Need some alternative medicine advice

I am hiding under new name for fear of public embarrassment…

I have been battling with constipation for ever and ever. During the years I have tried all the obvious stuff like lots of water/ fruits and vegetables/ fiber/ exercise etc. to no avail. About a year and a half ago I have changed my diet drastically and it is noe super super healthy. I eat only whole grains, a ridiculously big amount of vegetable and fruit, only healthy oils and (for the most part) healthy proteins. I do not touch refined stuff at all. Zero.

While that helped me loose a lot of weight, which is marvelous, it did not affect my constipation whatsoever. I am really desperate, what else can a person do???

If anyone has a similar experience and have used some form of alternative medicine that really made an impact, please share your success stories with me. I don’t know which way to turn, there are many things out there, and I am afraid of spending lots of money I don’t have, shuffling the different approaches only to find out that people are easy to promise, hard to deliver.

[dhano923]

This is a TMI post...



I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBE) which can cause constipation or diarrhea. I suffer from constipation. It sounds strange, but one thing that help keep me regular is drinking a cup of coffee every morning. It makes me have to use the bathroom about an hour after I drink it. Another thing you can do is add extra fiber to your diet. I use powdered fiber supplement -- you can just mix it with a glass of water or juice or mix it into foods like yogurt and oatmeal.

[lmintzer]

I'll add to the TMI. I also have IBS (though, ironically, I was almost totally asymptomatic during my years pg and bf). A cup of coffee in the a.m. works wonders, too. Just like the pp described.

My son has very bad constipation, and he takes Miralax daily.

Thank you both for sharing your own TMI...

A cup of coffee in the morning definitely helps me too! Although not enough and not every time. Fiber on the other hand makes me stuck-er than stuck, no matter how much water I drink with it. I do add ground flax seeds to my yogurt in the morning though.

[elliput]

I know you asked for alternative medicine advice but, have you actually spoken with your doctor about this issue? That is probably the best place to start.

And as a reminder, the practice of creating a second user name (even to ask an embarrassing question) is discouraged.

[Marisa6826]

Actually, it's not only discouraged, it's against Board Policy.

I know it's somewhat embarrassing, but seriously, it's just poop. ;) We have an ENTIRE FORUM dedicated to it.

-m

[JustMe]

Don't know if you have tried this already, but if not two words for you. Flax seed, flax seed, flax seed. 2 Tablespoons a day. Also activia or activia light yogurt, but really the flax seed is the most important thing. I had a similar issue as you, and it sounds like I am not on a similar diet to you (I do YOAD), but I take 2 tb of flax seed a day. Its so great.

Good luck,
Robyn

[gatorsmom]

You don't have to be embarrassed about constipation!! It's so common. Besides, I've seen MUCH more embarrassing topics on here. heck, I've probably posted some myself...

I suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome also. I've suffered from constipation for years and finally saw a gastroenterologist. It was embarrassing talking to him (describing my bowel movements- you can only imagine) but he does this for a living, so he seemed totally unfazed by it. I learned that there could be more serious causes for the constipation that should really be considered.

As it turns out, my case wasn't serious and the doctor recommended Citrucil. I had taken metamucil in the past, and like you, it made me worse. The doctor told me that the stuff in Citrucil is completely different from the other fiber mixes (methyl cellulose) and that it worked differently. I started trying that and it worked like a charm. I mix it with my juice every day and my OBGYN said that it's safe during pregnancy since it is never absorbed into my body. It simply draws moisture into my bowel and then it all passes out. BTW, I've found that the capsules do NOTHING. It's only the mix that seems to work. You could get a little container at your pharmacy and try it out. It may take a few days to work. It certainly can't hurt.

Good luck!

Lisa
mom to Gator 7/03
and Cha Cha 7/05
and surprise! twins due 11/07

[bubbaray]

Have you tried Kiwi fruit? Seriously, that is what a labor/delivery nurse told me to eat post-partum after my c/s with DD#1. It worked way better than the colase. Tasted great too! I ate a LOT of kiwi fruit after my c/s with DD#2 too and it worked again.

Apparently, kiwi fruit is commonly given to PP moms in New Zealand (where the nurse that recommended it was from) instead of colase.

HTH

Melissa

DD#1: 04/2004

DD#2: 01/2007

[DebbieJ]

You need to see a doctor!

My sister has struggled with constipation and finally went to see someone and found out it was from medical causes. Taking laxatives and using too much fiber has done some harm to her system as a result.

Go see your doctor!!!!

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03
Breastfeeding After Reduction is possible! www.bfar.org

http://www.bfar.org/members/fora/sty...onths-bfar.jpg