Linseeds (flax seed) for constipation

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I had a small bowel resection a year ago and have been constipated ever since and taking Movical every day.
Before the operation I used to take Linusit Gold (whole linseeds) and this kept me regular.
I have been frightened to take the Linseeds in whole form since the operation and have tried ground linseed (blocked me up more) and then I ground the whole linseed so I was getting the outer part as well (still blocked me up).
I am wondering if its safe to take the whole linseeds again
I tried the flax oil and that did nothing.
I am also frightened to eat skins (jacket potatoes) etc. Can anyone advise.
(I thought I read somewhere not to eat skins and seeds, or was that just after the operation).
Any advice would be appreciated. Or, if you take something daily for your constipation that works, as well.
Thanks
 
It sounds like you have now tried multiple times to take linseed, which isn't working the same way it has for you in the past. I personally would be hesitant to try the whole seeds again, possibly start off very slowly to see if they still have a stopping-up effect.

It may be that you will need to try something different from now on, if would be a good idea to check with your doctor for suggestions.
 
A lot of people with Crohn's have trouble with fruit and vegetables (especially the skins) and nuts and seeds and whole grain cereals. The fibre makes them difficult to digest, they can irritate an inflamed intestine and worsen diarrhoea. When the intestine is healing after surgery they can be especially harmful, which is probably what you mention reading about.

But most people with Crohn's have diarrhoea rather than constipation, so your need of fibre may be different. Now that you've healed from surgery, you might find whole linseeds helpful again or you could try introducing more fibre into your diet by trying more fruits and vegetables with skins, or other seeds, nuts or whole grain cereals, as long as your doctors haven't told you to avoid them or to follow a low fibre diet. But start with small quantities of these foods first and increase the amount you eat gradually.

There are many kinds of fibre supplements, stool softeners and laxatives, but you do need to be careful with them. Always start with a low dose and check with a doctor if you're unsure about them, especially if you're using them long-term as certain kinds can result in dependence if used too often. Stool softeners are less likely to cause side effects than stimulant laxatives. If you're really suffering, you could ask a doctor about enemas, suppositories or rectal catheters. There are a lot of options out there!

Have your doctors ever investigated to find the cause of your constipation? Is the Movicol helping? How often do you normally have a bowel movement when not taking anything for it, and do you have to strain a lot to go?
 
Hello,

Thanks for the reply. I have been taking Movical for a year now, every day.
I tried stopping, twice, and ended up with severe constipation, straining, was putting it mildly!
I haven't got Crohn's as far as I know. I had a resection through adhesions twisting the bowel.
The Drs. just tell me to keep taking the Movical. I was constipated before the operation but never to this extent. That's why I took Linseeds every day, that seemed to be enough then.
Do you think Physillium husks might be OK, I have never tried those.
 
The best treatment for you will depend on the type of constipation you have and what is causing it. How often do you have a bowel movement when you're not taking anything for it? Do you have slow transit constipation? Are the adhesions still a problem, i.e. could they lead to blockages? There are a hundred different treatments for constipation so you have to work out what kind you need.
 

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