Remedys - from Anyone!

Updated on March 07, 2009
C.E. asks from Udall, KS
30 answers

Last year I had to go to Hospital with being bound up couldn't move bowels at all. Spent several hours in hospital they had to dig out impaction then give me enama. Even with takeing fiber pills and stool softners I still do not go only every 4 or 5 days. But never smooth and easy. I can eat out certain places and come home and go with no problem ! They say straining is bad but some times I have to-to even go. Do you know of any other sure way of going ?

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M.R.

answers from St. Louis on

Have you tried Miralax. I have the same problems as you I only go maybe twice a week on a good week, but Miralax seems to make me go a little more regular. After taking it for a while you have to be careful cause it can make you go a little to much so after I get a little more regular I start cutting back to like every other day and do that till I am going regular and not going too much. Best of luck to you.

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S.N.

answers from Kansas City on

Have you tried Miralax? You put it in a drink and take it daily. It puts water in the bowel and helps with constipation. It is not cramping and my son in on it. You can get it over the counter.

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K.G.

answers from Kansas City on

Ditto the chiropractor. My daughter suffered from severe constipation which resulted in fear of going so she would hold it and resist. We tried EVERYTHING and some things would provide instant relief but we would be back to the old ways in a few weeks.

Took her to a chiropractor and she was better within days. And we only had to do a few follow up treatments. Really recommend going to a chiropractor!

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C.M.

answers from Kansas City on

I have always heard that eating salads would help to clean you out. It took me a long time to figure out that salads DO NOT clean me out but in fact stop me up. My dad has the same problem I guess. So beware of the greens, it might be what is causing you the problems if you are eating them to try to fix it. Also, after I had my galbladder removed, they told me to stay away from high fat foods for a little while because they would cause diarhea. Ever since then, I have made sure that I have a good amount of fat in my diet to keep me regular. I really think that our low and no fat society is causing us more problems then it is good. The common misconception is that the body stores fat which is totally false. The body is a sugar factory. It stores sugar in the form of fat and any fat that we eat that isn't used for energy is flushed out, hence the diarhea effect and why you have better luck when you eat out. Now, having said that, I do understand that there are good and bad fats. Stay away from the trans fats as much as possible but make sure you are eating the good fats. Nuts are a good source of healthy fats, especially almonds. Ever since I have figured this all out, I have been 100% regular and have not had any problems with constipation. I hope this helps!

1 mom found this helpful
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L.S.

answers from Wichita on

I'm so sorry!! It must really stink not being able to go!!
(no pun intended!!) All I can say is eat LOTS of fruits and vegetables!!! When I or my son can't go, I have us eat fresh pears. It normally knocks it out of us. Try this and if you still don't have any comfort, tell your doctor!!

Best of luck to you!! ls

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V.M.

answers from Kansas City on

In addition to eating more fruits (apples, grapes, pears)and vegetables (green leafy ones) I would add 2-4 ounces of Aloe Vera juice to your diet. As you probably know, aloe vera is very soothing, not only externally, but internally too! The brand I use is Ultimate Aloe Vera Juice at www.marketamerica.com/2bewell or visit a Whole foods store near you and ask for their highest quality aloe vera juice, one that uses the whole leaf of the aloe vera plant. Most people don't realize a healthy bowel movement should happen 2-3 times a day otherwise an unhealthy bowel can cause other problems within the body. Thanks for the question...I am sure there are others just like you out there!
V.

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A.B.

answers from Kansas City on

I'm sure you have tried these things at some point in your life, but the most important factors for avoiding constipation are 1) activity, 2) hydration, 3) fiber, and 4) non-digestible sugars that pass right through you. You should get as much exercise as possible, drink at least 32 ounces of water a day, eat whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables (better than fiber pills), and eat prunes or drink prune juice. Although it has many other health risks, smoking cigarettes has a laxative effect. I'm not advising you to do so, just telling you what I know about. Good luck!

