constipation

[donnajk]

My 18 year old college daughter has had problems with constipation. It is now severe. She has tried activia, colon health and even Miralax (16 doses the last 2 weeks) And so far nothing is really working. Her doctor suggested the Miralax, and blood work. CBC and thyroid. no results yet. But she is feeling real full and not much results even with the Miralax. Now there is a brown tongue, some times, and today puking, belly ache some diarrhea. But still now emptiness. She feels like crap. Pun intended.
Help

[moxie_mom]

My daughter has had the same problem for over a year now.  It was one of the side effects of her Gardasil vaccine.  Not sure why so many girls have developed so many gastrointestinal issues since it, but the only thing that seems to help my daughter is an old Chinese remedy that someone told me about a few months ago.  And that's drinking hot water.  Hot like coffee or hot tea.  She drank it one night, and nothing happened, then she drank it the next  morning and it finally happened!  I have never cheered over a toilet before!!  Good luck and let me know if it works for her too.

[CalGal]

Is she experiencing any other symptoms that may not seem like they're GI related? Rashes, fatigue, etc? Do any foods make the constipation better or worse, even a little bit? Any food intolerance issues run in the family? Does she have any issues with dairy products?

[patient915]

Just because she is going back to school doesn't mean she can't see a specialist.  For example, on a weekend you guys could drive to see a specialist someplace else, and see the specialist monday morning, and then drive her back to college that afternoon and evening so she would only miss one day of classes.  Did you have a colonoscopy or colostomy?

[donnajk]

Got results to blood work. All normal. Now Dr. thinks its out of her realm. See specialist. Ok made appt with this Dr b/c they told me it was ok to still see her even though they were pediatricians. "We can see them until they are out of school at 21". So now after an office fee and hospital blood work. I am told sorry , can't help Nice
Now daughter has been sick all weekend. Vomiting and some diarhea. Dizziness. Dr says stomach flu and maybe Miralax starting to work. Fluids and bland diet for now. But still go to gastro doc. Problems are " None in my town. School starts Jan 10 (move back in 1st) And no insurance.  But no matter what She needs to be seen by someone that will help. I had a colonoscomy at 20, I do not want that for my 18 yr old.

[patient915]

Okay, I didn't know she had tried increased fiber.  She definitely needs to drink a lot of water.  Miralax won't work at all if you don't have enough water.  And, constipation can be caused by a lack of water alone.  She needs to be drinking a lot of water, no matter if she is on meds or not.

[donnajk]

Thanks for the answer. Doctor told her to back off on fiber, its only hurting her for now. And no need for any more water with Miralax.
Also no insurance , but I will do anything to get her better. But she returms to school Jan 9th

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  She should definitely see a gastroenterologist about this.  In the mean time she should try increasing her fiber intake and her intake of fruits and vegetables.  Also, she needs to be drinking at least 80 oz of water, or else no amount of dietary changes or miralax will help.