what do I do?

Ok, So right after surgery I had some Issues "Going" on a reg basis so I would do the dulcolax and went and spent a fortune on liquid Iron because someone said it was non constipating all this time I was taking my Vitamins and fiber suppliments on a reg basis. I started to lax on my vitamins and fiber and all of sudden I was having regular , everyday BMs. Now most of you know that I had some low vitamin levels so I started taking them more reg I even loaded them on my blackberry to remind me, well guess what?  I am having trouble again! 2 days ago I took some MOM and it helped me yesterday but I still felt all gassy and bloated like. Then today I feel ok But I didn't go again I dont want to feel good every other day because of vitamins. Anyone take their vitamins in a diff form that doesn't cause gastro problems or anyone take something everyday that helps with the effects of it all?  Thanks\ Estelle

This seems to be a VERY common problem.  Calcium and iron are the most constipating - a lot of people take extra magnesium besides the magnesium that is usually with calcium (and make sure your calcium has magnesium added to it), to help draw water into your bowels and make everything move better.  I've had problems too.  I upped my fiber and my water and that helped me to go each day but it still seems like I get backed up because I'll start feeling bad and then I'll go like 4 times in one day.  So, now I've started taking colace (I am not sure if dulcolax is the same thing)  a stool softener - I take one with my iron every night.   It  *seems* to be helping but I'm not totally sure.  I plan to try magnesium next if this doesn't work. Remember when you up fiber you have to drink a lot of water too!  Otherwise fiber will constipate you.  Coffee doesn't count.  My PCP also suggested mineral oil (blech) or a tbsp of olive oil each day.  I'm afraid I'd dump on that, and I'd really hate to add the 120 calories or whatever to my daily intake, even though a lot of it would be malabsorbed.  Meat and cheese are also constipating, so if you are mainly eating those types of foods that probably doesn't help (and of course those are our recommended protein foods).  I hope one of those suggestions helps! I'm with ya believe me. 

Well the iron I take is a non constipating liquid, and the calcium well I didn't know calcium was constipating. There is Iron in my daily multi as well, I went and got some dulcolax which is what my doc suggested. I also use an "EMERGENCY" suppository but omg I really hate them. What I want is to just poop normal lol but after I started thinking about it I didn't always go everyday before. For some reason since my surgery I feel diff on the days I don't go. I know TMI lol Meat and cheese are my biggest protein source , I think i'm going to start doing protein shakes again of one kind or another I haven't really decided how i'm going to do it. Beneprotein is a clear protein but it doesnt have as much protein as a shake form. The magnesium is interesting , can you take to much of it?  I use benefiber chewables which I started taking again when I started doing the vitamins better .  Thanks! 

I use fiber choice chewables but once I'm out of them I'm going to try the benefiber added to food cuz hubby could use some fiber snuck in to his diet too.  I went to the pharmacy this evening to buy more iron and B complex, and I went ahead and picked up magnesium too (a bottle was like 4 bucks so I thought I'd try it).  I'll let you know how it goes I'm going to take 250mg per day - magensium citrate was what I used as a bowel cleanse before surgery so I don't want to repeat that by taking too much! I was extremely regular and a little IBS before surgery (after I had gall bladder taken out any meal had the possibility of sending me to the potty).  This is a big change.  I have to say I preferred diarrhea.  At least there's no bloating or pain.  I think both of my recent episodes of pain had something to do with this.

Dunny, Just an FYI - I started out using the Benefiber with no results.  Things started moving after I switched to the chewable FiberAlls.  Also, I try to have 5 whole grain Triscuit crackers a day - usually at lunch.  Between the Triscuits & FiberAll, I stay pretty regular. Maybe the Benefiber would have worked better if I had upped the recommended dose?  Didn't try that.  Hope it does the trick for you. Shirley

calcium is extremely constipating if it doesn't have magnesium - I used to take calcium w/o magnesium to help with my diarrhea problems.  It worked quite well.

I also use glycerin suppositories on an "emergency basis" because they aren't a stimulating laxative and I don't want to become dependent on those.  It usually works within 15 min - 2 hours, but only if I'm sure something is ahem, fairly close to the exit but not moving. 

Dr. Clarke advised me to take Benefiber...you can get it anywhere. Its tasteless and you can add it to food or beverages...its good stuff and works without being harsh.  Dr. Clarke also mentioned that most constipation issues stem from NOT getting in the 64 oz of water daily.  How's that going for you?  I hope it resolves so you feel better.  Call me anytime!  HUGS  Jeanine

Thanks  I do use Benefiber chewables they were part of my suppliments to take no matter what. so when I laxed on my vits on laxed on y fiber but now i;m on them both, water? well yeah I could probably do that better but with the exception of a day or so I have been doing that pretty good.  I drink my water flavored because it goes down better, I do drink alot of coffee as well i know.    I took some dulcolax that will help i just wish I didnt have too.

 

 

Thanks

Estelle

When I had water trouble early out getting water down, a little lemon or lime juice made it go down soooooo much easier.  I would section a lime and put it in a little baggie and every time I got more water (12 oz glass) I'd take another slice.  I had to finish the lime by the end of the day so that I knew I had gotten at least 6 12oz glasses of water in).  I think the little bit of acid changes the pH to something closer to what your tummy prefers.  A little apple juice (like 1/4 cup to 16oz water) also did the same thing, but I liked lemon and lime better because no sugar.  They do make some low carb apple juices though if you want to try them.