Hello,

I have chronic constipation and bloating and only go to the bathroom a couple of times a week. I almost always have hard dry stools.

I tried both Citrucul and Metamucil a few months ago but I got more bloated, so I stopped. I tried both for about 3 weeks and drank allot of water.

I am getting very frustated. I work out 4 times week am 5'10 183 pounds and have 11% body fat. But looking at my stoumach you would think I have a big beer belly.

Maybe I was taking the Citrucul anf Metamucil the wrong way? I would like to try again but need some help with the below questions?

1)Which is safer and better?

2)What does should you start with?

3)What time of the day should you take it?

4)What is the correct way to take it if increasing dose. How many days on one dose and then another?? How to divide the doses up during the day??

5)If more then one dose can you take at the same time??

6) How long many days, weeks, or months should I wait to see if it will work??

7) Can symptoms get worse before better?

8) Anthing to take in conjuction with the fiber.

Sorry for all the questions. I would just like to look and feel better.

David

Can somebody answer the above questions? I also have the same questions. Thanks.

Hi,

I think mlgable is real good on digestive problems and especially regimes for constipation remedies.


Sarah

Sarah,
Thanks for the reply. But what is mlgable? Is it a prescription drug? Thanks.

Hi All,

Apols for the confusion. mlgable is not a drug, but a person who posts on here and is big on bowel probs. Harry is a good person to advise on these sorts of probs, but anyway here goes.

I think Metamucil would be better to take. It contains fiber and will soften your stools. It is safe to continue taking it and I think you could probably take it twice a day if needed.

Here is a point by point plan to help resolve constipation and keep your bowels regular.

1. Make sure your diet contains plenty of fiber and frut and veg.

2. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and be prepared to increase your fluid intake. Not just tea and coffee, but lots of water too.

3. Take Metamucil as per instructions on the pack.

4. Go and buy some prune juice and drink this or eat some prunes. These will work extremely quick or seem to mostly.

5. If you have not opened your bowels after this little lot then try not to take laxatives, but instead adminster a glycerine suppository to yourself and try and hold for at least 10 to 20 mins. You can by these OTC from a pharmacy.

4. Desperate measures. Give yourself a baking soda enema. It is easy to make up and more natural too.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Sarah

David:

I had the same problem and I was given coloxyl with senna and it works a treat. It helps retain fluid in the bowel so that your stools are soft. What was weird with me was I was retaining fluid but I was still badly constipated. They have just discovered that I have this bacteria in my stomach and since being on medication for that my constipation doesn't seem to be as bad and I hope it stays that way, and I havent had the coloxyl for about a month.

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David, I, too, have
very bad constipation. I found out from a friend's Dr. recommendations to take the dose of one tablespoonsfull of Metamucil (I use the Equate brand of fiber lax.) up to 3 times a day. I started out with mid-day dose & then again before bed. It may take a few days to get you started, but it works. I have now dropped down to one dose daily. Sometimes two. I put it in juice/water combination, stir briskly & drink, follow with a full glass of water. The fiber is good for the diet. I wasn't taking enough with 1 tsp. dose. I still am not regulated like I would like but much better! I found that most meds. & prx. cause constipation. But I must take the Estrogen & Hi blood pressure prx.s. I like prunes but they only give me gas that doesn't want to come out. Different fruits will work for different people. Try everything! Last but not least; the liquids you drink need to be mostly water. You can put lemon juice into water to change the taste & it will provide extra vitamin C. Hope this helps. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif