Grom Pea
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,944
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Post by Grom Pea on Feb 18, 2015 17:53:05 GMT
I know with babies fruits that begin with p help, peaches pears prunes plums. Also getting to much fiber can have the opposite effect do I think a food diary is a smart first move, them evaluate based on the diary and see if it helps.
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keithurbanlovinpea
Pearl Clutcher
Flowing with the go...
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Post by keithurbanlovinpea on Feb 18, 2015 18:21:50 GMT
I second the recommendation for magnesium. I take magnesium citrate
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madgie
Junior Member
Posts: 52
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Post by madgie on Feb 18, 2015 18:48:11 GMT
Plexus ProBio5 and BioCleanse.
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georgiapea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,846
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Post by georgiapea on Feb 18, 2015 19:01:59 GMT
I'm a prune juice fan and drink some each morning while taking my vitamins. My DD's FIL let everything back up to where he had to have it all surgically removed! Yikes! OP, I hope you get some action soon.
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seeing how it's word for word what my GP told me...
