the "c" word

constipation, that is. i am having such problems, and i'm taking benefiber, drinking water, eating more fiber, etc. i've been reduced to taking a laxative, and i know this is not a long-term solution. any suggestions? signed, stove up in houston

Melissa, Are you eating any fruits or veggies? They really help with fiber too. I try to incorporate 1 fruit a day into my eating (usually strawberries). I ate cooked cauliflower the other day for the first time (it was nice and soft) and it definitely had lots of fiber (maybe a bit too much... LOL). We need fresh fruits and veggies in our diet on a daily basis, altho in small amounts than we use to eat of course. Drinks LOTS of fluids too. Dehydration can cause constipation too. I have only had problems twice since surgery and each time it was resolved using Benefiber for me. Hope you find some good solutions for you and feel better soon. Mary

i had lettuce twice this week, orange segments, cooked veggies, etc. i think it may be because of starting calcium supplements and some other meds. i hope it clears up because this is a bother! i drink a lot of water, crystal light, etc. so i don't think that's the problem thanks for the advice!

Meds can definitely have an affect and cause or contribute to constipation. Be careful with oranges and orange juice ... very high acid and your tummy is much more suspectible to ulcers now. Hope you find some answers soon. Mary

I hear ya Melissa . . . mine has been very bad as well. I started taking benefiber, eating prunes, I know I'm getting in my fluids, & I'm walking. I talked to my doc & they gave me some samples of some herbal pills (& I ordered them) Dr Schulze Intestinal Formula #1 & they've managed to produce an effect about every other day so far. I've also noticed (sorry if this is waaaayy gross) but that when I do go - that it isn't the same as pre-op. I mean it's not the same amount - which really freaked me out for awhile - but then I realized that it's probably because I'm just not eating the same amount as before. My doc's office also said that it's normal to not go for up to 4 days. They even knew a lady who would only go every 10 days (ouch!!). All I know, is that I've been having some discomfort in my lower back on my left hand side & I think it's being caused by constipation (I know it's not my kidneys) - so I'm really looking for a way to clear this up as well. I know that I can take some Milk of Magnesia - but like you said it should only be used once & awhile. If you want the info for the herbal pills that I'm trying feel free to e-mail me & if you come up with anything else, then please share!!!! -Amanda