r/Constipation • • Oct 01 '25

MOD POST Just a reminder if you have IBS C or chronic constipation

85 Upvotes

A lot of people who are diagnosed with IBS C or chronic constipation, especially if they aren’t responsive to diet and lifestyle changes, often end up having one or more significant motility disorders.

Many different things can cause these.

When you have chronic constipation, there is an order of operations you/your doc should follow.

  • first try dietary and lifestyle changes (ALL of them); if that doesn't work...
  • then try over-the-counter medications and supplements. If those don't work...
  • then you need motility testing done. Depending on your results of them...
  • then you go to prescription medication. Try them in different combinations and try all of them. If those fail, as well...
  • depending on your diagnosis after your motility testing, you may be eligible for non-invasive and invasive treatments to treat it. If those don't work…
  • again, depending on your diagnosis, then surgery is an option

If you are seeing a gastroenterologist and this isn’t laid out for you, chances their specialty isn’t motility. Unfortunately, many people get sent to GIs who have a speciality in something other than what they need. For motility, you need to see a motility specialist or a neurogastroenterologist.

There is a PSA I wrote and it is stickied above. I’ve been living with this since I was born (over 40 years). I also have worked in this area, as well. I try to spread awareness and this is often falling off of the radar and patients are just told to eat fibre.

With motility disorders, fibre is often the menace.

Testing for motility includes, but is not limited to:

  • esophageal manometry
  • antroduodenal manometry
  • gastric emptying study
  • 72 hour emptying study
  • upper gi series barium swallow
  • there was a wireless motility capsule but it’s been discontinued. There are a couple new ones in trials. Don’t hold your breath.
  • sitz marker test (also called a shape study)
  • colonic manometry (very key test but hard to get)
  • anorectal manometry
  • defecogram (mri or xray)

If you have any questions on testing, treatment, where to go, and so on, let me know.


r/Constipation • • Dec 28 '25

How to poop while living with anxiety

29 Upvotes

I made this video on how to poop for people living through anxiety. It was created during the most recent presidential election in the United States, yet the rules apply to anyone who is living though periods of stress and are constipated (the holidays, spending time with family, having a job that you hate, going through a divorce or bankruptcy, you name it!) Topics covered include: 1) how to capitalize on the gastrocolic reflex 2) how to sit on the toilet to void more stool 3) how to maintain a calm nervous system while pooping. Here it is: https://youtu.be/xdbhlmKC-mI?si=B7yPq-V_91W5Ysxs


r/Constipation • • 22m ago

How important is a good deep sleep

• Upvotes

So i am dealing with hypertonic pelvic floor and tightness in the internal anal spincture.

I got great improvements in constipation after adding probiotics benefibre and metamucil to my diet with magnesium glycinate at night low dose with adequate water not too much .

Recently had a very depressed phase and i couldn't poop for a week . Once i changed my sleep routine I can poop not like before but i can poop I hope once I fix sleep and eat on time relax myself breath well stretch and do internal works i can go back to normal again.

Sleeplessness, sleeping late at night can cause alot of stress in the body. It's very common thing we hear but i think most of us don't follow this and stress out and overthink alot at night.

Anyone experienced the same? Do you guys think i can retrain my bowel movements routine again with the same pt and fiber and relaxation?


r/Constipation • • 1h ago

Miralax in india

• Upvotes

Does anyone know where I can buy miralax in India??


r/Constipation • • 3h ago

it’s been a week

1 Upvotes

after having a cold and becoming dehydrated, i was super bloated and constipated last weekend. i was able to pass bowels on monday and throughout the week i have been able to get some out in bits as well as pass gas. not bloated anymore, but my lower back is super sore and i still feel like i havent been able to fully get everything out. ive changed my diet, taken protein shakes and caffeine out, been trying miralax, but it doesnt seem to be helping too much. the 72 hour mark is tomorrow from the miralax dose. i’m thinking if maybe i should return to my normal diet of coffee and protein in case i accidentally shocked my body from the sudden change to bland foods and fibers? i’m feeling a bit down about it right now and am wondering if anyone has any recommendations~

it does not help that i am currently in between health insurances, so going to the doctors for peace of mind isn’t an option until next month 🫩


r/Constipation • • 9h ago

did the colonoscopy prep for severe constipation??