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C.K.

answers from St. Louis on

Hi C., this is not something I have had major issues with until I got pregnant- same problems you describe and it is so painful! I found miralax (at Walgreen's helps) and also getting plenty of fiber in your daily diet. Kellogs makes some new "Fiber Plus antioxidants" granola type bars and they have done wonders for me. I eat one every morning and have not had any issues since....it would be worth a try! Take that along with the stool softner...if it continues to get worse- you might have colon issues that you will need to see a doctor over. I know they can prescribe stronger medication for that department so that might be a last resort. Good luck!

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P.B.

answers from Austin on

Hi, C.,
All of these sound like they'll help -- I see Suzi mentioned probiotics. My daughter has had life-long constipation (ok, she's only 15) but yogurt or acidophilus pills (over the counter) work magic for her. I give her one of these pills per day. Doctor said I can keep doing this. She has not had to take a laxative in over a year due to probiotics.
God bless,
P.

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T.W.

answers from Kansas City on

Have you tried Polyethylene Glycol powder (its like a fiber that goes in your drink)????? Ask your doctor about trying this and see if it helps you. You can also buy Magnesum Citrate over the counter and drink it when "bound up" or buy over the counter fleets enemas. Hope this helps. Also, the Activia yogurt seems to work well too. You just eat one a day.

Take care and God Bless :)
Nurse T.

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C.O.

answers from Kansas City on

C.,
Go to www.drnatura.com I found this site after alot of research this colin cleanse is all natural and it works. I tried it and I did a two month cleanse and i havent had a problem since. Good luck.

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K.G.

answers from St. Louis on

My father and I both have kidney problems. He recently discovered that cherry juice is helpful for cleansing the Kidneys. How does it work?
The cherry juice makes you poop.
What I do: pour two ounces cherry juice in a cup. Add six to eight ounces of water. Drink in the morning and at night.
Good luck!

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K.M.

answers from Springfield on

Hi C.,
My husband has always had trouble in that area also. He tried the Activa yogurts and it helped him to have bowel movements more easily. I hope it helps you if you decide to give it a try.
K.

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L.L.

answers from St. Louis on

HI C., My son has this same problem! Actually to the point that when he does go i am surprised that all that could come out of ONE CHILD!! No to sound gross, but he actually stops up the toliet every time! We've tried something in the past that really has helped. It's now over the counter medication called Miralax. It's a power that you mix with something like OJ or something and drink it. Over the new couple days your stool will become much softer and easier to expell. I also work for a dr's office and we prescribe that every day! Give it a try and see if it works. I can't imagine it not helping. Good luck!!!

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J.G.

answers from St. Louis on

HERB LAX from Shaklee:
60 ct - http://www.shaklee.net/gogreenhealth/product/20144
or 240 ct - http://www.shaklee.net/gogreenhealth/product/20141
It gently stimulates the natural movement in your digestive track. My sister in law only went like once a week, got terribly sick, & went to the doctor. They gave her about 4 things to take & NOTHING helped her. I finally convinced her to give this a try b/c she had exhausted every other option. She thanked me so much after that!!!
After you start going regularly, a better diet will help greatly.
J.

S.L.

answers from Kansas City on

I have the same problem. For me, it's because my insides all fell when I was in my early 20's. Everything is squished together in such a way it's like having a small impaction. Any time I've needed to prepare for a medical test or childbirth etc.. I needed an entire box of laxatives to get cleaned out. I don't do laxatives though. I don't want to make my problem even worse.

I've learned the fiber pills are USELESS. I have compared all of them and figured out how much they cost per gram of fiber and it's shocking how much these stupid companies are ripping people off. I can get more fiber than that with food any day of the week.

The fiber is important. BUT, we have to drink enough water a long with the fiber to make it move. We also have to do it on a consistent basis. To even come close to a normal life I have to do around 75 grams of fiber per day. That's 3 times what they say is needed by the average person.

Quaker Oats makes a high fiber cereal with 10 grams per serving. Also there is a fiber bar that has 9 or 10 per bar depending on which flavor. I eat at least 2-3 bars per day and the hot oatmeal. These are low enough in calories not to send me over my daily calories and I've lost quite consistently for the last 3 months even consuming this much bread/cereal products.

