What do YOU consider severe constipation?
#26997 - 11/13/03 07:35 PM
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Just curious... whenever I mention that I suffer from bad constipation, many pipe up and say "Me Too".. when I ask how often they 'go'.. they say only every few days.. I WISH!!! I feel bad that these people don't feel well, but I can't help but laugh..
Personally, I can go weeks without a bowel movement.. is anyone else out there this bad?? I have been like this for years and nothing seems to help.. so yes I have to use over the counter remedies that are 'bad' for you (which don't always work), colonics (temporary relief), .. but what else am I supposed to do??
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Oh you poor thing, that's awful!! Have you been to a gastroenterologist? If not, you should -- that's really severe.
What kind of over the counter remedies are you using? Long-term use of stimulant laxatives can REALLY damage your colon. Using stool-softener (osmotic) remedies like Milk of Magnesia is much safer. There is also a prescription osmotic laxative called MiraLax that some people have a lot of success with.
Are you taking a soluble fiber supplement, like citrucel or acacia (from Heather's site)? That's incredibly important for IBS because it soothes the gut and keeps things moving.
Ash
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Thank you... I did see a gastroenterologist.. he just laughed at me and told me nothing was wrong with me. Unfortunately, Miralax is not available in Canada.. I have tried. I only use laxatives, enemas etc when I'm desperate.
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I agree, I don't consider having a BM every few days "severe" constipation. I have read that anything over 3 days is considered constipation, but severe is another matter entirely. I have also struggled with contipation for my entire life, so I know how you feel. Personally, I don't consider it severe until I haven't gone in over 5 days, and then I really start to worry. I don't know about you, but when it gets past that point and starts getting close to a week I usually lose my appetite and start feeling a little bit sick. Thankfully, since I've been following Heather's diet and taking soluble fiber supplements it rarely gets to that point anymore. Do you take any soluble fiber supplements? If not, that's the first thing I'd recommend! I've also heard that using suppositories is a better way to relieve constipation than taking laxatives by mouth, because they're not as harsh on your system. Other than making sure you get lots of fiber, I don't know what else to recommend! I can't believe your GE laughed at you. I don't consider 2 weeks without a BM a laughing matter at all! I really hope you get things under control. Keep us posted!
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"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Hi! Hope you are feeling better. It is hard to believe the nerve of these so-called specialists, saying such things to people who are obviously suffering. That being said, how much exercise and water do you get each day? I was in great shape while I was off from work, because of regular meals, lots of water, and plenty of exercise (not to mention less stress). Since returning to work, I have been making an effort to do 30 minutes of walking each day, as well as ten minutes of stretching. So if you are not already doing the same kind of thing, walking and strecthing would be my advice. And from one Canuck to another - don't lose hope. Things will improve with time and effort.
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Are you doing the following?
Taking a fiber supplement? If so, what kind and what's your dose? Getting enough exercise? Drinking lots & lots & lots & lots of water? Eating enough insoluble fiber, safely incorporated with soluble? Have you tried taking a magnesium supplement?
Those are some of the most obvious things I can think of to help constipation. Let us know. 
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I would call you severe! I'm IBS C also, I start getting really sick feeling after 3-4 days. I find Glycerin suppositories better than oral laxatives. I am on Miralax and its terrible you can't get it in Cananda!! Have you considered seeing an American doctor and getting a script filled here? I take it every day and now I go almost everyday! Other than that, the others gave to best advice. Hope things get moving for you! 
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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I have actually gone an entire MONTH without going before. That was an extreme situation, but I personally wouldn't consider once every few days constipation!
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Thanks everyone... I do take a supplement, which I've asked Heather about who said it sounds alright. I really wish I could get Miralax up here (I've tried it before and it gave me some relief. I do drink water, but admittedly don't get much exercise.. I just feel so sluggish and depressed. It's tough enough to get up for work some days 
I am currently on Zelnorm, which really isn't helping with anything other than cramps from my regular doctor... whereas a naturopath thinks it is a slow thyroid (something I've always suspected).
Again, thank you for being so compassionate.. I hope you are all well.
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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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