2 Upvotes

Im 18F and truly at a loss. I’ve been suffering with constipation for the past few months now and went to the ER in June and was told i had a moderate pancolonic stool burden after an abdominal x-ray. The doctor gave me lactulose and told me I should eat more apricots (which apparently would solve my problems). I began taking the lactulose but couldn’t continue because I was traveling out of the country. Fast forward to now, I’ve been taking Restorelax every night for months now and I feel like there’s just a mass that won’t budge in my intestines and everything’s just going around it because when i do poop, it’s very skinny and not a lot. I feel really bloated and i can feel the discomfort especially on my lower right side and i’ve just been overall, very uncomfortable. I decided I was going to follow the colonoscopy prep protocol (238g of Miralax, 4 Dulcolax tablets) to hopefully clear this stubborn burden that refuses to budge. It’s been about 5-6h since i finished drinking the miralax and when i am going to the bathroom, it’s just liquid - the “blockage” is still there. I’m wondering if it’s just a matter of time and it just needs to absorb more liquid in order to pass or if the colonoscopy prep didn’t work? (which would really concern me). My belly is still making noises so that’s keeping me hopeful but i’m so desperate for help and id truly appreciate anyone’s input. Thank you so much!


r/Constipation • • 1d ago

Magnesium Citrate Powder really works!

23 Upvotes

For the last few months I’ve had to use Dulcolax just to 💩. Without it, I’ll literally NEVER have the urge to go.
Movicol doesn’t work on me, it softens stool but has zero laxative effect on me.

At the time I’m writing this it’s 4am on a Saturday, prior to 30 minutes ago I hadn’t 💩 since Sunday.

This Wednesday, I bought some Magnesium Citrate Powder after reading online that it’s good for you.
I didn’t use it until Friday evening because I didn’t wanna take a laxative mid week and then be forced to skip work the next day.

At first, I took a small dose (bigger than what’s recommended, but still small) and waited many hours… nothing happened.

About 30 minutes ago I decided to take a HUGE amount. After finishing the drink, my stomach instantly starts gurgling and within 5 minutes I’m on the toilet. No stomach cramps or intense feelings, I just went.

Whilst writing this I had to go 3 more times within the last 40 minutes, each time there was no pain or ass burn.

Magnesium Citrate Powder is like a natural, smooth, painless alternative to Dulcolax. I would recommend it to anyone who struggles as bad as I do with constipation.

I’m in the UK and our over-the-counter options for constipation are very limited.
For anyone curious, i got the powder from Holland & Barrett (they only sell one type, which is their own brand).

If you naturally take a 💩 every few days, then I would probably skip this as it might be too strong for you.
But I’m literally bloated 24/7, so stronger laxatives very rarely cause me discomfort.

My only worry is that microdoses won’t work on me, so I’ll always have to take huge doses to get a laxative effect. As I write this, I’ve currently gone 4 times in the last hour and my stomach is still gurgling.


r/Constipation • • 13h ago

Severe constipation from zofran

1 Upvotes

I’m really struggling with severe constipation and don’t know what else to do. I was already chronically constipated, but after receiving a double dose of Zofran at the ER for nausea, my constipation has gotten so much worse.
I’ve tried an enema, a suppository, and PEGlyte, but nothing has worked. I feel the urge to poop, but it’s extremely painful and nothing comes out. I’m also very bloated and have stomach pain.
I’ve been to the ER twice already and still haven’t gotten relief. On top of everything, I have strep throat.
Has anyone experienced constipation this severe? What helped when enemas, suppositories, and PEGlyte didn’t work?


r/Constipation • • 15h ago

Dulcolax for 2 weeks prescribed by GP for constipation.

