Elimination Issues!

[FlowerLady]

It's been over a year since I've posted and I'm happy to say that the gastroparesis is under control! I do have an uncomfortable issue that has developed over that past few years which is becoming more difficult to manage - constant constipation, so again I'm looking for support. My story may be very similar to many others so I'm hoping to get more ideas.
This has been a developing problem for 4 years to the point where the stool is always hard and difficult to expel - sorry to be so graphic! To improve the situation I make sure I'm hydrated, eat plenty of fruits & veggies, exercise, use a stool softener, take added magnesium, and 3 weeks ago went on a gluten-free diet. The new diet has helped the bloating but the end result (bad pun) it still the same. I'm open for suggestions as this situation exhausts me!

[gellexi]

Me, too

I've been constantly constipated for a long time also. I'm always bloated - to the point that people ask me if I'm pregnant! And I don't have much of an appetite because I always feel kind of full.

But to me what's most embarrrassing is, about once a week I 'll have a large, hard stool that clogs the toilet. I hate having to tell my husband that the toilet needs to be plunged again. We are desperately looking for a toilet that is guaranteed not to clog. If such a thing exists, I hope someone posts it here!

[seven7]

'hard dry stool' try using hempseed oil or some other omega 3-6-9 oil ... 2 tablespoons in the morning and 2 at night with meals and you'll be as smooth as a duck in 4 days - i've been on hempseed for over 8 yrs and luv it

[Joy1955]

Try a footstool

I always use a footstool. It aligns the rectum. It works for me.

[Rich Marcell]

Finally in the past

I had severe constipation problems for over 20 years, finally culminated in a failed colonoscopy. When I asked the doctor what could be done he prescribed something call amitiza, which is not a laxative nor stool softener and can be taken long term. I've been taking it daily for 2 1/2 years now as well as Miralax and Metamucil (and lots of water) and have been regular for the first time in eons.

[jimwitthaus]

I have been extremely constipated for 6 months. I've been taking stool softeners for two years. I had a doctor prescribe medication to relieve the constipation but it didn't help. I took the medication for a colonoscopy and it helped a little but then I was right back where I was before. I finally tried acupuncture. I wasn't a believer but was on a cruise and decided to give it a try. I have been more regular than I ever was since I had the acupucture 4 weeks ago.