Constipated? - Smoking Cessation Message Board

CloudiDay · 02-20-2001, 01:17 AM

There was a forum on the old boards about quitting smoking and constipation. Has anyone come up with anything since then?

I quit about 2 weeks ago, and have been *really* constipated ever since. I was one of those people who couldn't get any action in the morning without a cup of tea and a cig -- now I'm stuck.

I've been doing everything I've read to do: walking briskly, drinking gallons of water, taking metamucil, drinking senna tea, drinking coffee, not drinking coffee... But, nothing helps!

If any of you have any drugs/treatments that worked for you (besides juice, salad, etc.), please respond!

starr92 · 07-20-2005, 12:02 PM

I am also having this problem!!!! It will be 3 weeks on friday without a smoke,which i great!! BUT I Can't Go!!!! LOL It is becoming a BIG problem! Any one know why this happens or anything that will help me along! LOL!!

Dendeb · 07-20-2005, 02:53 PM

Congratulations to both of you on your quits!

A common symptom of of smoking cessation....
Quitstipation --Irregularity in bowel movements associated with smoking cessation, caused by a change in GI tract bacterium.

What helped me the most was eating applesauce every day.
Applesauce was not something I had often, but my daughter had some of those individual ones. I had one...it tasted good. After a day or two of eating applesauce, I was back to 'normal'. And I have kept up the habit of having some each day.

Maybe it can help you, too.

Debbie (smoke free 138 days)

Zeethan · 07-28-2005, 09:52 PM

Try eating some black licorice, I know it has a certain effect on me. Altoids make Liquorice drops now too. Get a bottle of fiber caps, buy bread with high fiber. I know there is some out there with atleast 5 grams of fiber, and it's not like eating a shingle either.

Cher2005 · 07-31-2005, 05:23 PM

I quit 42 days ago after having bypass surgery. Same thing. Horribly constipated, partly from the surgery, partly from the painkillers and partly from the smoking cessation. I have tried everything too. Fleets, suppositories, stool softeners, even laxatives. The laxative worked but painful stomach cramps! The milk of magnesia is my best bet. Will help you go, but not alot so far. Its been not much fun.
I am distended and very uncomfortable. Doctors are only concerned with my heart, they don't help me much with remedies.
Oh I have been drinking prune juice. Will soften too.