0 Upvotes

I consulted my gastro doctor about constipation and he prescribed me dulcolax for 2 weeks 1 tab a night along side other meds, I was worried that Might get dependent and he said that it's actually fine and safe and now I don't know if should really trust him or what??? Because apparently if I'm still not back to normal after 2 weeks then we Will proceed to colonoscopy🥹 the problem is I'm just starting to look for a job I'm just 20 and I still don't have my own money and my parents has no funds for things like this. I'm scared I don't know what to do.


r/Constipation • • 1d ago

I can’t stop drinking the prune juice…

7 Upvotes

it is so darn tasty. I’ve drank about 400 ml so far about 3 hours ago. just some occasional farts. want to go to bed soon.

i hope i can make it til morning. I will let you know what happens.


r/Constipation • • 21h ago

Difficulty passing solid stool and swelling around the anus when pushing — what could be causing this?

1 Upvotes

For the past 3 days, I’ve been having trouble passing stool. I took a laxative, and the next day I had bowel movements several times.
While trying to poop, I felt like I was pushing really hard, but my anus wasn’t opening properly, and the stool wasn’t coming out completely.
The following day, my digestion seemed normal. However, when I tried to poop in the morning, only a few small stools came out. After sitting on the toilet and straining, the area around my anus started swelling or bulging, and eventually, I couldn’t pass solid stool at all.
Liquid or softer stool passes relatively easily, but when the stool is solid, it feels like it gets stuck and won’t come out, no matter how hard I push.
I also previously used 3% hydrogen peroxide for anal irrigation, and the symptoms started after that. I’ve stopped doing it.
My questions:
Could this be hemorrhoids (piles), a fissure, swelling caused by irritation, or a problem with the pelvic floor muscles?
Why can softer stool pass but solid stool seems to get stuck?
Which doctor should I consult — a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon/proctologist?
What can I safely do at home to relieve this, and what treatments might be necessary?
I’d appreciate advice from anyone who has experienced something similar or has medical knowledge about this.


r/Constipation • • 1d ago

Worried about developing an impaction/blockage

5 Upvotes

Started my new job as an NEMT and it completely reversed how I lived before, which is a good thing for most of it but ever since I started I have been going to the bathroom less and less. I took mag citrate last night since I hadn't gone to the bathroom since Saturday and I think it's been working but i'm not sure. It's nearly been completely liquid-ish stool and thats what worries me, shouldn't there have been some solid stool?


r/Constipation • • 22h ago

Not sure what to do…

1 Upvotes

I started having some constipation sometime in August. At first it was barely noticeable. I chalked it up to a bad diet, took some MiraLAX, and went on about my day. Then the weekend of September 26, I noticed I was really backed up. I had a hard time going at all and was only able to pass tiny bits of stool at a time. Eventually had some prune juice and all was well for the next few days. Made a conscious effort to up my fiber.

I started to feel constipated again a few days later and drank a bottle of mag citrate on October 4, thinking if I could just clear myself out and start fresh all would be okay. And again, all was okay for a few days. I had normal urges to go, even though the stools were in on thin side, they bigger than I was previously having.

Then it started again. I’ve been taking MiraLAX and can only pass tiny bits at a time or thin stools. Prune juice is really the only thing that helps, however, it’s just diarrhea. I did try an enema and that made me go, but didn’t do anything to stop this cycle.

I went to urgent care this past Monday and they weren’t really helpful. I explained my symptoms and they said there’s no indication for a CT and gave me an IV/did bloodwork (all was fine). They referred me to a GI doc that can’t get me in until December so I followed up with my primary care and have an appointment on Wednesday to see if we can speed things up.

I don’t have any visible blood in my stool. No pain except for being uncomfortable if I get too backed up. But I’ve just been continuing to drink prune juice everyday and that’s helped keep me from going insane.

I’m convinced I have some kind of blockage but I’m not sure the ER will care, from what I’ve seen here…


r/Constipation • • 1d ago

i almost pooped!!

