topic Re: Constipation in Wellness

Constipation

halfpint1 — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 22:37:48 GMT

A delicate matter. Before my operation like 10 days I had trouble. When in the hospital they gave me pills. Went ok, still pills when out at home but not much. My stomach isn't bothering me but I know this can't be natural. What can I eat that would guarantee a good one? fruit at lunch today. Sorry if insensitive.

Re: Constipation

HandJive — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 22:41:56 GMT

Ask your doctor about Probiotics.

Re: Constipation

Snowpuppy — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 22:48:26 GMT

I suffered a bout of it due to thyroid issues. Posters here were a tremendous help.

You have to find what works for you. Which can be difficult. Entire bottle of Miralax did nothing. Some suggested oatmeal, flax, etc.

I also found that too much fiber can backfire and you're worse off than before!

Two very small apples work for me. One as a late morning snack and one in the afternoon.

I take my Lessman Maximum Omega 3's in the evening with coffee. Helps things move well.

Re: Constipation

151949 — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 22:56:40 GMT

It sounds like you are taking too many pain pills - they slow down the digestive process and you get constipated. take a laxative like Milk of magnesia and ask the doctor to give you something different for pain that is non narcotic. If the MOM doesn't work - you will need to call the doctor and ask him what he likes you to take. It is almost always from the pain pills.This Is a serious problem though and MUST BE ADDRESSED.

Re: Constipation

goodstuff — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 22:57:53 GMT

Have you been taking prescription pain medication? This is common after surgery and can be a cause of major constipation issues. I'd suggest you talk with your surgeon's office; I can guarantee his nurse fields these questions many times a day and can recommend or call in something to help if necessary.

Generally, you want to drink plenty of fluids, eat fruits and fiber, take a stool softener like Colace, and if things don't move along on their own, you might try Milk of Magnesia. But I'd suggest you talk to your surgeon's office for specific help and recommendations.

Re: Constipation

Naturesbeauty — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 22:58:35 GMT

All I can say is......""TRISCUTS"" crackers!!!!!! Eat several everyday!!!! They work......just the plain ones. They have lots of fiber.

Re: Constipation

lolakimono — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 23:00:01 GMT

You can also try Natural Calm, and it might help even more if you drink it hot.

I think dried apricots work well. You might want to ask about a stool softener also, for when things start moving.

Re: Constipation

lizzief — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 23:39:24 GMT

I understand your problem! I take narcotics daily due to chronic pain from neck issues. A serious side effect is constipation. The solutions of stool softeners and over the counter products don't really do the trick for me. The only thing that has worked is Milk of Magnesia, because it softens as well as moves things along - you need both! Lately I've found, without even intending for it to happen, that popcorn helps! No kidding! I've been addicted to Smart Food - a cheddar popcorn - lately, and the happy side effect has enabled me to be a bit more regular. I also try to eat fresh fruit and vegetables.

Re: Constipation

dooBdoo — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 23:42:56 GMT

Please ask your physician(s) and others who know your specific situation.

Otherwise, you'll be applying random remedies to a symptom rather than a cause (or causes), and the remedies might not be appropriate to your own, individual needs, and might even create more problems.

I hope you're healing well from your surgery and the complications you wrote about in another thread. Take good care of yourself, halfpint.

Re: Constipation

madcity411 — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 23:56:55 GMT

A proper balanced diet of veggies, fruit, grains and a protein plus a reasonable amount of exercise! That should do it. The probiotics in addition under medical care is also good advice. Hope you are feeling better!

Re: Constipation

Sunshine — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 23:57:57 GMT

I'm going through chemo now and constipation is one of the side effects. The only thing that has worked for me is Senokot S. It's a vegetable laxative with a stool softener. Hope you find something that works for you.

Re: Constipation

akaburtonfan — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 00:01:28 GMT

Drink lots of water -- especially if you add anything with fiber as it can back you up more.

Re: Constipation

terrier3 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 00:26:18 GMT

Can you walk & get around. If you aren't active - that part of you won't be active either!

BTW - How is your back feeling? I know you went through a lot of secondary problems too.

Did the back operation itself work?

Re: Constipation

halfpint1 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 02:44:11 GMT

Thank you all for your answers. I am not taking anything for pain. The pills are stool softeners. I take blood pressure meds and thyroid. I haven't done much in getting out. Too exhausted and depressed that I can't do much although I seem to be healing OK. It is very hot here.

Re: Constipation

sienna123 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 03:06:37 GMT

Finally had to go to the Dr. Put me on Linzess and it is working really well. I also drink a glass of Light Plum Juice daily and eat salads, fruits & veggies.

Re: Constipation

Carmie — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 03:23:56 GMT

Try brown sugar...it works! My children's doctor recommended it for when they were little and it works and tastes good too.

Put some in milk or cereal or whatever. It doesn't hurt to try it.

Re: Constipation

violann — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 12:54:25 GMT

On 9/26/2014 halfpint said:
Thank you all for your answers. I am not taking anything for pain. The pills are stool softeners. I take blood pressure meds and thyroid. I haven't done much in getting out. Too exhausted and depressed that I can't do much although I seem to be healing OK. It is very hot here.

If you have any additional thyroid symptoms be SURE to have your DR. evaluate your current thyroid status. Stress (like from surgery) can throw off your thyroid functioning, and make evrything else feel worse. Doesn't hurt to be sure.

Re: Constipation

Campion — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 12:56:22 GMT

On 9/26/2014 GoodStuff said:
Have you been taking prescription pain medication? This is common after surgery and can be a cause of major constipation issues. I'd suggest you talk with your surgeon's office; I can guarantee his nurse fields these questions many times a day and can recommend or call in something to help if necessary.

Generally, you want to drink plenty of fluids, eat fruits and fiber, take a stool softener like Colace, and if things don't move along on their own, you might try Milk of Magnesia. But I'd suggest you talk to your surgeon's office for specific help and recommendations.

GOOD POINT. Any opioids (vicodin, oxycodone, codeine) stop you up like crazy. And even fruit, prunes, veggies, softeners and other stuff don't help me if I have to take them. Walking and moving are important, water, etc but while you're on certain meds, it's a fight.

Re: Constipation

halfpint1 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 18:18:52 GMT

I read the bottle and it said I could take two. I also too more water in and happy to say I got cleaned out. Am writing down all your suggestions. Thanks again.

Re: Constipation

terrier3 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 20:12:11 GMT

On 9/26/2014 halfpint said:
Thank you all for your answers. I am not taking anything for pain. The pills are stool softeners. I take blood pressure meds and thyroid. I haven't done much in getting out. Too exhausted and depressed that I can't do much although I seem to be healing OK. It is very hot here.

I'm glad you aren't in any pain...that's a good start!

You've been through major surgery - that will knock anyone for a loop.

Take it slow but steady...