Another thing that helps me is walking. I don't get the chance to do it enough and I get so bored. But if I walk 5 miles in a day I will get diarrhea in a couple days or maybe even after the first day. It isn't the kind that would make me sick or anything. It just ends any current constipation I have in the most comfortable way possible. If I don't eat right and get enough exercise and drink enough water, my body will create a very painful all night attack that will clean me out and that's anything but comfortable in addition to robbing me of sleep.

I also eat a lot of healthy choice boxed dinners. They have a nice variety and a healthy amount of fiber and a low amount of salt. I rarely eat the things my family eat these days. There are also some pasta companies that have started putting a nice amount of fiber in as well. It's shameful to compare how much fiber has been added to all these products and without raising the prices so much. But if you compare the total milligrams of fiber in the fiber pills and how much that costs you will be ANGRY!

I also do try and do activia yogurt sometimes but it is expensive and I don't really see that it helps all that much. These days more and more companies are adding pro-biotics to juices and products of all kinds. So I notice that and eat it when I can.

I don't think I'll ever be right. My doctor recently told me that he doesn't think I'll avoid surgery forever. BUT...they told me that when I was in my 20's and I've kept from having to do it for 20 years so far.

Suzi

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L.B.

answers from St. Joseph on

C., email me your email address and I'll send you a recipe that one of my mom's friends swore by. It was called Constipation paste and she used it like jelly/jam on toast in the mornings with her breakfast. She was a 5th stages Parkinson's patient and always had problems going b/c of the sheer number of drugs she was on...she swore by this so maybe it'll help you too.

Personally, I've always thought the difference between eating in and eating out was nothing but the fat/grease factor. Perhaps it's time to go back to frying some foods? Fruits and veggies are good for the diet but my mom threw so many veggies at me that I eventually just got burnt out on them and can't even stand to look at some of them now. Have you tried the old remedy of prunes or Prune juice? I know my grandparents always swore by that. Best of luck to you.

S.L.

answers from Kansas City on

Our doctors are recommending MiraLAX that you can buy over the counter. You take it in a drink every day and it helps soften stools and you should go daily. I'd at least try it. Also try an orange and apple a day and vegetables that are high in fiber.

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S.H.

answers from Wichita on

Hi, C.
I think I know of something that can help you. I struggle with the same problems...it doesn't seem to matter what I do, I have bathroom issues. My children also suffer from this problem. My daughter's doc started her on Miralax, and it solved her problem so well that I started taking it myself. You can buy it over the counter at any store. It's a white, tasteless, odorless powder that you just mix into any drink. Water, juice, pop, coffee, whatever you like to drink. You cannot taste it at all. It is not a laxative, and it is safe for use over long periods of time. Basically, it just helps your body do what comes naturally without a bunch a chemicals or laxatives. Since I started using it myself, I have seen a huge difference. I also eat activia yogurt everyday, and I think the two together work great. I used to only go about every 4-5 days myself and since the Miralax and Activia, I go almost everyday and they are not hard or difficult to pass.
Good luck to you.
S.

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M.G.

answers from Kansas City on

Fiber pills may not be enough fiber. I had problems going and with hemorroids during my pregnancy and my doctor (specialist in lower intenstinal area) put me on a powder fiber called Konisyl. You can get it at Walmart. I take 1tsp a day mixed in Juice (juice hides the taste). It has helped me tremendously and I'll probably be on it the rest of my life. But it works. Good luck.

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H.C.

answers from Columbia on

I have been having a lot of problems with constipation with this pregnancy, and I think I have found the combination that works for me: Colace twice a day and Benefiber once a day. When I ran out of Colace I tried Miralax, and that seemed to work well too. The Benefiber is just like the Miralax in that it is tasteless and you just dissolve it in water, and it's an easy way to add fiber to your diet.

Good luck to you - I know this is painful and no fun!

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M.L.

answers from Wichita on

Miralax is now over the counter. We give it to our 5 year old and have for 4.5 years. You might check with you doctor to see if it would work for you.

