IBS and chronic constipation - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

black_eyes · 11-19-2002, 02:56 PM

i have had chronic constipation every now and then for the last couple of years. But a couple of months it has gotten so severe!! i have changed my diet to fiber eg. high bran, apples, pears etc, drink plenty of fluids, prune juice, burdock, wholemeal foods...cut completely down on junk food. but nothing makes me have the urge to go....i spend hours in the toilet, 4 times a night...and nothing.

i take a strong laxative when i really need to but its so painful....i have also developed internal piles. There has been a few occasions where i take a laxative and develop diarrehea. i only have a bowel movement every 3-4 days, maybe up to a week but i never feel completely empty after a movement. im constantly bloated (discomfort too) plus i give out gas. im too scared to touch food now and im always constantly stressed and moody. tell me is this a sign of Irritable bowel syndrome??? my dad has had IBS - constipation type. Info will be appreciated thanx

11-20-2002, 04:39 AM

Unfortunately, laxatives are not the best way to have a bowel movement if you are constipated and because of the way that they work, they will give you very severe stomach cramps.

An alternative is to use glycerine suppositories instead. These will stimulate the bowel from underneath and without the pain.

I would suggest that you start Metamucil. This is a water soluble fiber supplement and is just as good for diarrhea as for constipation. Ensure you take it with plenty of water though and it is safe to be taken twice daily.

Also, start taking Acidophilus caps or eating live yogurt. This will help rebalance your good gut bacteria and should help with your bloating and gas pains. You should start to notice a difference after a few days.

You should also start taking a Magnesium supplement. This is very good for constipation and you may be low on this if you are constipated.

Try this and good luck, but do stay away from the laxatives.

black_eyes · 11-20-2002, 04:52 AM

thanx for the info supersarah

. i rarely take laxatives, i take them when i REALLY need to. My doc is going to refer me to the hospital to get proper examination. ive heard about metamucil and acidophilus but i dont want to take them just now....ill take them as a last resort.

my doc prescribed me fybogel and bisacodyl. i took 2 bisacodyl tablets 2 nights ago and i still havent had a bowel movement - its just too painful. I am surprised as bisacodyl is a very strong laxative.

im have been grumpy all week

11-20-2002, 10:23 AM

Can I ask why you want to leave Metamucil and Acidophilus as a last resort? These are both natural products and one is a fiber supplement that will help your bowels and movements and get you back to normal quicker and Acidophilus will also help correct the balance of your gut bacteria and can also help your stomach to be better.

Why are you using a strong laxative when you could be using glycerine suppositories instead? These will help stimulate the bowel from below without the bad belly cramps that laxatives produce.

I have to say that I don't quite understand your logic with this. The Metamucil and Acidophilus should become part of your routine to get your bowels working and to keep them working. They are not a last resort whereas laxatives most certainly are in my book anyway!! Metamucil is not a laxative but a water soluble fiber supplement - both natural products.

black_eyes · 11-20-2002, 04:57 PM

tell me something? If i take metamucil, will my bowels depend on this product for the rest of my life??

I was on flaxseed for 3 months and i had a bowel movement daily. plus i expelled solid (painfree) stools. but as soon as i came off flaxseed my constipation returned...

Can metamucil, acidophilus, glycerine suppositories prescribed by ur doc...or is it available in a herbal shop. ive have had chronic constipation for 3 yrs and i have never heard of these products before.

thanx for the info