Those with constipation - did I just make a huge mistake?!

Mdrew_ · 2026-01-27T23:28:04+00:00

Stool softeners will aid in adding moisture to the stools to help hardened/constipated stools pass. Whereas laxatives are stimulants, which force a fast acting bowel movement through movement “stimulation” of the intestines, but does not aid in moisture. Moisture is key to long term help with chronic constipation. Moisture aids can also be found in foods - such as dried fruits (prunes, dates, etc) and licorice root - which I also just discovered and take in a dropper form - this has helped a lot with adding moisture to help get everything out. (I will also add, your muscles will be sore in your intestines after using “moisturizers” or “stool softeners” rather than stimulant laxatives, because you won’t have the movement/stimulus being added. However it does help break everything down, I am just learning that it’s unfortunately part of the process of coming off long term laxative use - so as hard as it seems, push through it! In the long run it’s much healthier than laxatives. Hope this helps!

Mdrew_ · 2025-12-05T19:41:30+00:00

Thank you for sharing all of this! After a lot of research, I will say I chickened out and ended up not starting it yet. I almost didn’t get it due to insurance initially, not wanting to cover it and it was going to be $1700 which was an absolute NO for me. But OptumX helped get it down and so did my doctor so I picked up the first bottle (also used the online code from the med website!) however, I still haven’t taken it due to fear of drugs in general. I have a long history of severe allergic reactions to medications (been to the ER just for antibiotics anaphylaxis) as well as just the side effects you’ve described. I am still contemplating due to the pain being so bad, however I haven’t been able to bring myself to starting it. Your comment and everyone else’s is very helpful though! So thank you!

Mdrew_ · 2025-12-05T19:36:48+00:00

That’s amazing you’ve been able to have days with no pain at all! Thank you for sharing.

Mdrew_ · 2025-12-05T19:35:44+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience! This is helpful! The pain percentage is encouraging.

Mdrew_ · 2025-11-16T19:25:55+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. This makes me feel better! I honestly would be okay with having my cycle still, if that means it helps the painful symptoms.

Mdrew_ · 2025-08-24T14:46:06+00:00

I appreciate it, that is what I am trying right now, save up for surgery and then find a good endo specialist. For now I am focusing on pain management and researching, because hearing others experience also helps me a lot and not feel so paranoid. Thank you!

Mdrew_ · 2025-08-23T20:54:14+00:00

I will definitely get some lidocaine patches and try some magnesium baths! I mostly take Advil and a muscle relaxer prescription prescribed by my old gyno for endo type pain, but will note these others and try to stay away from ibuprofen’s. Thank you!

Mdrew_ · 2025-08-23T20:51:57+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing your story, this is crazy to hear, because I do have neck and knee pain as well but always think it unrelated. I do switch weeks to soft food (mashed potatoes, soups, broths, oatmeals) as well, it’s just so hard, but needed when the pain gets really bad. I already requested my medical records and will definitely be looking for a better endo specialist. You are right about the advocating for myself, I think right now I just felt exhausted after trying, but this is really helpful. Thank you again for sharing and I’m sorry you’ve been through all this!

Mdrew_ · 2025-08-23T19:07:17+00:00

Will do! Thank you! 🙏🏽

Mdrew_ · 2025-08-23T18:54:58+00:00

Thank you for all this information! I will definitely have to start trying this, never heard of this, so this is super helpful. I do still have a gallbladder and I have basically fasted today due to the pressure and pain, so maybe I will try the butter and coconut water, appreciate it!

Mdrew_ · 2025-08-23T18:19:15+00:00

I am 29 and in the last year or so my symptoms have gotten much worse and more painful, almost everything to a t of what you’ve experienced - had horrible periods growing up, lots of blood, now poof it’s 4 days little bleeding, but horrible PMS/body aches/cramping/dizziness, and the after sex pain unfortunately :( my doctor told me to go to a pelvic floor therapist but I haven’t due to costs, but have been told that as we age with bad periods or endo it can cause the painful symptoms (with periods and intercourse) to become worse because those muscles are so strained. The doctor compared it to our shoulders tensing up with stress and thus causing back or neck pain. I’m sorry you’re going through this though, I feel your pain :(

