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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
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Severe Constipation
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MedHelp Member's Question

Severe Constipation

by JONIEB, Dec 13, 2002 12:00AM
I AM A 43YR OLD AND SUFFER EXTREMELY FROM CONSTIPATION. I ALSO HAVE FIBROMYALGIA, ARTHRITIS AND HAVE SEVERAL DISKS OUT IN MY BACK. I TAKE ONLY ULTRAM AND IBPROPHAN-PERIOD. I HAVE BEEN TAKING LAXATIVES OFF AND ON FOR THE LAST SEVEN YEARS NOW FOR MY CONSTIPATION. RECENTLY WITHIN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, I HAVE BACKED WAY OFF FROM USING A LAXATIVE BECAUSE I HAVE STARTED TO BE COME VERY ILL WHEN I TAKE THEM (USE TO TWO OR THREE TIMES A MONTH-NOW ONLY ONCE A MONTH), I AM USUALLY NAUSEATED WHEN I AM UNABLE TO HAVE A BM. WHEN I TAKE A LAXATIVE-(MINIMAL DOSAGE) I BECOME VERY ILL WITH SEVERE CRAMPING AND VOMITING. I HAVE TRIED THE FIBER LAXATIVES:METAMUCIL ECT. BUT THEY DON'T EVEN WORK. I HAVE NOT WENT TO A DOCTOR BECAUSE I HAVE NO INSURANCE. CAN ANY ONE OFFER ME ANY ADVICE AS WITH ALL MY OTHER AILMENTS I FIND THAT I AM JUST BESIDE MYSELF HERE. ALSO I AM ALWAYS BLOATED NO MATTER WHAT I DO.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANY FEED BACK!
Member Comments (10)

by 4gpact, Dec 13, 2002 12:00AM
If you have a family doctor that knows you, perhaps he could call in a prescription for you. Have you ever tried Miralax? There is also a new medication on the market called zelnorm, it is used for constipation pre dominant IBS. I have used it with great results.

If you do end up going to a doctor or clinic, they might have a free sample for you to use. Be sure to drink lots of water. Have you tried warmed prune juice or apple juice? I'm told those both work well.

by JONIEB, Dec 13, 2002 12:00AM
To: 4gpact
Thank you for your response. I do not have a Family doctor. My only doctor is an Arthritis Specialist. I have never tried the medication that you spoke of-perhaps I could convince him to prescribe me some. Also, I will try the juices. Thank You once again 4gpact; God bless you.

by Nanny, Dec 13, 2002 12:00AM
Have you tried OTC stool softeners?  I am on daily medication that, unfortunately, causes constipation as a side effect.  One natural and effective remedy I have used for this is to take stool softeners on a daily basis, and also to eat 8-10 pried prunes each day.  I find that this really helps,  and as 4gpact said, drink lots and lots of water daily, this also helps tremendously.

by t_t_t_t, Dec 14, 2002 12:00AM
Hi, I have suffered with constipation for close to 30 years now, i have ibs i have tried tons of things and nothing ever worked properly, recently tho i bought a produce called prodiem it is a fiber which is in a small bead like form you take it once of twice a day and follow it with water, i myself take about 1 big tablespoon in the afternoon and i am gaurennted a bm in the morning, it has been a life saver for me.



hth

t_t_t_t

by JONIEB, Dec 14, 2002 12:00AM
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR FEED BACK-YOU ALL ARE GREAT. I WILL TRY ALL OF YOUR SUGGESTIONS AND THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

SINCERELY,

JONIEB

by CaptKJK, Dec 15, 2002 12:00AM
Ok, you have caused your problem. Your intestine is now dependent on laxatives for normal bowel movements.  By abruptly stopping them your intestine has been shocked.  I'm assuming normal colored stools, no family history of colon cancer, no narcotic use, and no fever/chills/night sweats or weight loss.

Take mineral oil with each meal, use fibercon not metamucil, stay away from milk products, eat yogurt, and pick up stool softeners....such as colace or ducolax....followup with your provider. YOu know everyone needs a colon screening scope at 50 years old.  This is called a flexible sigmoidoscopy, but if you continue to have problems or there is blood in your stool then a colonscope will be needed, and probably sooner.

KJK

by JONIEB, Dec 15, 2002 12:00AM
KJK

Yes, I know I have caused my own problem. The stool color is usually dark to black. I usually sweat-chill at night but I attribute that to my pain medication, no problem with weight loss. I have no family history of colon cancer but a lot of other cancers on both sides of my family, lung-throat-skin and bone. I do not use narcotics nor do I drink-I do take ultram but I as far as I know it is not a narcotic.

I take pain medication continuously so am not sure about the fever. Is there a certain type of mineral oil? I am curious as to how much of the mineral oil I should take? I have tried ducolax to no avail, Nonetheless-I will take your suggestions seriously and try each one. I thank you so very much for taking the time to reply.

Sincerely,

Jonie

by CaptKJK, Dec 15, 2002 12:00AM
If you are having black stools and aren't taking iron, this could be evidence of an upper gastrointestinal bleed.  Black stools mean you are bleeding into your intestine, the blood is being reabsorbed and broken down into bilirubin.  You definitely need to see a doc to discuss a scope.  Mineral oil...1tsp w/ each meal, increase to 2 tsp as tolerated.

Good luck..........

KJK

by JONIEB, Dec 17, 2002 12:00AM
Thank You KJK.

I really appreciate all your time and information. I have no insurance you know, that really makes it tough, but if all of the other advice that you have suggested do not prove to be benifical...I will see what I can do about a doctor. Thank You once again and GOD bless you always~

JonieB

by cherr, Dec 31, 2002 12:00AM
when i took my daughter to a specialist, i was told that M.O.M. is nonaddictive, natural and can be taken everyday.  you will have to test and adjust to find the right dosage for you.  best of all, it's over the counter and fairly inexpensive.  it doesn't taste all that well so you'll also want to experiment and find your flavor preference.
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