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Author Topic: Plumbing Question  (Read 5502 times)

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Offline RobbyR

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Plumbing Question
« on: October 25, 2013, 08:25:08 pm »
So this is a bit of a gross topic, which I'm sure has been covered, but I thought I'd post and get some input. I never have had any issues with constipation, I was always pretty regular & if anything my stools were too soft not too hard. Last summer for a couple days I got mildly constipated, which went away quickly. I could still poop at that point, but it was unpleasant for a day or two. It went away. I tried to add more fiber. I eat a pear every day, eat Frosted Mini-Wheats, veggie soup when I can, I drink quite a bit of water. Often I'm on the go so don't have time to steam veggies or anything. I admit sometimes I eat probably too much fast food because it's convenient. But I've done it for years and didn't have this issue.

But fast forward to this week when I started getting hard stools after I had a large cheese pizza last week. I was still able to go, but it was just hard for it to pass. Kind of stung a bit. I tried not to strain. If it can't come out naturally, I don't want to strain it because that can lead to a whole other set of problems I don't want.

So yesterday, I ate a bowl of veggie soup, two waffles, water, one soda, small order of chicken lo mein, wonton soup, and that's pretty much it. But today I had the WORST constipation ever. Like, I felt the need to go, but when I'd go, it just felt stuck like I couldn't pass it. Usually in the past I always had some gas which helped in the passage, but now I felt totally blocked up. And I didn't want to strain.

So I tried drinking a ton of water, ate an apple, pear, nothing. I'd feel like I had to go, but it wouldn't come out. So I got a fleet enema which I didn't want to do, and bam, it came right out.

So what can I do to keep this from happening again? Should I stick to the pears, but just add more fiber? I just want to keep them soft so they'll pass easy. What are some quick easy things I can add to keep me regular & make me poop like a cow lol? I guess tons of veggies, beans, just the stuff I hate! I want to just keep my stools soft and so they'll pass easy. It seems my issue has been getting them started, once they're started, they slide right on out!

Maybe it's the Atripla I take? But never had any constipation issues with it in the 3 years I've taken it? And no other recent med change that it could be either.

Thanks for bearing with me (no pun intended) & for any input/advice!
"I survived because I was tougher than anybody else".--Bette Davis

Atripla
2010-2015

Stribild
2015-2016

Genvoya
2016-

Offline darryaz

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  • Posts: 450
Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2013, 08:47:29 pm »
When I was in the hospital on narcotics (which are notorious for causing constipation) the nurse brought me a nasty glass of prune juice.

I had to hold my nose to choke it down, but 4 hours later I was POOPING!!!!!


Offline WillyWump

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Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #2 on: October 25, 2013, 09:19:10 pm »
You cant just get constipated and eat a pear and expect everything to let loose in an hour. I just doesn't work that way. Yes Prune Juice would work faster but Ideally you want to be proactive, not reactive, to constipation.

Fiber, Fiber, Fiber. Incorporate high fiber foods in your every day diet. Whole wheat bread (be careful and read label), whole wheat spaghetti, Oat bran, Oatmel, BArley, Total brand cereal, even Popcorn! among many other things.

I didn't see any of this listed in your diet of waffles and soda.

If you cant do any of the above on a regular basis try a banana each morning, about the same fiber as a pear and much easier to eat. Eat it in the car, on the subway, at work, etc...

You get the idea.

Fiber.

but dont go overboard and start suddenly inundating your body with fiber, because then you are back where you started...constipation. Easy does it and get your system balanced.

When you star increasing your daily fiber intake you also increase other beneficial vitamins and minerals. It's a win-win! Your body will thank you with amazing, glorious turds.

« Last Edit: October 25, 2013, 09:31:30 pm by WillyWump »
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Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
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Offline bocker3

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Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #3 on: October 25, 2013, 11:41:55 pm »
Wait a minute?!?!  Was our dear Wumpy dispensing proper nutrition advice?  Where was the Krispy Kreme Bacon Cheeseburger??   ;D

Seriously though -- he was correct -- fiber is your friend.  In fact, it is your friend to, possibly,  avoid or fix either constipation or diarrhea (not a guarantee, of course).  If you can't get enough good fiber daily -- you can always try a fiber supplement.  I used to use Citrucel (sugar-free) powder.  Worked wonders -- now I eat more than the daily recommended allowance of fruits and veggies (well, MOST days, anyway)

Good luck,
M

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #4 on: October 26, 2013, 01:09:44 pm »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline emeraldize

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Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2013, 01:11:13 pm »
Hot oat bran cereal. Yum!!! Great way to start the day.