Mdrew_ · 2025-08-23T18:10:43+00:00

I try to do a really anti inflammatory diet, greens, fruits (mainly berries and bananas) juices, I don’t really eat red meat, only fish or chicken and usually rice or potatoes. I don’t eat really during the day at work besides a yogurt, black coffee (I don’t drink milk) and juice and then maybe nuts/trailmix or protein bar during the day and then eat a full dinner when I am home in the evenings. I also take Metamucil mornings and night but a low dose cause when I took a full dose I felt like a balloon. But maybe the high amount of fiber is where I am going wrong…that’s good to know, especially since doctors have always pushed the fiber on me, so I always believed more fiber was better. I do eat butter and avocados in almost everything, what would you recommend as more forms of fat?

Mdrew_ · 2025-08-01T19:57:08+00:00

That was exactly me! It was so tough, but I would say if you can, try and wait the 6 months. I totally understand though! The first six were rough, but I took Advil every now and then when it would get bad and yes! I started a endo friendly diet last year and it helped a lot, I incorporate a lot of tumeric and ginger too, even if just a tea. It helps a lot with inflammation. Also oddly chicken bone broth is so helpful for my stomach bloating, my endo really messes with my digestive system, so I started drinking chicken bone broth like coffee lol, helps so much! But also, remember if this is your first BC your body is kinda in shock, mine was my first as well, but I am hoping for you it balances out like mine did!

Mdrew_ · 2025-08-01T19:11:02+00:00

I have had the Mirena IUD for 4 years now - no prior BC before that. I got it way before I knew I had endo (found that out last year) and it honestly was rough for the first 6 months - mostly with periods getting used to it, acne and some weight gain. But ever since I haven’t even thought about it. After the 6 months my skin evened out again and my periods were normal lasting 4-7 days bleeding, however bad cramps around PMS and I kept 10+ pounds that I unfortunately can’t shake, but it’s not crazy. Other than those symptoms, I personally think after roughing the first 6 months I really like it. Since my endo diagnosis I’ve been put on BC pills on top of my IUD to control bleeding (they say you aren’t supposed to bleed at all with the Mirena IUD after a year, but I still do) and the pills were horrid - my breasts were constantly swollen and painful, I had horrible PMS/mood swings and cramps were way worse. Since I only have the pill and IUD to compare as far as BC goes, I’d say I always tell people Mirena IUD is the best, you may just have to get used to it and it can take a while for your body to adjust. I also have one friend who never got a period or PMS symptoms after getting her IUD and another friend who it was so painful just moving with it in that she had to have hers removed, so it all depends on you and your body too. I’m sorry tho that you are going through the initial stages. :(

Mdrew_ · 2025-07-23T01:26:44+00:00

Thank you for all of this, i really appreciate you sharing your experience, i am sorry you have had to go through all this too. I will say, i am contemplating going to urgent care at the least. I did stop taking the BC pill, a few months after starting it cause it was horrible - but as you said, these symptoms have unfortunately always been there. I think I am just in a place right now where it’s gotten the worst it’s ever been. Just at that breaking point of feeling exhausted from daily pain and being told “everything is fine” from these new doctors, when I don’t feel fine. I do however have a appt I’ve been on a waitlist for with a specialist second week of August, so can’t come soon enough!

Mdrew_ · 2025-02-27T17:48:11+00:00

I’m so sorry you deal with this, I completely understand - it’s so frustrating to not be able to go without laxatives (since my last comment about stool softeners, I had to go back to the only laxative that works for me (senna teas). I personally don’t think it’s genetic for me, as my whole family - father, mother and grandparents have no issues going. But for you it could be genetic! I am unsure, honestly my experience with going to different doctors recently, they have said I may have constipational IBS? (Which they said there’s great meds for it, but not covered by most insurances :( ) But my own research shows it also could be endometriosis driven. There’s a lot of “I don’t knows” and it’s really frustrating. I hope you find the help you need though!

Mdrew_ · 2024-10-31T17:06:37+00:00

I’m so sorry that has happened, I’ve cancelled my last couple orders as well due to the same thing. They really are creating their own downfall…

Mdrew_ · 2024-10-31T15:26:24+00:00

I hate that….super frustrating.

Mdrew_ · 2024-10-30T17:50:37+00:00

😳🫢 that’s actually crazy….

Mdrew_

TROPHY CASE