2 Upvotes

i’ve been having issues with what i suspect is fecal impaction and i started drinking citrate today and i felt like my poop softened up so much and i almost went!! but im also having rly bad pains from trying to go so much and bearing down rly hard so it didnt work out :( does anyone have any advice or should i just wait for it to soften up a little more and not go it if hurts


r/Constipation • • 1d ago

9 day opioid constipation

1 Upvotes

haven't pooped in 8- 9 days. Opioid constipation from pain meds I stopped using four to five days ago. No urge to poop and no bowel movements. After day 7 i took some MiraLAX twice in a span of three days. Day 9 I took a suppository and it moderately and smoothly worked but was minimal. The next morning I took a saline enema and things moderately came out but I still feel slightly backed up - there’s slight fullness but no abdominal pain or symptoms of anything concerning. Took the enema at 10 am and no other movements the whole day.
Should I take a stronger stimulant since those two are osmotic laxatives or go to the er? Kind of want the ER to be my last resort.
Talked to a nurse online and said since my symptoms are mild I should be safe to take at home remedies but I have health anxiety and don’t want to harm anything


r/Constipation • • 1d ago

olive oil

2 Upvotes

i’ve seen that a tablespoon of straight olive oil helps with constipation, i have tried once or twice myself but couldnt definitively say it worked since i used other methods with it. has anyone tried this and it works? i know its a lipid/fat which can be a source if constipation as well so just curious


r/Constipation • • 1d ago

Intussusception surgery (rectopexy) & anal dilators

5 Upvotes

Has anyone has this procedure? I'm curious to hear about how it went and if things improved.

For context, my proctogram showed a partial occluding intussusception alongside high resting tone, significant spasming, hyposensitivity, and inability to coordinate.

My GI said a laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy could be considered. He explained that this is a keyhole procedure to lift and straighten the bowel using a biological mesh. This is major surgery with significant risks, including potential injury to nearby organs, bleeding, and infection. There is also a small risk of needing a temporary stoma bag. It is important to understand that even if the surgery is technically successful, there is a 40% chance it may not improve symptoms.

He also recommended anal dilators as a less invasive option to address the spasming which I'm also going to start with, anyone seen success with those?

Meanwhile i'm continuing biofeedback (although oddly I perform fine in the clinic but see little improvement at home), daily laxative use, and high volume irrigation. FUN FUN.


r/Constipation • • 1d ago

First time, help please

1 Upvotes

Technicallt not my first time cause I did experience a little constipation as a kid but first in a long time. Suddenly within the past 4 or 5 days my stool wasnt normal. It was pretty normal for me to not go every day, every 1-3 days but my stool always looked fine. Recently within past 4 days or so I technically pooped every day but it was literally one or two tiny pieces of pellets, per day. And it was really hard to do that. I know you’re not supposed to strain but I just wanted it gone and that’s all I could get out..

I do not eat a lot of wheat so I think it was triggered by eating a bagel, a bread bun, and half an apple all in one day (apples give me digestive issues too). Here is (one of) the things, I will not be in my home or home state for at least a week, maybe more. I really really do not want to take hard laxatives or enemas or anything like that while I. can’t be at home.

The other thing, I am severely, severely emetophobic and health anxious. For the past couple months I have bad anxiety almost panic attack level right after whenever I eat anything. I have 17.5 BMI so I guess I’m kinda underweight from it. I disliked the feeling of anything inside me so much that I started OMAD and more cardio but still restricted calories. That led to a sugar crash with bad nausea at one point so I did start eating two meals again recently. The only reason I don’t abuse antiemetics is because the side effects, which could end up in more nausea, scare me out of it.

The side effects of laxatives/enemas/anything like that scare the shit out of me (not literally unfortunately). .But I’m also terrified of an impaction. And for at least the next week I can’t go to a pharmacy. I’m also diagnosed with moderate autism and the sensory experience that would probably cause will make me wish I was dead. I’m hungry but I’m too scared to eat because I’m terrified of making an impaction or making it worse.

I took probably around.. maybe 700 mg of a powdered magnesium supplement broken into three separate times throughout yesterday. It did nothing. I also upped my water intake and drank hot water. I plan on having some prunes and prune juice today. Will that be good? Should I eat anything else?

