I've tried everything to add Fiber to my diet.I have to take Iron because I'm constantly anemic. I've tried a new iron that was very expensive that is not supposed to do that. But it does.

The only thing that has ever worked for me is Miralax. I read an article that says you aren't supposed to use it every day or it will cause kidney failure. My mom died from kidney failure and she used it for a really long time.

What works for you? I've tried eating prunes every day, and all the other suggestions I get but it's still a lot of trouble and pain to get the dry hard stool out even with taking stool softners too every day and I would hate to see what would happen if I wasn't doing that.

What works for you?

I use this when I am constipated. It takes about 8 hours for it to work on me. Do not go over the recommended time or your stomach will be in knots. Good luck.

http://www.drugstore.com/yogi-tea-herbal-tea-get-regular/qxp140567

I've posted this on another thread (I think), but get this ...

A few weeks ago I went to see my PCP with what, after several days of increasing pain in right abdomen, I was certain was appendicitis.

Nope. Severe constipation.

Weird, because I don't suffer usually from constipation.

Know what caused it? According to my doc, it was my new habit (started 4-5 months ago) of taking Advil PM (which has Benadryl in it) every night to help me sleep. He explained that Benadryl slows down your colonic movements, leading to chronic constipation.

A number of drugs do the same thing: https://www.cmecorner.com/constipation/e-impacct_patient_guide.pdf

Who knew!? (I didn't.)

Good to know. Thanks for the info.

My constipation began post op and has continued for 7.5 months. Been to pcp and GI and have been taking lactolose ongoing with limited success.

Getting descent levels of fiber and Water but that's not helped. Hoping to fix this at some point ...

try drinking metamucil which is not the best tasting stuff. If you drink it every day, it will keep you regular.

Miralax can cause kidney problems if it's taken on a regular basis.

Coffee does it every morning for me. I also try and eat high fiber when I can. They don't call coffee a stimulant for nothing, but sometimes it takes 2-3 cups.

Here's a smoothy recipe from my acupuncturist. It has worked better that anything I've ever tried and it tastes pretty good.

Shopping list:

1 papaya ( great digestive enzymes)

1 small container of aloe Vera juice (natural laxative) I buy it at walgreens

1 container of prunes

1 small bottle of juice (I use Sambazon Energy juice available at Walmart but you can substitute)

Cut the papaya up and freeze on a flat tray

Smoothie:

1/4 cup papaya

4 prunes

1/4 aloe juice

1/4 juice

Blend in blender. May need to add some Water and ice if you prefer. Can add different fruit or juice to vary the flavor, but the base needs to stay the same.

I guarantee if you take this every day you will be so regular they'll set the clock by you.

If you're having immediate trouble you'll need something that works faster like Milk of Magnesia or Smooth Move Tea.

I've posted this on another thread (I think), but get this ...

A few weeks ago I went to see my PCP with what, after several days of increasing pain in right abdomen, I was certain was appendicitis.

Nope. Severe constipation.

Weird, because I don't suffer usually from constipation.

Know what caused it? According to my doc, it was my new habit (started 4-5 months ago) of taking Advil PM (which has Benadryl in it) every night to help me sleep. He explained that Benadryl slows down your colonic movements, leading to chronic constipation.

A number of drugs do the same thing: https://www.cmecorner.com/constipation/e-impacct_patient_guide.pdf

Who knew!? (I didn't.)

I tried to use that link because I'm always having problems. I take different medications, but not Benadryl. The link doesn't work