SEVERE CONSTIPATION: DR CURRY or ANYBODY that can help

ZELNORM My PCP said I am showing symptoms of IBS (Irratible Bowel Syndrome)...she put me on Zelnorm...they work...but I do have to take 2 a day...I think b/c I don't eat a lot. My cousin had WLS and she also has IBS and only needs one... I take one in the a.m. and one in the p.m. every other day.... Ask your PCP to give you a sample pack... If it works Just ensure you drink LOTS and LOTS of water with them. I felt drained and she told me I needed more fluids. Hope you get some relief soon Dedee (I'm not invading the board, I since I will be moving to Ohio in 6 weeks).

When I went to see Dr. Arnold he is the one that scheduled my colonoscopy, he mentioned putting me on it. I am calling my PCP today to make him aware of the constipation issue I am having. That way it will be documented in my chart. Have a great day and welcome aboard !!!! Once you get to Cinci.. maybe we can meet for lunch some Saturday. I go to a mall down that way every once in a while. Hugs Julie

Great, I will post once I arrive and I am settled...thanks a lot... If you decide to add the Benefiber...which I did....and yes, I'm dingy...drink, drink, drink, water....whew \o/ and more water Just have a water party I did not and boyyyyy...talk about something hurt bad I just wanted my mommy and a pacifier and yes Mineral Oil is a 1000 more yucky than MC but it works...my mammy...I mean mommy always made us drink it and she still believes it CURES everything... Dr. C, tell my mommy it doesn't....I'm sorry, had a childhood flashback..., but that stuff does work

Julie, I will be watching for a response from one of the Docs that frequent the board...Dr Curry...Dr Selwyn.... I am 16 mos out and have been having the same problem for the last month...and it is aweful..... I have NEVER been a constipated person...heck since I had my gall bladder out in 1992 it has been the opposite. I am looking for relief as well...... Coffee nor caffiene work for me....I have gone so far as to try and eat something to make me "dump" to no avail....I just ended up with a bad tummy ache. I hope one of the docs replies.... SHerri

GOOD NEWS!!!! I finally went last night. I did not go that much, but at least I got some of it out. The only issue that scares me is the bleeding. I weighed myself and I lost 2lbs right after. Thanks everyone for your concerns. I pray that the rest of you suffering like me get relief as well. Dr Curry or Dr Sewlyn... any input is appreciated. My question really is this.... How long should we wait between BM's to be concerned about going to ER? Everyone have a great weeked! Hugs and Love Julie

Julie, The whole bowel movement frequency thing is highly variable - some people have 2 a day, some one a week. In general I think less than one a week is problematic. I always recommend a daily fiber supplement for my patients (Benefiber seems to be tolerated well). If that doesn't work you can try mineral oil 1 tablespoon 1-3x/day (nasty but the stuff works). If that STILL doesn't work you can add an OTC stoool softener like dulcolax on an as-needed basis. Good luck! Dr. C

Thank you Dr Curry. Your advice is always appreciated. I have tried most of the things you mentioned. I will try the mineral oil. It could not be any worse than the magnesium citrate I have had. I just started using the benefiber in my protein drink in the am. It must have worked some.. I had some relief last night. You have a great weekend!! Julie

Dr Curry is on the Ohio board... you need to post this over there. He will answer. feel better soon Sandy

I am sorry ....you are on the Ohio board....I am not awake yet He will answer soon Sandy

I just had to drink this and it really worked for me quick....I bought it at wal-mart for $1.09. Its magnesium Citrate. Its in a green glass bottle. I have been told that it is sold at Family Dollar as well. I had to drik it before my hernia surgery, Now I keep some on hand...Hope this helps. With this you don't have to strain, and you do not end up with the (what the polite word) runs either. Big Hugs, Lisa