[tinaanne]

Hi Friends
I always know where to go for advice - this time I'm posting two questions - the first being this horrible constipation. I have been on opiates and Lyrica for many years and my usual routine has included Myralax and Senna tea (called Smooth - move). I was doing ok -- but then I took most of the gluten out of my diet and I think that is where the problem began. Because it has been winter I haven't been great about salads and fruits -- and I am really struggling with the pain on my left side. You all know what I'm talking about if you take these drugs.

When it comes to laxatives -- this is one experience I had -- I had a HORRIBLE reaction when I tried to have a colonoscopy done. She had me drink liquids for two days and at the end of the second day I took 3 Ducalax -- and then then next day I was to drink the stuff... etc. Well -- two hours after taking those 3 Ducalax I thought I was dying. I went into terrible shakes from my very core - sweat poured off my face and I was going both ways. I felt like I had been literately beaten up for two days. My poor husband had to hold me on the toilet as I had no strength to do so myself. I cancelled the procedure and ever since have stayed away from any other type of laxative. That was about 5 months ago - and honestly I have never been so uncomfortable. I am terrified to take anything other than natural due to the experience I had -- which also I should add when I would take 1 Ducalax - I had the similar experience just less intensified. I always thought it was because I was so backed up - and maybe it is -- but it was terrifying.

I have increase eating prunes, added more fiber like fresh berries, and have increase the fiber through eating steal cut oatmeal. I am also drinking as much water as humanly possible. Any other thoughts - I know if I go to a doctor they will try to do something to intensive and fast and I am scared.

Thanks --
Tina

[Stacy2012]

My suggestion would be flaxseed. Start out with 1 teaspoon a day and work your way up to 2 heaping tablespoons a day. Make sure you drink enough water with any fiber.

Good luck

[Susanne C.]

Are you still taking the miralax and it isn't helping or did you stop taking it?
I take about 1 1/2 doses daily and it works well, allowed my fissures to heal and continues to work even though I am on opiate pain medication which is very constipating.
I find apples to be the best fruit for this problem, and many people are helped by probiotics- such as Activa yogurt or kefir.
From your other post, it sounds as if you may be being too hard on yourself. It is all right to feel overwhelmed by circumstances and it is not always possible to keep a positive outlook. It sounds as if you have done a stellar job up until now and that you really need to take your feelings seriously and put taking care of yourself at the top of your priority list.
Good luck.

[Sallysblooms]

There are so many great foods for that. I have a smoothie each day. Berries, green's powder, carrots, apple, banana, protein powder, Bob's oats, and Kale. Kale is SOOO good for so many reasons. I add ground flax seed also.

Broccolli, pears, asparagus, grapes and drinking plenty of water is good.

I am so sorry you got so ill. I have not heard of using that for that procedure.

[Susanne C.]

The laxative regime Tinaanne describes is pretty much the same one my hubsnd will be taking for his colonoscopy next week. It is fairly standard, 4 dulcolax and 2 bottles of magnesium citrate.

[Brain patch]

I too have major problems in this area. I take MS Contin and it is very constipating. When all else fails for me, I eat a bunch of grapes. Works every time. I take 3 senna tablets a day and that usually keeps me pretty good if I eat right too. I know this is kind of gross but sometimes you have to do a little manual labor if you know what I mean. Better you than the doctor.
Good luck. I know that is uncomfortable.
Brain

[tinaanne]

Originally Posted by Susanne C.

Are you still taking the miralax and it isn't helping or did you stop taking it?
I take about 1 1/2 doses daily and it works well, allowed my fissures to heal and continues to work even though I am on opiate pain medication which is very constipating.
I find apples to be the best fruit for this problem, and many people are helped by probiotics- such as Activa yogurt or kefir.
From your other post, it sounds as if you may be being too hard on yourself. It is all right to feel overwhelmed by circumstances and it is not always possible to keep a positive outlook. It sounds as if you have done a stellar job up until now and that you really need to take your feelings seriously and put taking care of yourself at the top of your priority list.
Good luck.

I am still taking the Miralax each day - sometimes taking it twice a day. I have started taking pro-biotics and that seems to help get the stomach bubbles back that I haven't felt in years - but I think I'm just too backed up.
I so have to thank you with your kind words. I am so hard on myself - always a bit of a control freek, and the one thing PN does it teach you that you are not in charge of much in life. My faith has gotten me through most of it, but I do need to put myself on the top of my list -- THANKS so much!

[tinaanne]

Originally Posted by Stacy2012

My suggestion would be flaxseed. Start out with 1 teaspoon a day and work your way up to 2 heaping tablespoons a day. Make sure you drink enough water with any fiber.

Good luck

I just asked at the health food store and the recommended the flaxseed too. How do you take it - in a salad? in a shake? Thanks so much!

[tinaanne]

Originally Posted by Susanne C.

The laxative regime Tinaanne describes is pretty much the same one my hubsnd will be taking for his colonoscopy next week. It is fairly standard, 4 dulcolax and 2 bottles of magnesium citrate.

I hope you husband hasn't had problems with constipation - I have heard from a couple of people that had the same "seizure like" problem. That is why she had me fast longer from food and take the dulcolax ahead of the drink -- I hope and pray he doesn't have a bad experience. I am now 57 and haven't had a colonoscopy yet - which is a concern, but if they can't clean things out how can they ever do it! One step at a time!

[tinaanne]

I appreciate all the replies. I made an appointment with my new GP for tomorrow - see what he has to say. I am new to this town so finding a new GP and natural path MD is top of my list. I saw the GP for the horrible bug that went around last month -and I really like him. We will see how "natural" he can be. I go to Mayo Clinic for my PN stuff and I may end up there for some help.
Thanks for all the support and advice
Tina