Linoforce for constipation or IBS?

buffy86

Hi there,
I'm just wondering if anyone else out there has been using a vogel's linoforce to maintain regular bowel movements? I've suffered from constipation since a child, have tried all the recommended things - high fibre diet, plenty of fruit & veg, prunes, plenty of water etc but two years ago I discovered a herbal remedy called Linoforce which is linseed coated with senna and frangula. When I had a health check last year I mentioned this to the doctor in the mater and she took note, said it was ok as long as I wasn't straining to have a bowel movement. She mentioned maybe going for a colonoscopy if I was really concerned to find out if there is an underlying cause to my chronic constipation but at the time I didn't look any further into it. Now I am beginning to reconsider the colonoscopy.
At present, I need to take Linoforce (a sprinkle of a teaspoon amount) on my porridge in the mornings. Otherwise I will remain clogged up for days. I'm really worried now that my bowel with not function properly without it. Basically I just want to know if anyone else out there has used A Vogel's Linoforce Granules and their experience? Also if anybody could give me advice on going about getting an colonoscopy. I am a 27 year old female in full time employment but no health insurance. Would it be a costly procedure? And would there be much of a waiting list?
Thanks so much for reading

Hersheys

buffy86 wrote: »

Hi there,
I'm just wondering if anyone else out there has been using a vogel's linoforce to maintain regular bowel movements? I've suffered from constipation since a child, have tried all the recommended things - high fibre diet, plenty of fruit & veg, prunes, plenty of water etc but two years ago I discovered a herbal remedy called Linoforce which is linseed coated with senna and frangula. When I had a health check last year I mentioned this to the doctor in the mater and she took note, said it was ok as long as I wasn't straining to have a bowel movement. She mentioned maybe going for a colonoscopy if I was really concerned to find out if there is an underlying cause to my chronic constipation but at the time I didn't look any further into it. Now I am beginning to reconsider the colonoscopy.
At present, I need to take Linoforce (a sprinkle of a teaspoon amount) on my porridge in the mornings. Otherwise I will remain clogged up for days. I'm really worried now that my bowel with not function properly without it. Basically I just want to know if anyone else out there has used A Vogel's Linoforce Granules and their experience? Also if anybody could give me advice on going about getting an colonoscopy. I am a 27 year old female in full time employment but no health insurance. Would it be a costly procedure? And would there be much of a waiting list?
Thanks so much for reading

Hmmm.

Could your GP refer you to a gastroenterologist? They would have more experience dealing with constipation.

Have you tried other (prescription) meds or remedies for constipation?

I don't want to give medical advice. But you should talk to your GP to get a regime that works for you. There are many, many other meds out there.

Senna can give you a lazy bowel. As can dulcolax. But there are other osmotic laxatives (lactulose, movicol) that work differently and don't give you lazy bowel.

Your constipation is long term. It needs to be controlled/managed by your doctor.

BTW have you been tested for hirchspurger?

Hersheys

I don't know the waiting list to see a GI for a referral but the list for the scope publically is ~ 2 months.

buffy86

Hersheys wrote: »

I don't know the waiting list to see a GI for a referral but the list for the scope publically is ~ 2 months.

Thank you so much for the response. Yes I was once prescribed Movicol but I didn't find it great to be honest.
I have never been tested for hirchburger but I will look into that too - sounds serious from what I just googled 😳
Yes I fear I have made my bowel lazy, I hope that this is not permanent damage. I also seem to always feel the need to cough/clear my throat after eating. Not sure if this is relevant or related at all.
Do you know by any chance the cost of seeing a gastroenterologist?

Hersheys

buffy86 wrote: »

Thank you so much for the response. Yes I was once prescribed Movicol but I didn't find it great to be honest.
I have never been tested for hirchburger but I will look into that too - sounds serious from what I just googled 😳
Yes I fear I have made my bowel lazy, I hope that this is not permanent damage. I also seem to always feel the need to cough/clear my throat after eating. Not sure if this is relevant or related at all.
Do you know by any chance the cost of seeing a gastroenterologist?

With movicol it's all about the dosage! Don't worry about hirsc, very unlikely but if it's lifelong it's something to consider. I'm no doc so it's best to chat to your gp. Don't be embarrassed. They've heard it all before.

It's free going public. There is just a long waiting list (I think!) Going public it will cost €75 for the procedure (hospital charge for the day) and that's it.

Going private it depends on the consultant. It ranges from €100-150 per visit. But without health insurance you would need to pay for the procedure. It ranges but you pay for anesthetist, consultant, bed, theatre time... It works out to be ~ €750. You cannot see consultant privately and get the procedure done publically.

Talk to your gp. He may be able to refer you directly without seeing the GI!

Pm me with any q's you don't wanna ask here. I'm v v v experienced with constipation!

