Hi, I've had horrible IBS-C, along with fissures for 6 months. It was so bad in the beginning, that I ended up in the hospital. I was severely impacted, and it took taking laxatives for over a week to finally get it all out. My doc first put me on Bentyl, to help with the cramping and to keep things moving right. The Bentyl seemed to do little or nothing for the cramping, but did get me having 1 BM a day. My doc then switched me to Levbid, and Colace. He wanted me to take the Colace 2x daily, long term. I quit the Colace after reading up on it, and realizing that it probably wasn't good for long term use. The Levbid only further constipated me. So, I quit taking it aswell. I take in more than enough fiber and water everyday , and I still have very hard stools, if I can go at all. Now, that I've stopped all the meds I no longer have any bleeding fissures, but the only thing that allows me to have any BM's at all is drinking coffee in the morning. The doc told me I should avoid coffee because it can irritate my colon. But, it's the only thing that helps. The doc did give me some Naproxen for my cramps, but it does not help much either. I go back to the doc next week, and I was hoping to see about a different med. Anyone know much about Zelnorm? I was thinking about asking for that to try. I'm so sick and tired of the pain, and not having BM's without coffee! Any info on other IBS meds would be appreciated! Thanks! :)

Hi PajamaMomma,

I suffer from IBS-C variety as well. However, I take a quarter of a bile salts pill with each meal to help me with my constipation (I split the pills into four with a pill splitter). Bile salts is a supplement for people who have had their gall bladder removed, so it is entirely natural. It helps reduce the absorption of water, and the digestion of fats in the digestive system - but it also acts like a laxative in that it reduces stomach discomfort to a certain extent.

It is only something you should take if you are sure you are going to suffer from a hard stool, because it will cause diarrhea otherwise or it further add to diarrhea. It is extremely effective, which is why you should take only a quarter of a pill to start with. Only take it with a meal though - if you take it after wards it doesn't always get spread properly in the food and so you may suffer from inconsistent stools. (D and C mixed).

Well, I hope this helps you. Bile salts supplements are over the counter (no prescription) and so it is easy to obtain from a pharmacy or at a natural food store.

Cheers and good luck, Raju.

Thank you! I'll have to get some of that and give it a try. :)