Consternation - ThinnerTimes

Omaha Jim · 12-23-2007, 06:42 PM

Dear TT Landers

It is not a paralyzing dismay, but dismay anyway. I know constipation is a side effect due to the small amount of intake and the long intestinal tract, which tends to dry out the items in the bowels. But it is driving me crazy. Pre-op I was a regular once a day guy and if I was lucky, twice a day. Now it is once every other day if I am lucky and hard to move. I am trying Colace, but I have heard of Flax Seed and Psyllium Husks. I know the flax seed has a short shelf life, but the psyllium husks have no shelf life. Is anyone using the psyllium seed? Any luck with it.

Signed
Bound and Confused

hello kitty · 12-23-2007, 07:02 PM

have you tried something a little more normal? such as bananas, something coffee based, or something similar?? just a suggestion before you start taking another supplement.

Hello Katie · 12-23-2007, 07:03 PM

I was a bit shocked too since I used to go quite frequently. I finally went today after 4 days of NOTHING. I read that it's very normal to only go once every 3 days so try not to worry. I also read most doctors don't consider you "constipated" until you haven't had a bowel movement for a week. Are you drinking enough? I know that is the easiest thing to do first.

I haven't tried any of the things you've mentioned but I've read other posters who swear by flaxseed.

Corrine · 12-23-2007, 07:40 PM

I've been plagued by the same problem. My fluid intake is never below 90oz now and that didn't help at all.

Colace was prescribed straight from surgery and I'm still taking them but they don't help much.

Milk of Magnesia does the trick but I really didn't want to take the stuff on a regular basis.

Flax seed (meal) was recommended to me and it's been wonderful. I buy the seeds and grind them up (keep 3-4 days worth of meal in the fridge). I have a coffee grinder that I use for spices so I use that.

I take 3-4 tablespoons every day. I just add a tablespoon to things like oatmeal, cereal, yogurt etc. I've just started eating a small amount of salad and I've sprinkled it on that - gives it a nutty flavour. It's not bad in a milk drink either.

I wouldn't take anything else now - this stuff makes me feel good and it has huge health benefits. http://www.flaxhealth.com/howflaxhelps.htm

janine · 12-23-2007, 07:41 PM

I had the horrible constipation too. I found a cure!... I added Activia yogart to my daily food. It has cured me. Strange but true... try some Activia yogart and see if it works for you.

Corrine · 12-23-2007, 08:02 PM

Kraft do a cheese called LiveActive which is made with added probiotics.

That's worth trying too.

LisaM · 12-24-2007, 02:31 AM

For me, the answer lies in eating a couple of Kashi Honey Flaxseed bars daily, and trying to keep my overall fiber levels around 15 to 20 grams a day. Plus I take flax seed oil supplements along with all the other stuff I take, and I take them with my morning and evening supplements and pills.

Vim&Vigour · 12-24-2007, 03:26 AM

Dear Jim,
I took Psyllium Husks regularly once a month pre-op as a detox - boy is that stuff amunition! I too was a regular daily but since op am a regular "every other day" - the bowel content is less than half... no wonder.
Plenty of drinking water...
Good luck!
Cheers!

Claire-in-Texas · 12-24-2007, 03:31 AM

An occasional suppository helps me.

desmccoy · 12-24-2007, 03:52 AM

I have tried everything except flaxseed but I think I will try that next. We have a friend who lives all natural she cage me some stuff called Calm something or other its like a tea. It works wonders.