I've been using Linseeds in the morning for at least 10 years. I suffered badly with IBS and this did the trick. You need to get your GP to rule out any underlying problem, but would recommend plain linseeds (Lifeforce or Linusit from any of the main stores) highly. I use about a dessertspoon on porridge most mornings,at least 5 times a week.

buffy86

Thank you for the suggestion Maryanne, I will purchase plain Linseeds tomorrow and try to wean myself off the Linoforce. Can I ask how you got a diagnosis for IBS?

I have a very good GP, who left no stone unturned! I developed IBS after the birth of my second child. Suffered the agonies of diarrhea and constipation. Bran made it worse. Linseeds did the trick!

Hersheys

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I have a very good GP, who left no stone unturned! I developed IBS after the birth of my second child. Suffered the agonies of diarrhea and constipation. Bran made it worse. Linseeds did the trick!

I love how everyone just says "eat more fibre" where fibre can in fact cause constipation!

Hersheys

Hersheys wrote: »

I love how everyone just says "eat more fibre" where fibre can in fact cause constipation!

With IBS, it's a case of finding what works for you. I couldn't believe that bran was making me worse!

buffy86

Thank you so much ladies, It's great to know I am not alone.

Hersheys

[Deleted User] wrote: »

With IBS, it's a case of finding what works for you. I couldn't believe that bran was making me worse!

I was put on fybogel and was drinking 5 litres of water a day and I ended up in a&e with an obstruction. The gel formed a solid lump. It was horrendous. I'm limited in what I can eat. Sucks.

byhookorbycrook

Movicol is suitable for long term use and won't make the bowel lazy. The first dose may need to be quite high if you are "impacted" but it def. works for me!

Hersheys

byhookorbycrook wrote: »

Movicol is suitable for long term use and won't make the bowel lazy. The first dose may need to be quite high if you are "impacted" but it def. works for me!

Gotta love that salty, sweet, lemony taste

byhookorbycrook

Hersheys wrote: »

Gotta love that salty, sweet, lemony taste

Wash it down with some chocolate or wine, does the trick!

buffy86

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I've been using Linseeds in the morning for at least 10 years. I suffered badly with IBS and this did the trick. You need to get your GP to rule out any underlying problem, but would recommend plain linseeds (Lifeforce or Linusit from any of the main stores) highly. I use about a dessertspoon on porridge most mornings,at least 5 times a week.

Hi again, just wondering if it's milled/ground linseed or whole linseeds you use. Do you cook it with your porridge or sprinkle it over it?

I use whole linseeds, sprinkled over the porridge after it's cooked.

Space Dog

Just make sure to drink a lot when you take the linseed. I have a tablespoon of linseed with natural yoghurt in the morning and make sure to drink 500ml over the next hour.

buffy86 wrote: »

I also seem to always feel the need to cough/clear my throat after eating. Not sure if this is relevant or related at all.

I have the same problem and was diagnosed with non-acidic reflux.
In addition to the coughing and throat clearing I als had developed a permanent sore throat, swallowing difficulties and voice fatigue, all from the stomach acid hitting my throat. Was put on a PPI which aggravated my digestive problems, I am also constipated now (and gassy!!!) and was told it's IBS.

Has anyone tried the FODMPA diet? I recently cut out all refined sugar, wheat, oats, most dairy etc. for 6 weeks, but it didn't really improve my symptoms, so I was suggested to try FODMAP...

Hersheys

Am considering FODMAP but if I'm gonna do it I'm gonna do it right. I've a list of things that aggrevate my symptoms and so I avoid them but I'd like to go get proper dietary advice on what I should and shouldn't be eating for nutrition purposes with the intolerances in mind... And some menus, ideas of what to eat when eating out, and just general dietary advice.

Anyone ever gone to a dietician privately? I am wary of just googling as I know that dietician is not a protected term!

mm87

Hi Im very new to boards, so I hope Im posting in the right spot!!
I was diagnosed with IBS by GP about 2 years ago. In the last 2 years ive hit every type of symptom possible associated with IBS. Ive been on colpermin, was put on dulcolax last year to get me through the christmas. Now Ive come full circle as I can run to the loo numerous times a day. Its really started to affect my sleep and my work. I also cut out all the usual culprits from my diet which was extremely hard as I love my food and found Ive started to dread any occasions/eating out/even visiting my friends for fear of not being able to stick to my diet. My diet currently is wheat/gluten/dairy free.
Just yesterday I went into a shop which had a sign promoting help to those with IBS. It ended up being a chinese medicine shop and after a long chat the lady suggested acupunture, which would include a massage and heat therapy. I am 26, 5 f 7' and weigh 10st 7lb on a good day, on a bloated day can go up to 11st. She said I by making my body stronger and combating stress (this was the cause of why I have IBS) it would be hoped to give me relief. Has anyone tried acupuncture?? I understand I could probably be sold anything at this stage as Im so desperate. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
On another note, I also had friend of mine, who is a qualified nutritionist recommend me to start using symprove. Due to its price Im still researching and weighing up my options.

http://www.kitchengeekery.com/articles/health/does-symprove-reduce-the-symptoms-of-ibs

http://blog.nutritionmission.co.uk/2012/09/14/does-symprove-work/