laxative abuse- please help - Bowel Disorders Message Board

courtneyclv · 10-04-2003, 06:05 AM

I have been on these posts for a few months complaining about my IBS and how nothng helps my constipation. Ive tried Miralax, Zelnorm, Librax, fiber supplements, colonic cleansing, probiotics etc. I also had a colonoscopy. I NEVER have the feeling to go to the bathroom. Once i didnt go for 2 weeks. I am on the meds still and they dont work so once a week i have to take stimulant laxative pills. Enemas and even 4 glycerin suppositories dont work. I get bloated and gain 5 lbs when I dont go to the bathroom in the week. I know the laxatives are bad but nobody, including my doctor knows what I should do to go to the bathroom? (I have paid about $300 in the last month getting colonics just so I can 'go'. I have called the nurse after a week of not going to the bathroom and they tell me.."just keep taking everything"..even though its been over a month on the medicine.
What should I do?

mlgable · 10-04-2003, 11:15 PM

You need to see a gastroenterologist to find out why you don't have the feeling of the need to have a BM. In the meantime you need to work on retraining your bowels. Start with Metamucil 3 times daily as directed on the label. Use colace aka docusate to help keep your stools soft if they are hard until you get things under control. Drink prune juice or eat prunes every day at meals. Sit on the toilet for 5 minutes EVERY day after breakfast whether you have a BM or not. Increase your water intake to at least 2 quarts daily. If you haven't had a BM by the third day go ahead and try a glycerin suppository. If this is not effective then use a baking soda enema by mixing about a teaspoon or so of baking soda per quart of lukewarm water. Try to be sure to retain the solution for about 5 minutes before you expel it if you do need to use an enema. If you don't have sufficient results repeat with another baking soda enema or you may try a soap suds enema. Just remember to follow the soap suds enema with a baking soda enema if used as the castile soap can be harsh on the colon if not flushed out. You many possibly have something called mega colon but see a gastroenterologist to find out what is causing your problems.

Dave Kear · 10-05-2003, 01:40 AM

You need to rest your digestive system. The best way to do this is to go on a complete fast (distilled water only) If you can't do this drink fresh juices only, no food at all. If you break your arm you need to rest it. Push ups are great excersises for healthy arms. But if they're broken they need to rest in order to get well. Same with your digestive system. this goes for any digestive disease. We all have more reserves than most of us realize. A complete fast of 2 or 3 weeks, or more, will achieve incredible results. You should have some knowledge of what you're doing though. I'd recomend the book "fasting can save your life" by Herbert Shelton. Also, there are places that are run by doctors that provide supervised fasting.

courtneyclv · 10-05-2003, 05:42 AM

I have seen a specialist..how else could I have had a colonoscopy. He has no clue and I cant afford to see more doctors. I understand that fasting could work. Colonics work for about a week when I am all cleaned out..but then I get all bloated and constipated. I always try to 'start over' when I am all empty. How are the homemade enemas better for you then the onces at the store?

Dave Kear · 10-05-2003, 11:30 AM

The reason why all of us are having these digestive problems is because of years of wrong living. Eating too much, not watching correct food combinations, eating foods with chemicals, eating too much meat, caffeine, refined flours and sugar etc. etc.
When we treat these digestive diseases, we tend to treat the symptoms. This does nothing to stop the problems. When you force the body to act (laxatives, enemas) and you don't handle the cause of the disease, it's going to get worse. Stop trying to force the body with drugs and stimulating therapies. You need to rest more than anything else. Then you need to correct your way of life. Eat mostly organic raw fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, learn about proper food combining. There's too much to go into here. Start with the book "Fasting can save your life" by Herbert Shelton. I don't give this advice lightly. I do so after many years of struggling with health problems. You need to educate yourself properly. It's a jungle out there, and there's lots of contradicting advice. Most of which will make you sicker. Do what makes the most sense to you. I offer another avenue for you to check out. Here's a head start. [url="http://www.anhs.org/health.htm"]http://www.anhs.org/health.htm[/url]