Hi Everyone,
I'm sitting here at 10:59 PM with a stomach that looks like I am in my 9th month of pregnancy. It's an amazing growing stomach that is happening even though I am eating lightly. . .
I know we have a lot of threads on constipation. Very helpful to read. Thank you, Irish, and others.
I really didn't want to go to the doctor's today, and imagined she/he would just tell me that I was too fat and start giving me unwanted weight control advice.
When I started to explain to this doctor that even though I didn't look like Twiggy--and I pointed to the part of my stomach which was newly expanded--this wonderful female doctor said, "Women know when they're bloated."
It was so affirmative. I didn't have to explain this area here in this radius was my normal stomach fat, but that area over there was not really "fat." She got it (respected me) before I could get those apologetic/embarrassed words out of my mouth.
She recommended taking Miralax until my body has two large, soft stools a day and then decrease.
Also, mineral oil (a tablespoon) taken in some ice cream to coat the colon. . .
And it's not only okay to exercise, but it's recommended for this issue.
The HMO patient sheet also listed peas (high fiber) and Metamucil. I think I'm going to try those, also.
This is a "hard" issue to work with, if you know what I mean, ;) but I left the doctor's office less afraid and fired up for the battle!
I even went for a swim tonight, but I'm still waiting for the results.
Livvie
Livvie
What a fab doctor! We get so used to being put down, or not listened to by doctors, that it's a plesure to sing the praises of those who care, isn't it?
Has the exercise worked?
Kathyx
Hi! I eat some pineapple every day. Keeps things a moving:-)))
I have a friend that I have known for about 5 years. She has looked pregnant since I first met her. The doctors have suggested fatty organs. That has frustrated her a lot. I have also seen an article on stone babies recently but those show on Xrays. Nothing has shown up for my friend.
Livvie,
I think you will be happy with the Miralax. I had terrible constipation which caused major stomach issues. Went to a gastroenterologist thinking he would find an ulcer or something. He took some tests and basically said I needed to clean out my colon and then start Miralax.
Wow. What a difference!! It changed my life. I hope the Miralax works as good for you as it does for me!
Liz D.
Hi Livvie,
I had great history with Miralax also! I actually am thinking of going back on it again for a bit while I start a fiber regimine because since I started on iron supplements for anemia, well lets just say things have slowed down a bit. Miralax is an osmotic laxative so it doesn't stimalate so no cramping which is wonderful, it actually draws liquid into the colon to help move things along. You may be a little gassy in the beginning but it shouldn't be too bad. Just make sure you drink lots of fluid to replenish.
Not long ago I was so bloated and felt miserable. I Kept having diarrhea though, and nothing seemed to stop it much, well then I was changed from Zoloft to the Effexor I had been on for years and no more diarrhea, and normal bowels.
susanep :)
Livvie and the others.
I have a huge problem with constipation. Gonna get me some Miralax.
I eat high fiber, lots of fluids. Till have trouble. Hate to take a regular laxitive but once in a blue moon will resort to that.
What a great doctor.
Kim, I hate the idea of taking a regular laxative also (worried about getting dependent on it), but I need to be aggressive or alert (proactive) when it is starting, I now realize. Otherwise i can have a week of heck with worry and other routines (such as normal meals) disrupted.
Thanks, group, for all the additional suggestions (pineapple and the feedback on Miralax); also the reminder about water. I'm going to get a big glass of water. . .
Joe, I don't think I have a stone baby. I'll report back if there are any unusual findings (or perhaps go hide :D Perhaps your friend has fibroids. . .
Susan, That's great the medication change helped.
Livvie
Hi livvie! One more thing. My doctor said that vitamin D can aggravate constipation and make it worse so she suggested finding a liquid kind to take.
Hi Jellyb,
I take liquid Vitamin D, but I've not been as compliant recently. I also highly recommend the liquid form. It's tasteless and very easy to get down.
My stomach is still growing. I am not at 100% constipation or I would go to ER.
I am on one meal a day and it's just rather amazing to look at my stomach after eating this one meal.
I have taken three doses of MIralax, but I know that it takes a few days to kick in. . .
I think this constipation is so puzzling. I wish I knew why it's so shut down.
Livvie
My doctor had me drink prune juice and mineral oil to get the ball rolling. Then Miralax as maintenance.
Liz D.
I thought Miralax would work for me too, I had heard so many of us with severe IBS-C have good results. But darn it, although it works for me, it sets off my gastroparesis. I'm in a major gastroparesis flare right now because I took one dose of Miralax this past Saturday.
Haven't been able to eat much all week, got bad stomach spasms and epigastric pain and to top it off now I'm plugged up again. Also with the gastroparesis vomiting, I'm also down another 5lbs. I'm already good and slender due to Sjogrens really having a good go at me and so wasn't looking to lose any more weight.
Is there another laxative that works for anyone with IBS-C?
If I didn't have this darn gastroparesis, I bet Miralax would work for me too :(.
Daisy
Hi Daisy,
How about prune juice (Liz's recommendation). Its taste is tolerable. I had never tried it before.
I also bought some Metamucil because that was on the HMO recommendation sheet. It's a "psyllium husk" fiber.
I'm going to check with my doctor before using it. . .
Some other foods which were recommended (besides fruit and vegetables) were beans, peas, seeds and nuts. . .
Also, of course, water, water, water.
I was getting very worried about this-as my stomach remains distended (large) even as the Miralax kicks in.
So I put in a request to have my TSH tested again. . .(as I am hypothyroid).
Livvie