Chronic constipation ruining my life

[Puel]

Had CC for years. I’ve had all the blood tests, had the camera up the bum - no reason ever found. If I take movicol I end up looking 9 months pregnant and passing small amounts of diarrhoea. I’ve upped fibre - this causes bloating and no result. Drink shit loads of water - no difference. The only thing that works is bisocodyl which I have to take once a week just to make sure I have at least one poo a week - however you’re not supposed to take it regularly so I worry I’m doing even more damage to myself. I’m so fed up. Dr isn’t interested, says all tests are clear.

Anyone else had CC with no cause??

Maybe experiment with different types of fruit. Apples make me go!

1 laxido a day. always take it even if you have a soft poo day. I think the trick is to keep doing the same thing long term.

Agree. That’s not a diet for someone who gets constipated. Swop porridge for fruit or put it in your porridge and chia seeds and flaxseed and then less a bready lunch. I can feel all those carbs solidifying in my stomach just reading that!

No o am thinking of lactose which the enzymes in kiwi fruit can help break down meaning people who have trouble digesting lactose ( milk ) can help alleviate the problem if they are eating kiwi fruit

Coffee and (if you can cope with one a few times a week) a cigarette in the morning will stimulate the bowel to go.

I keep a stool next to the loo for my feet and I use glycerin suppositories if I need to when I have got impacted.

Lots of fermented foods and pulses in your diet. Linseed and chia seeds with breakfast.

Ah OK, I'm lactose intolerant and never knew that sbout kiwis! Really good to know thanks.

Lots of good advice on this thread. I used to have a wholefood stall and I sold a lot of linseeds. My customers told me they were very effective. Sprinkle a couple of teaspoonfuls on almost anything. You can crush them, but there's no need. Can you see professional dietary advice?

OP, please don't have a cigarette to help constipation, fucking hell.

Add chia seeds, flaxseed, oats for breakfast, inulin to your cup of tea

Am reminded of the first edition of Dr Spock which apparently recommends relaxing with a cigarette before/during breastfeeding.

I know you said you’ve had all the blood tests, but just checking you’ve been tested for coeliac disease? I had CC for years, finally diagnosed with coeliac disease which changed everything. Hope you get somewhere soon x

Have you considered going on a low carbohydrate diet. Carbs are bad for constipation.

Eat very ripe pears throughout the day.

I feel your pain.

Have you tried fruits and fibre from Holland and Barrett? It's a fruit tablet with natural ingredients. I take half every day and it has kept me regular.

If you do try it, remember to cut it into smaller pieces. The taste in my opinion, is not pleasant but small pieces make it better, I also choose not to chew it, just squash it and swallow lol.

Honestly, glycerol suppositories.

Pop one up the bum, lie on your bed for 15 minutes and you'll be cleared out in no time at all.

They're dead cheap on Amazon and work amazingly.

Harmless as it's a sugary solution that loosens the stuck stools up and makes your poo soft and easy to come out.

Might seem alien at first, but I use one straight away if I'm ever constipated.

Absolutely!
As soon as I had to stop running due to Achilles issues my constipation returned despite eating well and strength training. Brisk walking, jogging and running all stimulate the intestines and speed up transit time through the bowels.

Hiya,
The raised foot posture has a positive impact here, knees need to be higher than pelvis ideally.
Have you tried anything bacteria-based like a probiotic such as BioGaia or Symprove? Symprove is fairly expensive but worth looking into, there tend to be deals for a 3 month trial. For me it worked initially but didn’t maintain the same effect but everyone is different. BioGaia drops have been positive so far for my little girl who also had issues with constipation.
Dad used to have results with apricot juice.
Hope you find your answer.

Chia seeds are my saviours. A couple of table spoons mixed with enough milk to cover them and 3 tbsp of natural yogurt; topped with fruit. Leave it for a couple of hours so the seeds rehydrate. Works without fail!

Im quite bad too could be days. I upped my fluids more fruit etc. I cant drink loads as help on school bus with kids! Had colon checked last year. Suggested better eating and water

Recent research indicates it could be your gut bacteria, you could try the SEED probiotic and prebiotic tablet.

Are they the Ortis cubes? The ones which stick to your teeth?

Have you given birth vaginally before? Could be pelvic floor dysfunction, worth seeing a women’s health physio.

If you go on the Linwoods website they have lots of recipes for flaxseeds which make them not horrible.

Prune baby food pouches. If you’re not going anywhere for a couple of days you could mix one of them into some chia pudding and wash it down with a double espresso. But it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Don't want to scare you but partner had this for years. Eventually turned out to be a symptom of a Parkinson's type disease. Other symptoms included disturbed REM sleep and disappearance of his sense of smell. No one put the symptoms together until he started to have serious falls and other parkinson type symptoms. If you really can't fix it the usual ways it is worth checking for possible more serious causes. I am only mentioning this because I wish we had known earlier and wouldn't want anyone else to dismiss these apparently unrelated symptoms.

Have you had you thyroid tested?

Take 5 x your body weight in pounds of magnesium, (so, for example, if you are 140 pounds, take 700mg a day). Oxide is wonderful for constipation, but try to get as many bioavailable forms as you can to increase absorption; so epsom salts baths; magnesium lotion/cream/spray oil on your skin (soles of your feet is fab for getting it into your system quickly). Magnesium glycinate is great for sleep and threonate good for mood.

Be very careful with fibre as it can do the opposite of what you are needing it to do and just bloat you and cause discomfort.

How is your gut? Look into probiotics to get your microbiome in check.

I would advise you research Mega Mag by Trace Minerals and read the reviews. please be careful with it and go low and slow as it will cause diarrhoea if you take too much too soon. It is expensive but potent.

Finally, ensure your diet contains lots of good fats.

My daughter suffered years of constipation - all investigations were clear and they concluded a slow moving colon. She has a magnesium protocol now and is completely fine (with probiotics and other supplements to ensure mineral balance).

Chai seeds as the PP says are excellent. Take daily, 2 table spoons (drink plenty of water as chai seeds absorb loads of water (which is a great thing for constipation)) and agree re fasting. Absolutely brilliant to rest your gut.

Hope this helps.