Cronic Constipation - Bowel Disorders Message Board

Miss_Murder · 07-25-2006, 12:50 PM

For the past 7 years I've had problems with constipation, I'm 15 now and I'm tired of it. Right now I'm stuck takeing daily doses of glycolax, miralax, and other versions of this white powered laxative. If I ever stopped taking it , for even a week, I would end up needing an enima. I saw a gastroenterologist a few years back, they did a few tests. All I remember is that they had ruled out a blockage and put me on this medication. It's a very embarasing problem and one that I don't want to have to live with but until I'm on my own I see no other option but to stay on my meds and live with it.

It's not healthy though. I'm completely dependant on the glycolax. I could always change my diet, or go for more tests but right now it seems much more convientent , for my parents, that is, to just deal with it. Tests mean doctors, doctors mean money. Money they don't have. Same with the diet. I'm a healthy kid, I get my exercise, drink plenty of water, and I have a healthy BMI but my diet is horrible. The cabnets at home are full of cookies, tasty cakes, icecream, candy, ramen noodles etc. So I've convinced them to start buying fruits, veggies, soy milk and whole wheat bread but they are tired of buying extra food for us kids, meaning my vegitarian sister. I've suggested the diet thing in the past but that only raise new issues which I won't get into. I guess my problem is my parents. I could always be upfront with it and say 'Listen, I need help.' But their solution to everything seems to be therapy (since the insurance covers it and all)

Also, I'm not exactly sure what it is that causes me to be cronically constipated I've been doing resrearch to hopefully find out though. Could I have IBS ?

-Amanda <3

danimal15 · 07-27-2006, 09:02 AM

I'm sorry you're having problems and that your parents don't seem to understand. The good thing is, you know what you're doing isn't healthy. You have to stop taking those meds; you've become dependent on them - a very unhealthy situation. It will be difficult for your body to get back to normal, but you need to let the process begin as soon as possible. Luckily, you understand the need for a proper diet, something many adults don't (and your parents may be among them). Your sister is a vegetarian. Have you thought of becoming one? Then your parents could just buy the same food for both of you, and shopping would be less of an issue. Junk food and meat have no role in healthy digestion; only fruits and vegetables (and to some extent, whole grain) can do that for you.

At the very least, try eating a healthy whole grain cereal like grape nuts each morning, along with fruit juice and some fresh fruit. Add some dried fruit to your diet as well, such as prunes. Keep up the exercise. Try coffee - that can speed things up for many people.

Another thing to think about - take wheat out of your diet. Some peoples' systems can't handle it. Eat yogurt, too.

IBS - it's possible, but not certain. You need a doctor who can discuss these issues with you, and you need parents who understand that therapy isn't the answer to every problem.

Good luck.