🌿 My ER Scare + Constipation Relief Tips (IBS-C Friendly)

If you’ve ever struggled with constipation, you know how uncomfortable (and honestly scary) it can get. For me, it recently landed me in the ER.

On Friday, I had an EGD because I’d been having trouble swallowing and really bad reflux. They found a web and narrowing in my esophagus and ballooned it. By Saturday, I was in severe stomach pain, having chest pain, and even noticed blood in my urine. My discharge notes said if that happened, go to the ER—so off I went.

After 4 hours, bloodwork, and x-rays, the answer was… constipation. 🙃 Turns out, I hadn’t gone since Tuesday, and the combination of IBS-C + running out of my magnesium didn’t do me any favors. The pain from the procedure + the backup just collided. Thankfully, no appendicitis or UTI. They started me on lactulose in addition to my current routine, and I’ll be following up with my GI this week.

It reminded me how important it is to share about gut health openly—and what’s actually been working for me.

💊 My Current Constipation Protocol

Here’s what I use daily to support regularity:

• Swanson’s Triple Magnesium Complex → 2 capsules nightly

  Helps keep things moving and also supports sleep + muscle relaxation.

• FiberWise (Melaleuca, berry flavor (Contact for more info on this product) → 2 scoops daily

  A gentle fiber blend that balances soluble + insoluble fiber while also supporting overall gut health.

• Miralax → 1 capful daily

  Keeps things soft and easier to pass without cramping.

• Lactulose (new prescription) → As directed by my doctor, added after the ER trip.

🌿 Extra Tips That Help Me

Beyond supplements, here are simple lifestyle practices that support digestion and regularity:

• 💧 Hydration timing: Warm water first thing in the morning.

• 🥦 Fiber balance: Pair soluble + insoluble fibers for best results.

• 🚶 Movement: Gentle walks after meals, yoga twists, or stretching.

• 🧘 Stress management: Journaling + CBD for calming the gut-brain connection.

• 🕰️ Routine & positioning: Morning bathroom time + squatty potty = game changer.

• 🌱 Natural helpers: Kiwi fruit, prunes, peppermint tea can give extra support.

✨ Final Thoughts

Constipation is more than uncomfortable—it can seriously affect your health and quality of life. My ER trip was a reminder that:

1. Gut health matters.

2. Advocating for yourself is essential.

3. Small daily habits add up to real relief.

🌿 If you struggle with constipation or IBS-C, know you’re not alone.

💬 DM me “GUT HEALTH” on Instagram (@waiting.4.sunshine) and I’ll share more about my routine, journaling prompts, and the products that help me most.