constipation----sore subject

Has anyone had bad experiences with constipation since surgery. I know this is a very touchy subject, but I have never had so much problems with it in my life as I have had since my surgery. I drink LOTS of fluids every day, and if I have to take any type of pain medications for my back or migrains, I make sure to drink extra water. But lately I have been having troubles again, and with the troubles comes the hemroids...which make it even worse. Does anyone have any solutions for what I can do to help end this????? I have tried taking stool softeners and laxitives, but still no results, and it is really starting to hurt now. ANYONE????? HELP???? thanks Anita B 420/288/200 someday

Hi Anita! I've been constipated for about two weeks now, but I know it's due to my poor choices in foods. Have you tried the Milk of Magnesia? Take like 2 tablespoons a night for 5 days. If that doesn't seem to help you need to see your doctor. You could be backed up somewhere. Try adding more fiber to your foods. If you don't want to use foods because they generally have more carbs you could try a powder or pill form. Good luck! I know it's no fun. Amber 296/182/140 -114 POUNDS!

I have to take Milk of Magnesia every 1-2 weeks (I take 4 tbs) and usually get relief in 6 hours - no cramping. Also, every couple of days I have beans as my protein for a meal and that has helped me. Upping my water intake did not help. Hope you get to feeling better. Heather 4-11-05 291-177-150 -114

When I talked to my surgeon two weeks ago about my chronic post op constipation, he prescribed a purge with Magnesium Citrate. That cleared the pipes, if you get my drift. Now for maintenence, I eat an ounce or two of Ruffles Light potato chips fried in Olestra every day. They cause diarrhea in many people but it's just enough to keep me kind of regular. I also take two Colace stool softeners per day.

Hi Anita Ive never had this problem before my surgery and it seems to be going ok now, cos I have increased my protein shakes to try to get my weight moving and the skim milk seems to go right through me, so that helps. If I cant stand the protein shakes , I eat , and I guarantee this, a handful of macadamia nuts. Now I know they are high in fat , but thats what makes them a miracle. They are all natural. so yummy. Give them a try , I bet it works. Good luck with it. hugs from down under, hahah isnt it funny how it dosnt matter the subject we can ask one another on here and no one bats an eyelid? Helen x

And I thouht it was just me! It's not that I'm actually constipated - but I seemed to be full of sh*t often! I get stomach aches often, sometimes almost daily. My surgeon suggested Metamucil a few months ago, but I couldn't drink it fast enough. It always solidified at the bottom of the glass. Then I tried the MOM once a week and that seemed to help. BUT the best thing I've tried is a mixture of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds. I grind up equal parts in my Magic Bullet and then refrigerate it. I take (eat) about a tablespoon every morning. This makes the poop softer and it is not so hard to get rid of. I still get lots of stomach aches though before I go Sure wish the problem would go away. Judy

I had the same problem earlier out .. to make it worse the iron binds you too.. so now I do coffee and chocolate(sf) and they help me go.. Someone mentioned olestra in the ff potatoe chips. I tried that it didn't work as well as the coffee and sf chocolate. Donna 330/199/150

Hi Anita, I take 2 colace (at least) every day. I take an extra one if I seem to eat alot of cheese one day. Also, and this is what I really think helps me. I take 500mgs of magnesium daily with my calcium. My friend takes 1200 mgs of it daily. It helps our bodies absorb calcium better and its supposed to help get things moving, so you can kill two birds with one stone. I still have a day here and there, but for the most part this works. Good Luck. Kelly 272/186

I take 2 stool softners daily and Reglan!!!!! I still have trouble but not as much. Reglan helps those whose digestive tract is paralized and needs some parastolisis..(sp?)..ask your MD about it. Julia

I also have the constipation problem. I was hospitalized for severe pain and they found I was very backed up/ Tried the citrus stuff and stool softeners but nothing worked. I take Miralax every day now in my coffee and it keeps me regular. It has no taste and doesnt get thick like Metamucil. Ask your doctor if you can try it. I would be lost without it!!