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V.S.

answers from Kansas City on

The answer is in what you are eating and drinking... Our supplements have helped a lot of people who now have BMs a couple of times a day every day... it is no big deal. When you are really healthy, you go as a baby does... after each meal. But it is no big deal, because it is fast and doesn't come with any discomfort. I sell Pharmanex supplements and believe them to be the best available in the world, backed by 134 PhD scientists and MDs who are on our staff... I will let you have them for my wholesale price. In 11 years, I have never seen or heard of anything better. Call me or check my website: www.NobleFortunes.com. ###-###-#### We offer a 100% money back guarantee, but I have only ever had 1 product returned. You are too young to not feel good!! :)

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J.B.

answers from Wichita on

Have you ever heard of a product called "fibrestore"? It is made by Reliv. I can tell you it will resolve this situation. It has soluble and insoluble fiber, along with many herbs and natural ingredients to regulate your bowels, and to detoxify your body. Call J. Simpson at ###-###-#### if you are interested in getting some. She stocks it. Good luck, that is a miserable situation and you need something.

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C.C.

answers from Kansas City on

C.,
I have had problems going for a long time and I'm only 34 years old. Last summer I was hospitalized with Diverticulitis (pouches in colon caused from prolonged constipation that usually don't happen to someone my age.) I have learned to use a lot of Mutigrain foods. I eat a gala apple a day (I've heard they have something for digestion in them), drink a lot of water a day (learned a formula from the arthritis foundation to let you know how much water you need...take your weight and divide it by two, that's how much water you need.) If I notice I've gone a day or two without producing a bowel movement, I have a medication I take. You can find it over the counter as Miralax (white powder that completely dissolves in whatever fluid you put it in) since I might need to take a lot more a month than the small over the counter bottle, my doctor actually prescribes the generic called Glycolax. It works great (but you still need to drink plenty of fliuds). I've also heard people rave over some kind of protein powder you can put on your food. I haven't tried it though. I don't need to use anything other than the things I have found works for me. I hope this helps you. I know how miserable it can be!

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K.O.

answers from Wichita on

How uncomfortable! I am so sorry for your suffering. Although I have never had this problem, I would suggest lots of leafy green vegetables and prune juice (I know--it is not too tasty!) Also, taking a stool softener like colace may help. Good luck!

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

Three word: Milk Of Magnesia (MOM)! My doctor recommended it when I was pregnant. He said that it was the safest thing to use for the baby and it worked very well. It's also gentle, that is, I had plenty of time to get to the bathroom and little worry about embarrassing myself in public. I would also encourage you to up your intake of whole grains. My husband used to have issues moving his bowels. He's a late night snacker and I've convinced him that a bowl of cereal is much better for him than a cheeseburger at midnight. We always have Raisin Bran and Cheerios on hand. Fresh vegetables are a great source of fiber and if you like broccoli, this is good news for you! I always buy whole grain breads. Wonder has come out with a line of whole-grain breads and even has a whole-grain white bread if you're not into wheat bread. It is always soft like a regular white bread and you'll never know the difference. Do you like prunes. "Sunsweet Ones" are really as good as they advertise. Always sweet and juicy and they almost taste like candy. Because they are individually wrapped, you can take them with you. I keep a few in the diaper bag because they are also a nutritous snack.

I hope some of this advice is helpful to you. Goodluck and God Bless you!

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K.B.

answers from St. Louis on

I know I can help and the best thing I have used and also with several of my clients and my mom and grandma and it is two products by Arbonne International which are Herbal Colon Cleanse and Fiber Booster - the colon cleanse you take as going to bed and the fiber booster is oderless and tastless that you add to any drink or yogurt. These are awesome I personally have never been regular and it not only helps with bowel movements but bloating as well. You are welcome to visit my website www.kathybumeter.myarbonne.com and place an order or call me at ###-###-####. I would love to help you and make a difference.

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S.M.

answers from St. Louis on

Hi C., I had this same problem till I had my gall bladder removed now any time all the time without difficuty-have you checked this situation out with yor doctor? Ifeel great now and very comfortable. I tried everyhing but none of thoe ever lasted more than a few days and quit working for me. Good luck-I know how uncomfortable this can be.

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M.W.

answers from Kansas City on

I would visit a chiropractor or acupuncturist. It has worked for me and my children with amazing results for my whole body!! It is a quick 10 minute visit most times and within hours it helped! Good luck!

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