constipation and lack of bowel activity

[Mark N]

I have suffered with the inability to defecate due to nerve damage from my spinal issues along with slow motility. I can't emphasize how serious this problem can be and it got that way for me. Taking fiber only adds to the problem. Finally taking miralax was the answer for me along with using enemas to stimulate my bowels to operate. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about this problem and make sure your problem is taken seriously. It wasn't until I saw a gastro-intestinal doctor that it was determined I needed a laxative that increased my motility not one that was a stimulant.

[Nana4&cntn]

Mod #3

Great idea! Due to taking many pain and anti-depression meds constipation is a major problem for myself. Eating lage amounts of fiber can back fire fo me. I make sure to drink plenty of fluids and take OTC Surfak or generic Docusate calcium as directed by my Gastro doc. Walking when able is also very important. I also have used Miralax periodically and enema or suppositories when motility has stopped. I have also had an ilieus requiring hospitalization. Constipation can be a very large health issue. I hope this helps even 1 person. I spend most of my time in Chronic Pain and Spinal Disorders.

Kathy
__________________

[Jo6]

I have been "at John's House" since late '90's, I should have thought of this, or some of the other sub-forums before. Call me a late bloomer:p

Over the years I have noticed the older people seemed to feel more at ease to discuse this. I'm older than dirt so I've always been old.

Maybe this forum will help those that need to talk, but were too shy to do so. I am hoping to guide others to this forum.

David, been meaning to tell you the sub for seizures, can't spell the word I'm searching for ((old age again))

My granddaughter has used it, but went on to the home forum. She does have Epilepisy. She was devastated. The forums have been a help for her as well as me. thank you.

I'm hoping this forum will be of great help for many. As Kathy said, if it helped only a few the effort would be worth it.

Thank you Mod #3. you all are doing a good job.:)

[CathyE]

It wasn't until I saw a gastro-intestinal doctor that it was determined I needed a laxative that increased my motility not one that was a stimulant.

Is a laxative that increases motility by prescription? What are some names of ones?

[CathyE]

still would like my previous question answered :D

Also, how does a doctor (or you) determine that fibre is not good for you.
And, if so, which types of fibre are most important to avoid? or is that trial and error?
I assume we need some fibre and that since small amounts are in lots of different foods, that's how to get some but not enought to cause trouble. Is this right?

By the way my father required surgery for diverticulitus (years ago now) and my sister had one experience with it. So is it hereditary? Back then one doctor would say no fibre, the other would say fibre! But my dad did discover eating nuts could be painful!

Cathy

[Mark N]

Cathy E, sorry I have checked back on this sooner. Miralax is now OTC and Lactulose is still a prescription laxative that many people prefer. The fiber issue was a trial and error deal. If you have harder and harder BMs as you add more fiber then fiber isn't good for you. I really develop problems if I eat too many foods that are considered fiber foods. I do much better staying away from foods high in fiber. Cathy, I don't know if the disease is hereditary or not but bowel problems generally are. I hope I was able to give you some answers that make your life easier. I swear my bowel problems bother me as much as my severe chronic pain.

[Richard Long]

:)I'm not sure that I haven't posted this information already, but I have suffered from severe constipation due to multiple sclerosis for many many years, & have been hospitalized for constipation. At least three times.
I bought recently at a drug store, a major vitamin manufacturers brand of Papaya Enzyme -- and it works wonders!!
I take two the night before I attempt to evacuate my bowels, along with some other stuff, and it goes -- really well -- and it's not very expensive. Nor is is harsh

[Mark N]

Richard, thanks for the info. This is something I would try as it doesn't require much more effort from me. It would be much better if my bowels just worked the way they should but I have gotten use to dealing with this every day.

[Richard Long]

my consternation about my constipation is a lot worse than the normal person

[JAVISI]

Constipation can have a lot to do with your meds and the foods that you eat. my bowel has a mind of its own, all of a sudden it just decides to quit working. I have had many hospital stays because of it.

I try to due the right things but it just has a mind of its own. I am sure that we are not alone with this problem. I am fighting the battle right now!

Hang in there!
Dream Big and reach for the Stars, Javi

[toadally-healthy]

http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_consti.htm

Maybe this will help some of you. My son used to have HUGE stools. Not to be gross but there were times I had to get a stick and attack it once he eliminated. We've used pre & probiotics, increased fiber, cut out dairy, increased water, exercise, etc. He's eating healthier and does much better now.

[houghchrst]

Just a bump

[CathyE]

Thanks everyone for sharing about this "awkward" topic.

Mineral oil can be taken orally and if you choose to do so I would strongly advise that you keep a separate oil bottle for ingestion another for enema bottles for obvious reasons.


Pike, do you mean taking mineral oil orally will have the same effect as the enema - if the enema often does not work for hours - like about 12 or so :eek:
Or did you mean maybe do both?
OOPS. I just had a thought. I think if you take mineral oil orally it could block the absorption of other meds? Anyone know for sure?

I also have a question about Miralax. Is it the same thing as docusate sodium or is it another type of stool softener? I have asked at 2 pharmacies and have been told they are the same, but what I have read on the internet seems to imply they are somewhat different.
So I think when they said they are the same, maybe they meant both are stool softeners. My hope is that Miralax might work better for me!

Lastly, can you take a stool softener after each meal or just at night or what frequency?

Thanks,
Cathy

[joy]

thanks for the link toadally-healthy

http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_consti.htm

[BrierRose]

This is helpful and very informative. Thanks for sharing this.