Edit I had 8 prunes and half a day later I passed a normal looking stool still small but by all means much better than what I had been. It was still hard to do and I’m not done yet though which is scary


r/Constipation • • 1d ago

I feel broken

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m dealing with a scary bout of constipation(for me anyways) that is triggering my health anxiety badly, and I could really use some perspective or reassurance. On Wednesday morning, I had a normal poop, but the front half was pretty hard and rocky but once it gets to a certain point my body takes over and works it out. I passed it fine. But since Thursday morning when I feel the urge to poop, I try and it physically moves down to the very exit but then completely stops. Then, once I get up from the toilet, it seems to go back up and away.

I have the urge, but nothing happens when I sit down. The weird thing is that I am still passing gas completely fine and minimal gas pain. I'm really afraid that my anal muscles just aren’t working or relaxing to let it open up. I know I have hemorrhoids and I’ve been pooping with hemorrhoids for ages, and they’ve never stopped me before, so I don't know if it's the hemorrhoid or if my muscles are just completely locking up.

My plan for later when I can finally unwind is to try some prune juice first to see if the volume and natural sorbitol can trigger a relaxed, natural wave to push it out. If that doesn't work after a few hours, my backup plan is to use a glycerin suppository to lubricate the exit and trigger the reflex to open up. Anyways, just looking for some feedback or reassurance as it’s wrecking my mental health thinking my muscles just are failing to let it go. Have actually never gone this long without a bowel movement even when things are moving slower.

Thanks


r/Constipation • • 1d ago

Chronic Severe Constipation Slow Transit Lazy Bowels

4 Upvotes

Hello everyone I am a 50 year old fairly fit female with Chronic constipation. I exercise 3 times a week and have a clean diet. No red meat pasta rice mostly veggies and chicken breast,  fruits and an occasional cheat day. I was told after my colonoscopy I have slow transit lazy bowel syndrome. Im from the Bahamas BTW and to be honest the gastrointestinal physician i see isn't really interested in helping he actually wanted me to have a surgical procedure on my colon. I did some research and ask to be prescribed Lubiprostone 24 mcg twice daily it didn't work. So now I got the Prucalopride 2mg. Being from the Bahamas these medications have to be special ordered and shipped here by our local pharmacy. Waiting for the Prucalopride to arrive. I currently take 40 to 50 laxatives every other day I got from Amazon that has psyllium husk in it. Its dr Tobias brand but taking so many in order to get a movement is honestly depressing and I only get around 3 movements taking all those pills (it also takes 12 to 24hrs to work.  I really need help.


r/Constipation • • 2d ago

How many days with no urge?

3 Upvotes

I haven’t had the urge to poo for the past 2 days, stomach feels really bloated. The longest time I’ve gone without a single urge to poo is 4 days, what about yall?


r/Constipation • • 2d ago

Can't have BM w/o nicotine

6 Upvotes

I've been vaping/smoking/using zyns for 2 years now. Essentially, if I don't have nicotine or a smoke, I can't use the restroom. There's rare times where before I had a smoke for the day, I'll have a bowel movement.

But really, I rely on it. Tips since I want to quit?


r/Constipation • • 2d ago

Constantly clogged toilet

6 Upvotes

I’m always constipated and every time i finally poop, the turd is so big that it cloggs the toilet LOL. I just moved into a new apartment and it literally cloggs every time IDK WHAT TO DO


r/Constipation • • 1d ago

Haven't went since Sat/Sun

1 Upvotes

Haven't gone to the bathroom since Saturday or Sunday and last night I took magnesium citrate. 30 minutes after taking it i had a tiny movement but it was just a few small, hard clumps. A few hours later it's been nonstop diarrhea. But that's what kind of worries me, what if the diarrhea is just going around solid stool? I've never taken magnesium citrate before so I don't know if what's happening is normal or not. Thank you for any advice or suggestions in advance.


r/Constipation • • 1d ago

Used high doses of Bisacodyl several times and now can’t have a bowel movement without it

1 Upvotes

I have been fairly regular my whole life but took 15-20mg of biscodyl several times (non consecutive days) after eating a lot. Now it seems like I struggle to have a bowel movement without it.

Could laxative dependence develop that fast? Is there likely to be permanent changes or damage?