Hello...No, I haven't tried the probiotics, but I do have chronic severe constipation. I take Perdiem tablets nightly, but have to periodically change my routine when my body doesn't respond. I've also used Miralax. Right now my PCP has me trying samples of LINZESS which is a relatively new drug for chronic constipation. I take 1 capsule with water in the morning. It draws water into the stool to make it soft enough to pass. I've told him the script is too expensive, so for now he's giving me samples.

I hope you find some relief with whatever you try, as this is a miserable condition to have to deal with. I often get so distended and bloated that I end up screaming in the floor and giving myself an enema. TMI

I have tried a few and take a couple teaspoons of milk of magnesia every night and its very inexprensive. Of course if I take more pain meds I need then that might not be enough and sometimes I take some collace stool softeners with the milk of mag. Collace is expensive though. Miralax also works well also but sometimes takes a couple days to work for me. I always hear my grandma saying 'milk of magnesia and applesauce helps keep a feller regular!' ;-)

I get constipated a lot as well. I take a vegetable laxative which does help a lot! I've had Activia, the yogurt with probiotics, and that was great! I just can't afford to keep buying the yogurt. It took a couple of days but it really worked. So I imagine anything else that has probiotics would work as well.

Good luck! :)

I highly recommend one of 25 billion or higher on the enzymes... Made a world of a difference to me!!!

Be careful with OD'ing on the probiotics if you consume a lot of yogurt and take probiotics- I didn't know this, but the good bacteria can overcome the bad bacteria and cause a yeast infection if you get too much (I was like are you serious??). I take one that is specifically made for women, and I think it helps, it keeps me regular at least!

I remember that I was on it a long time ago and liked it. Wasn't sure how it would work with the endo business. But thank you all for your replies!! I know when I get backed up my pain gets worse which leads to other things like my acid reflux, not eating well/if at all. I hate to say it but I wake up everyday and pray to go into menopause already!!!!

Hello,

I have suffered from IBS since I was about 13 years ago. It didn't occur to me until this year that my IBS may have been linked to my periods and hormones all along. I have had constipation (one BM every 5-7 days) since then, but it has gotten worse this past year (one every 7-9 days). My OBGYN convinced me to see a G.I. doc and my colonoscopy was negative. I was on Linzess prior to the colonoscopy with no success. Miralax works for me. I take it daily, but have also been instructed to take a daily probiotic and plenty of water. Since being on the Miralax and the Probiotic my low back pain has almost disappeared. I would suggest visiting a G.I. doc or talking to your OBGYN about your constipation more. I'm starting to feel like I'm on a good track and I've had constipation for more than 12 years!

So I started taking a low dose probiotic, I started it on Sunday and have been on it for 3 or 4 days now and I do see a difference. I was having really bad acid reflux issues again along with Ibs issues. I honestly thought I was going to have to get in touch with my pcp this week and have him put me on my antacid, but I don't have to anymore.

So far my acid reflux is way under control now and don't need to call him. If feels like my ibs is also getting undercontrol, so far no constipation issues.

The only issue is that when I started my probiotic I also had to start a new progestin pill. The one that I was on my RX plan wont cover anymore, so I'm still having some endo pain while getting used to this new pill.

But so far so good. I got mine at a local GNC for under 10 dollars. So I would recommend trying it.

Probiotics are good. Probiotics are not going to make you go right away if you are really backed up. They are like a vitamin in the sense that they will continuously give your GI system the good bacteria it needs to break down food and not cause GI problems. It took me years to get my constipation under control. It is related to my hormones and endo scar tissue, but a major diet over haul also greatly helped me. You should drink 6-8 glasses of water a day if anything. Water makes a huge difference. Consider going gluten dairy free if you haven't already. I also cannot eat red meat. All of these things cause sever constipation in me. I love my healthy diet and I don't feel like I am missing out on anything. I have been eating this way for 5 years. I did Miralax daily for quite a while until my diet started to work. But I cannot stress more- water, water, water! Do not take fiber supplements but rather eat fiber through healthy foods. Scar tissue restricts my colon so bulky fiber additives made me worse.

I had trouble with both, but mostly with getting backed up like you. Diet change helped me alot. I don't do probiotics as I tried it once and got severe diarrhea.

Note that prescription pain meds cause constipation. They cause inflammation of the bowel and can also affect its ability function normally. Top that with having IBS and it can really back you up.

Diet has been my lifesaver. Knowing what foods you personally react to takes time, but it's time worth spent. Not everyone is senstive to the same thing. What has helped me this time was the FODMAP diet. I may be mentioning this too much these days, but it truly has been helping me. No more severe cramping and pain while going, to the point of feeling faint. No more feeling of being bulky and bloated nor backed up. My hemorrhoid is no longer a daily torment to me.
http://stanfordhospital.org/digestivehealth/nutrition/DH-Low-FODMAP-Diet-Handout.pdf

I did the stool softener after my surgery and had to keep at it with the milk of magnesia till I saw a GI specialist. He put me on the fodmap diet and I saw immediate results. Had to stop the stool softeners and milk of mag as they were causing diarrhea at that point. I can no longer have apple pies, apple juice, apple sauce, nor juices that contain apples. But what little apple pectin that is in jams I can, thankfully, eat. And that is just one food item I avoid. But it's worth it to not be so backed up. :)

Definitely see a GI specialist. Mine has been a huge help with Endo and IBS. Hope you find relief. {HUG}

i love my probiotics! i've tried many of them too. i also have IBS and used to have lots of gas and bloating. the probiotics took away the gas and bloating and to my surprise help me stay 'more' regular. have to keep up with it though. i overheard the lady at the health food store suggest taking one or two per day for several days and increase by only one pill every several days until desired results. she said if you get too loose, back off by a pill and hold steady for a few days before another increase. I will take extra if i eat something that is high carb or high gas potential. this is the brand i use now http://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Jarro-dophilus-EPS-Capsules/dp/B0013OUKTS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389831331&sr=8-1&keywords=jarro-dophilus+eps+120 they're have worked the best for me by far (and this is a good price for them)..... many bacterial strains, no need to refrigerate AND the capsule coating is sturdy so the probiotics are not released in the stomach, but later in the intestine where they are needed. good luck!

It isn't my diet as I did a complete over haul and don't eat anything that has been suggested and eat 90% glutten free. All I drink is water, I have a very small 16oz diet soda for lunch and half the time don't finish it. As far as meds go I'm only on the progestin. I only take pain relievers probably once per month now. So not sure if the progestin would cause it. but the constipation seems to run on my moms side quite a bit also so I'm wondering if its just inherited. Will def check out the mentioned links.

Either way they will do more good then harm. Why not give them a shot!

I just asked my doc about this Thursday. My flare ups start with constipation. Once that passes, I have diarrhea for a day or so until there is nothing left. Doc said that probiotics should help and to increase my fiber. I've found that can't do artificial fiber or straight fiber bars due to the painful gas. Fresh fruits and veggies (but not roughage/salad) help the most. And remember: kiwi fruit= laxative, banana= stool bulker.

Has anyone had success with raw probiotics specifically those mentioned here: http://www.mygardenoflifeprobiotics.com/

I am a firm believer in my food being my best medicine, but sometimes wonder if I'm missing something? thanks