Constipation Problem!

Hi, Karen! Well, I had this problem before surgery and certainly have had to deal with it as a post-op. Here's what I do to stay regular -- and IT WORKS, but I MUST do it all the time. 1. Drink at least 64 oz. of water a day.* 2. Eeat three prunes in the morning and three at night 3. At least 4 days a week, eat a high fiber cereal for breakfast. My personal favorite is Kashi Go Lean. Fiber One and All Bran would work, too. I always put fresh fruit on my cereal, too. 4. Walk, walk, walk, walk. I walk about 2 1/2 miles a day during my job. I also walk on my treadmill 4 days a week -- for about 1/2 hour. *I will say this, increasing water does NOT help me, but it does help some folks. If I faithfully do this, I don't have to take Phillips MOM. Another thing, stool softeners never helped me, and I took up to 6 a day -- still with no results. I'm so glad that I've found a solution for this problem, because I HATE when I'm constipated. Good luck, Karen. Mary

Hi Karen, I too have that same problem since the surgery I could probably count on one hand how many times I have gone on my own. I left my job in June of last year and found another one shortly after that, but they offer no health insurance. The worst thing is that I know I am going to have to leave this job and it is the happiest I have ever been at any jobI have ever had just because I need the insurance.. In the beginning I took Milk of Magnesia, than I took laxative pills that were generic and they worked just as well and didn't taste as bad. (It was getting kind of expensive with the MOM anyway) I knew I needed to go to the doctor (because I have a hernia) so I paid 120.00 and that didn't even include bloodwork, and while I was there I told her about my constipation problems and I told her I would usually wait three days and than take something. She told me that is too long to wait and said too take a half a dose every day and see if it made me regular. It didn't. So I guess I'll learn too live with it but maybe her idea will work for you.. To me it is a small price to pay for getting my life back. I hope everything works out for you and good luck and hugs Peg

Well someone on this messge board suggested Smooth Move tea, that is found at GNC vitamin stores. Well I took it and it works like a charm! A cup at night with a litlle honey and by morning I am good to go! Try it out and aybe it will work for you as well. Karen

Are you taking iron pills? Iron can cause constipation. You may need to lower the dosage of iron you are taking; or increase iron rich foods to get the adequate amount of iron daily. If you do take iron, take it with orange juice so that it is better absorbed by the body. Drink plenty of fluids; try to increase your intake of veggies (have a salad w/ carrots, raw spinach {excellent source of iron}, tomato, cucumber, etc); try multi-grain breads (delicious! 7 grain, 9 grain and even 15 grain) breads are great; exercise (especially walking and anything that keeps the digestive tract moving). Sounds like you are on the right track. Avoid the daily use of laxatives which can be addictive to the point that the body won't or can't function w/o them. Try prune juice at room temp also. Yuck! Sounds like you're doing the right things. Cut back or down on your iron pills and see if that's your culprit. Charlotte, Lvn

I also have probs with Constipation as well. I found a sugar free cookie at Walmart...its Oatmeal & Raisin cookie that is fabulous and it helped me move very well the next morning. My Mom eats a small bowl of oatmeal every day and she has never had a prob with constipation. Just another suggestion for anyone out there. Take care, Yvonne