I've noticed in recent weeks I've had more constipation and more tightness around the anus. My surgeon recommended benefiber, but I was wondering if any of you have had success on different fiber supplements
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Are you sure this isn't a stricture at the outlet? We don't usually get constipated. Constipation is hard, dry stool.
Sue
Sue
Maybe it is a stricture. If so, then what though? Hope this isn't the case...
Agree; this sounds more like a stricture, especially if you are feeling tightness. However, it is possible, from time to time, that our stools might be more formed. If this is the case AND you have some level of stricture going on, then you might have some difficulty passing stool.
You should get in touch with your GI or surgeon to have a stricture confirmed or ruled out. This is usually done through a digital exam. In the meantime, you will want softer, looser stools which will be easier to pass and reduce straining. I wouldn't necessarily recommend a fibre supplement, since this might actually have the opposite effect by bulking you up too much. You'll want to increase your fluid intake, and perhaps drink a bit of grape or prune juice (just sips at a time to start--too much can be potent). Also, I've recently discovered that raisins work well in getting things moving for me, so that's something you could try. But do let your doctor know, as a stricture is not something you want to ignore as they don't tend to go away on their own, and if they worsen, you could end up with a blockage.
You should get in touch with your GI or surgeon to have a stricture confirmed or ruled out. This is usually done through a digital exam. In the meantime, you will want softer, looser stools which will be easier to pass and reduce straining. I wouldn't necessarily recommend a fibre supplement, since this might actually have the opposite effect by bulking you up too much. You'll want to increase your fluid intake, and perhaps drink a bit of grape or prune juice (just sips at a time to start--too much can be potent). Also, I've recently discovered that raisins work well in getting things moving for me, so that's something you could try. But do let your doctor know, as a stricture is not something you want to ignore as they don't tend to go away on their own, and if they worsen, you could end up with a blockage.