I have had IBS for 20 years, was diagnosed with CFS 5 years ago after a series of infections and extreme stress, when I pushied myself over my limits. I was diagnosed then with slow transit constipation and the reason given was long term use of anti biotics for infection has interfered with the gut flora,
I have tried every diet there is, with no improvement, and every supplement recommended, as well as probiotics ( although not taken at the time ), but this seems to have improved the good bacteria but not the chronic constipation.
I have seen top nutritionists who have tried all the diets and supplements. I am on prucalopride (strong laxative to make the bowel work), bisocodyl daily, picolax weekly and peristene kit (like an enema).
The only option I have left is surgery so wondered if anyone else had anything similar to this?
Have you tried a plant-based diet? In other words, mostly fruit and veggies, and whole grains? I'm on such a diet, and have noticed I'm much more regular. Especially helpful is my morning meal. I take a bowl and fill it with the following: 2 kinds of whole-grain cereal, berries or sliced bananas, a handful of walnuts, raw oatmeal (not instant), and ground flaxseed (it must be ground to be absorbed), and soymilk. I've given up all dairy. I would try this kind of diet before surgery, and do some research on the Internet.
Ok. Thank you for your reply
I eat chicken a lot and fish but no other meats. I dont drink dairy only oat or rice milk.
I know I could increase my vegetables more. I find it all so exhausting as I have CFS as well trying to eat the right food all the time.
I definitely know what you mean about having CFS and trying to eat right. It's very hard. I find it hard to eat a lot of veggies, because they have to be cooked. But I do eat a lot of fruit, which is easy. And the morning meal I mentioned just involves pouring stuff into a bowl. Just by doing those 2 things, you could increase your fiber intake by a lot. The ground flaxseed in particular is very good for promoting regularity. Diet can hugely help with your problem.
Thanks. I have tried high fibre diet and it gets stuck inside because of slow transit and I have a wonky colon so the specialist told me to eat fibre but not extra fibre. I dont eat enough fruit or veg tho. I have flaxseed. I eat no sugar muesli with berries and prunes and drink diluted prune juice.
Thanks for replying.
Sounds like you're very well informed. Remember that for flaxseed to be useful, it has to be ground. I buy the flaxseed already ground, as I don't have the energy to do the work myself. Best of luck to you. I hope you get this all figured out.
I buy milled organic flaxseed. Is that the same as ground? Actually none of this helps so I get very disheartened and think I may as well eat anything.
I think milled is the same as ground. In other words, you don't see individual flaxseeds. It sorta looks like sand. I know how discouraging all these symptoms can be. I'm very sorry you're having this problem. I've read tons of posts on CFS over many years, and all I can say is, you're not alone. All kinds of digestive problems are common with this illness. I really hope you can find someone/something that can help.
Hi, have you tried a colonic massage? It helped me with the stomach crumping and other IBS 'pleasures' and definitely helped with constipation. The only thing is, I have a lot of muscle weakness and pain, so I ask my hubby to do it for me - even 5 minutes is good. I wish you find a solution that works for you.
Hi
I saw the video colonic massage but it is hard to do that yoursrlf. You ate lucky you have a nice man.
Patricia,
i too have CFS and slow transit constipation or colonic inertia. I have a bowel resection and now the surgeon would like to remove my colon. A GI at the Mayo clinic has recommended Resolir and I am so very curious if you have tried this and with any luck or side effects.
vicky
Vicky,
Just checking do you have Crohn's or ulcerative colitis? How is the Resolor working?
Thank you
Julia
Hey Patricia I have the same problem as you and I'm taking laxatives not working peristene wash isn't working or enameas aren't working they think I'm gonna need surgery
My daughter had a rectal prolapse caused by constipation and recently had a biwel resection and rectoplexy which were both unsuccessful. Now recommending subtotal colectimy. Been to mayo and at Hopkins today. Mayo is running more tests next week and recommended prucsliptide. Any thoughts ir experiences with this med?
Hello Patricia,
I've just read your post having just sent my first post on this site. It seems we share more than a name although I don't have CFS. I'm not sure I have IBS either although I'll be checking this with my consultant this month as linaclotide is prescribed for IBS according to the label. However, I do have slow transit constipation and I would welcome any advice you could give me. I do hope you have made progress. You do have my sympathy and best wishes.
Hello I am suffering IBS since been given too many antibiotics 22 years ago, I cannot eat anything with sweetness even banana's. I think I have candida, but these last 7 weeks I cannot pass anything talk about slow transit..I have had to purchase a DIY colon water irigation cleanse. But I was going to say grains can add to the problem,I think they can get stuck in the wall of the colon. You could try Juicing greens like spinage cabage drink lots of hot/warm water first thing as wake up, then some juice,
Has any one else got a chronic reaction to eating anything sweet . If you have candida then you have to avoid sweet things.
Hi,
I am curious to see how you are getting on. I seem to be in a similar situation, diagnosed with slow transit constipation, weak external sphincter and a small rectocele. About 8 years of strong laxatives which have gradually stopped working.
Currently taking constella & reselor every day, docusate sodium and 6 movicol and recently started irrigation with the Braun iry pump, I feel like I am in a viscous circle the irrigation doesn't seem to be making any difference I feel tired, sick and have no appetite, feeling pretty drained! It is really affecting my homelife I have a full time job and young children to look after and Iv got to admit I am struggling xx
Hello Donna,
No change unfortunately. It's another bad night which is why I'm up at 3am! We do seem to have lots in common. I wish I had a solution to pass on. I used to have colonic irrigation but it doesn't help much - I suppose if the waste isn't isn't in the descending colon then colonics won't help even though the water goes further than using the home enema type kits. Also professional colonics are expensive. I would have continued nonetheless if they were really helping but effectively it was money thrown away.
I sssume you are in the uk too as you mention movicol which is miralax in the united states. I haven't found movicol any help. I use dulcolax pico liquid which helps sometime. Reselor didn't help but constella does sometimes. Hit and miss I'm afraid. It would be really good to find something which always helps even if it's expensive!
I know this won't help you in practical terms but at least you are not alone. Do let me know how you get on. It is life controlling and not the sort of thing others can really understand even if you feel able to discuss it.
Bet wishes,
Pat
Hello Pat,
I can't remember seeing your post before but I'm not the most computer literate person. Sorry if I've already replied. Like you, I don't have CFS and my consultant doesn't think I have IBS although it's a difficult thing to diagnose.
Constella - linaclotide - sometimes helps but not on its own. I have to combine it with large doses of dulcolax pico liquid. It's 3.30am and I'm up cos it's another bad night. This means the meds I took last night aren't working. It's quite frightening cos you csn't avoid the thought - what if this is it and nothing will work from now on.
I know this won't help you but I hope it's some consolation to know others are in the same situation,
Best wishes,
Pat,