Increasing Problems with Constipation

PS:  I do enjoy Grim's humor...a lot.  I can see where my first sentences above ^ could have been taken otherwise. My apologies.  However, I do admit when it's a frustrating, embarrassing, and sometimes debilitating problem that hits close to home, I find less amusement.

Hey, if you can't laugh at potty humor, what CAN you laugh at? I'm pretty sure there are constipation jokes in the bible.

You didn't mention if you have severe abdominal pain with your constipation?  I'm also 6 years post RNY and a year ago I was having severe abdominal pain and constipation. (I'd had a bowel obstruction the year before and symptoms were not the same.)

My bariatric physician sent me to a specialist at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN.  I had blood work done during times of abdominal pain and also Anorectal manometry and Defacography.  It was determined I had episodes of pancreatitis (I take pain pills for that) and that I had no mechanical reason for constipation.  Here is my regime:  I eat pretty much the same foods every day     ( always some raw veggies and raw fruit) , I drink at least 100 ounces of fluid a day, I take a stool softner in the morning and one in the evening.  I use 1-2 capfules of Miralax every morning, I use Benefiber in my breakfast protein (hot) drink. And I have 2 Tablespoons of organic flaxseed mixed into greek yogurt daily. I also take probiotics twice a day. I mostly walk for exercise - sometimes an exercise bike.

Getting off schedule (travel, meetings, etc.) really messes me up and it takes a few days to get back on track.  The specialist told me it takes 3 days for the Miralax to work.  

Eating the same foods daily (I'm gluten intolerant) can be boring - but not being constipated is so worth it.

Seeing a specialist may be a good idea.  Best wishes,

Penny

Penny, I think you have the answer I am looking for and since I work at IUHealth University Hospital and know most of the GI docs, could you share with me who you saw?  I am aware of the testing that you had done and while I don't look forward to it, I recognize the importance of it.  The regime you describe sounds very involved! Was this developed over time, as in did you start with the stool softener then add Benefiber, etc., or did you do all of that at once?

I noticed that I failed to answer regarding pain.  Yes, and the pain is debilitating.  It feels like a gall bladder attack, but that's been removed.  It's been over 13 years so I doubt that it's residual stones. I hadn't considered pancreatitis, but I have read that it can be one the complications of bariatric surgery.  Lucky us!

I saw Dr. James Watkins.  My original appointments were for the abdominal pain and possible ERCP (that's what my Bariatric surgeon - Dr, Brenda Caccuci thought needed to be done.)

Dr. Watkins diagnosed me with episodic pancreatitis (enzymes elevated during pain) but I can control it with pain meds, rest & heat - at least so far.  He felt the ERCP was too invasive, because of how they would do it because of my RNY, and wanted to do it only as a last resort.

Then, he next wanted to concentrate on my constipation.  I think we met about 4 times for that. So treatment sort of evolved over the next 8 months or so.  I also take 1600mg. of Magnesium Oxide daily  and didn't mention that in my original message.  He talked about "poop school" and bowel training but thought I was doing well with the regime I was on and didn't need it.

Hope that helps.

Penny

I worked with Dr. Watkins in ERCP for 13 sharing your years as an xray tech!  How long did your pain last?  For me, the pain abates after I use an enema to have a BM.  Would pancreatitis be aggravated by constipation? I have found that heat does help to alleviate the pain eventually, but the enema to move things along works best. Thanks for sharing your story. It gives me hope that this issue can be resolved.

The biggest culprit is not drinking enough fluids.  Remember, 64 ounces is the MINIMUM amount you should be drinking.  I have to drink 120 ounces to stay regular.  I also take 1000 mg of magnesium daily and a dose of Benefiber, morning and night.   Healthy fats like avocado or a small handful of almonds helps too.  

And.... Grim was joking about the SF gummies.  Some people just don't get sarcasm.

Indyrose,

I feel your pain. I go through the same thing and the only thing that works in what you do. Sorry for you and I. Bless you and hopefully you will get some good advice here.

Robin