Constipation

Sorry if this is TMI, but I'm dealing with a serious case of constipation. I quit smoking back in July and my stomach has been a wreck ever since. I also have hashimotos which doesn't help either. I'm super bloated, my stomach hurts, I'm gassy , and I'm gaining weight. I already work out regularly, eat decently though I could do better, and drink pretty much nothing but water. I already take Metamucil but it's not helping.
I need to take something to help me go. Pronto. I'm off on Friday so I want to take something tomorrow night, so if I have to stay close to home Friday I can. What do you suggest? Smooth Move Tea, OTC laxative, Miralax, enema?


UPDATE- I researched a bunch of different laxatives and the one with the most positive reviews was Smooth Move Tea. I took a cup at bedtime last night and still haven't gone. I swore from the reviews that I would wake up and go, but I barely even feel a rumble in my stomach,
I'm going to talk to my Dr. And see what he suggests. It doesn't seem normal that the tea didn't do anything at all.

Update2- I'm sorry I forgot to update this sooner, the tea did wind up working, it just happened later in the day then I expected. I took it again that night and went again the following morning. I went on my own the following day. Then I went another 3 days without going. Took the tea again one night and have now gone two mornings in a row.
I have had absolutely no cramping with the tea or diarrhea. It looks like I've found my new go-to to get things moving. I know you're not supposed to use it more then 5 days in a row. So my plan is to use it anytime I go more then 3 days without going.

Message edited 10/10/2014 9:11:00 AM.

Re: Constipation

Sorry you are not feeling well.....have you ever just tried a glass of prune juice.
It always worked for me.

Constipation

I have been in the same boat, it stinks
I recently tried Miralax and it was a fast fix...I have been adding prunes to my diet and more fiber but nothing seems to work.
feel better and ps, the miralax has no taste I added it to lemonade

Re: Constipation

I also vote for miralax and prunes.
What about taking ducolax?
Feel better

Re: Constipation

Milk of Magnesia works a little quicker than Mirilax for me. Take it at night before bed and in the morning you will go.

Re: Constipation

i once ate a bunch of dried apricots and thought i was dying

but it worked!

Re: Constipation

Another piece of advice .... don't forget to eat. I dealt with this also, felt terrible and had no desire to eat from the bloat / gas. Once you stop eating regularly, your digestive tract slows down more. Try something high in fiber (oatmeal, rasin bran, etc.)

Constipation

one thing we find works with our son..... sugar free gummy bears. the sugar substitute in them will clean him out within a couple of hours usually. otherwise, his doc told us the last time this got bad, 5 capfuls of mirilax in the evening, and it should start working the next day, then use ex-lax every day for a month to keep him regulated. it did work. although he had to drink something like 64 ounces of liquid with all the mirilax that 1st night.

p.s. i did mean 5 capfuls. that wasn't a typo.

Message edited 10/3/2014 10:53:55 PM.

Re: Constipation

Have you tried Miralax?

Constipation

As a pp said, Google sugar free haribo gummy bears reviews. I don't have personal experience but based on those reviews those things will clear anyone out! I was rolling on the floor laughing!

Constipation

I suffered from horrible constipation when I was undergoing chemo two years ago. I wondered if living was going to be worth it, it was that bad.

To get rid of it, first I tried the nurse's suggestion of Dulcolax stool softeners, when they didn't work, I tried Dulcolax laxative, when that didn't get things going overnight I tried Milk of Magnesia. What DID finally start things moving along was when out of desperation I used a Fleet's Enema. You can get them in drug stores and some supermarkets. Use it carefully so that you do not hurt yourself, and use no more than one a day, but I promise, it will soften up your stool and get it moving simply because it puts water directly into your rectum where you need it most. An enema may not empty you out completely or all at once, but just getting some out and allowing the rest to move along a bit while the Dulcolax or Milk of Magnesia do their thing will make a difference and will make you more comfortable (Don't take both at once). READ labels carefully.

You also must be sure you are drinking enough water. If you don't like water, try flavoring it with some juice or eating watery fruits like watermelon, strawberries, etc.

Once I got over the first terrible five day bout, I was super careful to watch my diet. For me that meant eating a fiber rich cereal like Kashi Autumm Wheat squares with lots of fruit each morning and being sure I had eight glasses of water, or the equivalent in fluids and juicy fruits. I still do both now.

I also highly recommend that you take a probiotic to replenish your gut with healthy microbes. Keffir yoghurt drinks are a good ones - my doctor recommends them. Skip yogurts like Activia that claim to be probiotic because most are just heavily sugared deserts with little benefit for you.

Good luck!