[dmplaura]

Urgh... I can't make this question pretty even if I tried.

Basically... what began as constipation, has 'evolved' into something much more. I figured taking stool softener would help, so I took the dose on the bottle for a lengthy period of time. Wasn't helping me to 'go' (I was 5 days or more before I would go), so my GP suggested that I take double the amount.

So now, I take 4 gel caps (Stool softener) daily... and fit them in 2 hours after and before my other medications. I drink tons of water as well.

The problem is... while I don't have the hard stool anymore, I just don't go! The only ways I can go?

1. Get 'overfull' and it's like opening a tap (after several days).
2. Laxatives (which I really really try to avoid).

It feels like my colon just doesn't move things along. If this makes any sense? There's no urgency until 5-10 minutes prior to having to pass a large amount.

There's no discomfort, or pain. In fact, I feel NOTHING until it's time to go to the loo.

When I do have to go (that 5-10 minute window), that's the only time I feel discomfort, or 'spasming'.

Anyone else understand this? Any advice? I've been complaining to my GP for 3 years at least now about this. I've even had an endoscopy and colonoscopy (both checked out), been tested for Gluten intolerance/celiac etc etc... everything's okay there.

I'm at my wit's end here.

[Erika]

Hmmm...it could be autonomic neuropathy affecting the branch of the vagus nerve that goes to the colon. That can slow things down like that.

With love, Erika

[ewizabeth]

I eat lots of fiber, fruits and veggies. In the winter I cook kale or collards and those both help. These are not only good for you but can help to keep things moving along.

[tnthomas]

Originally Posted by ewizabeth

I eat lots of fiber, fruits and veggies. In the winter I cook kale or collards and those both help. These are not only good for you but can help to keep things moving along.

+1 for greens!

Since I take 2 different SSRI meds, 'going' regularly can be a challenge. If lotsa water and bran buds don't do the trick- I break out the collard greens, plus the turnip and/or mustard tops.

I don't like stool softeners, not sure I can describe why, except that the feeling doesn't seem natural.

[Kitty]

It really sounds like an "MS thing". I haven't had this particular symptom (yet) but I have heard about it and MS does effect the nerves that regulate that bodily function.

Do you have a Neuro that you see for MS? I would let them know and see what they suggest. A GP will probably suggest the typical laxatives but if it's MS related a Neuro will probably know more about what to do.

I'm sorry you're having this problem but I am glad to see you posting again!

[dmplaura]

Thanks for the tips folks. I eat LOADS of vegetables (and a small mountain of spinach daily along with the rest). I know I'm getting plenty of fibre that route and for a while, focused on upping, and then balancing, fibre in my diet.

Kitty, great to hear from you too! <3 I've been a busy gal, lol I too think this could be an MS thing. I do have a regular neurologist, however getting in to see him is quite another story. Our health care system (Canada) can be great, but then something like this comes along and suddenly the govy doesn't want to pay for, or allow for, a visit to see the neuro.

If things resolve/I find something that helps, I'll be sure to report back. For now, day 4 and other than a loud (gurgly) stomach, nothing's moving otherwise lol. Thanks again all.

[poochie]

I have a terrible time going to the BR, but I have found this recipe that helps me a lot............

1 cup oatmeal (quick cook)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill whole ground flaxseed meal
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix together, will be very thick, roll into about 1 inch balls and refrigerate. Eat anytime you want. I usually have 3 or 4 daily.
Bobs flaxseed I buy from the health food store, there is others but I found this is the best. And it has to be refrigerated. I also take 2 senna's about 3 times a week.
The protein balls do cause some gas but when you have a problem like this it doesn't matter.

[missj]

for me its not the make or the model of the car in the garage, it's that the garage door opener is broken! Manually opening it is the only way to 'go'