Offline Theyer

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  • Current ambition. Walk the Dog .
Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #6 on: October 26, 2013, 05:20:25 pm »
During two bouts off Chemo and recovery after  has meant horrendous discomfort / psychical illness from constipation and was my first priority was to get  balance back. I would also add as much physical movement as possible  to the advice on Fiber. Good luck ,m
Sorry , one more thing ------------
that took me longer to get clear,  than it should have -----If it  is also a reaction to a drug your taking it will need you to find the canniest balance to counter the effect off the drug..Fiber and as much movement as pos , that's it  so keep us posted.
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline Jeff G

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Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #7 on: October 26, 2013, 05:26:13 pm »
It couldn't hurt to supplement your diet with yogurt and or probiotics .
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Offline tednlou2

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Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #8 on: October 26, 2013, 11:02:51 pm »
It couldn't hurt to supplement your diet with yogurt and or probiotics .

I have been wondering whether the Activia brand yogurt is really a good yogurt, in terms of probiotics?  I know many say the Greek varieties are actually better.  I should buy stock in Activia, because I eat so much of it.  It is my breakfast and my dessert.  I buy the light brand to cut the calories in half, so I'm losing some of the sugar while gaining the artificial sweetener. 

Offline Jeff G

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Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #9 on: October 26, 2013, 11:14:40 pm »
I have been wondering whether the Activia brand yogurt is really a good yogurt, in terms of probiotics?  I know many say the Greek varieties are actually better.  I should buy stock in Activia, because I eat so much of it.  It is my breakfast and my dessert.  I buy the light brand to cut the calories in half, so I'm losing some of the sugar while gaining the artificial sweetener. 

I eat yogurt only when I can find sugar free because of my diabetes . If I need probiotics I go to the over the counter pill route and only take it for a month , that works for me . 

Low sugar yogurt is sometimes had to find , Wallmart is supposed to carry it but I haven't seen it at my store I shop at .
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Offline Grasshopper

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Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #10 on: October 27, 2013, 04:32:31 am »
I have been wondering whether the Activia brand yogurt is really a good yogurt, in terms of probiotics?   



About Dannon products (Activia)  :

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/dannon.shtm

"Dannon Agrees to Drop Exaggerated Health Claims for Activia Yogurt and DanActive Dairy Drink
FTC Charges that Evidence Supporting Benefits of Probiotics Falls Short"

Offline Grasshopper

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Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #11 on: October 27, 2013, 04:42:37 am »
Fresh prunes don't have the same "laxative" effects on me as the dried ones. A handfull is enough for me (when I'm slow).

You may also consider adding a spoonfull or two of Flax seed to your (plain fat free) yogurt. Or if you're really constipated, drink flax seed tea.

Offline mikeyb39

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Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #12 on: October 27, 2013, 09:55:37 am »
There is also a stool softner called miralax you can take, mixes in water.  I believe in a good warm water enama from time to time, this does trick for me
11/02/2010  cd4-251, vl-591000
12/09/2010  started Atripla
02/18/2011  cd4-425, vl-800
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09/05/2014  cd4-850 , VL-UD
09/05/2014 switched meds isentress, prezcobix -still only two antivirals
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Offline pittman

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Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #13 on: October 28, 2013, 11:16:03 pm »
as to yogurt, you can also try kefir, which is a high protein probiotic drink. Usually has less sugar, than yogurt, and you can by the plain kind and add fruit to make your own smoothies if you want.

I am not aware of Atripla causing constipation, in fact, my doctor said for some it can have a mild stool softening effect.

Offline RobbyR

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Re: Plumbing Question
« Reply #14 on: November 01, 2013, 05:07:34 pm »
Thanks for all the helpful comments everyone. I've made a conscious effort to add a lot of fiber in, I have been eating 2-3 apples a day, a box of raisins, whole grain bread/tuna, drinking a lot of water, dried apricots, & occasional prune juice.

I added frosted mini wheats, which has helped, & mostly the constipation is gone. I had a bit of diarrhea as I got used to the fiber but it's evened out a bit. Unfortunately, I have this stinging on one side which feels like a tear or something, maybe from one of my constipation bouts a couple weeks ago. Had a bit of spotty blood on tissue, only a bit, but hoping it will heal itself. Going to see my colorectal doc soon to hash some things out, I don't think it's anything inside, because I had a polyp removed in March & went in July & got a clean bill of health other than having small skin tags there. (Nice, huh, haha).

But yeah, the fiber has helped kept me regular, haven't had more need for enemas, the diet has helped, but I need to figure out what the tiny stinging is, & if it's a small roid or a fissure. Doc never mentioned roids to me or fissures when I went in July, but I guess even skin tags can bleed a little if you have a hard stool.

Hopefully this fiber thing will do the trick. Soaking in warm water helps, & I've been trying dabbing ice cubes on that side a bit hoping to foster healing & make any swelling go down so it won't bleed again.
"I survived because I was tougher than anybody else".--Bette Davis

Atripla
2010-2015

Stribild
2015-2016

Genvoya
2016-

 


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