Why, Benefiber, why??

Question

So here's a little background... I'm frequently constipated, and don't tolerate laxatives well. Even when taking just half a dose, I end up with bad cramps and diarrhea, so I try to steer clear of them. I was looking for something better to help me cope with my problem, and decided to try Benefiber. I looked up reviews and found no complaints. The company that makes Benefiber even describes it as a gentle alternative to help you stay regular without causing any side effects like cramping or diarrhea. I thought it was simply a fiber supplement. I must have been wrong. Yesterday, around this time, I took the powder form that disolves in liquid... 2 teaspoons (as is recommended on the back of the bottle). By the evening, I was having nagging cramps in my abdomen. They continued throughout the rest of the night, and when I got up this morning, I immediately went to the restroom. It wasn't pretty. The cramps got worse throughout the day until I felt like someone was being particularly vicious to my insides. I can only compare it to what I imagine it might feel like to have someone vigorously tie knots in your entrails, light them on fire, and then proceed to stomp them into the ground wearing soccer cleats. It was MUCH MUCH worse than ANY harsh laxative I have EVER taken. One time I even took a double dose of laxative (not knowing any better) and it wasn't as bad as this. I could not even BEGIN to guess how many times I might have visited the restroom today. I'm still feeling the effects even now, though I seem to be on the downslope, thank god.

So, what I really want to know is, has anyone experienced anything similar after taking this product? It can't be just me. Why haven't I found any other complaints, and why in the world did Benefiber do this to me??

Answer 1

It sounds like you have a very sensitive digestive system and you just don't need laxative medications

I know I'm not answering great - but hearing what's wrong, I think you'd be better just having a few more foods that help with that.

When I get constipated a few prunes (3-5) usually helps alot (sometimes a few more), and honey is also a natural laxative. Products like laxatives leave you bloated and cramped and make you just feel awful!

other tricks are really cold water (this does work!) and pure, cold orange juice - oh! and oranges!

once again sorry I didnt have the answer about the benefibre - but i hope the other stuff help atleast!

Answer 2

Might be psychosomatic.  See your family physician.

Answer 3

I also suffer from constipation. I tried Benefiber and all it caused was cramps and gas. It didn't make my go to the bathroom at all. I also tried Miralax 3 days in a row and it didn't help. I take a vitamin daily and feel that helps make the constipation worse, but what do you do? I need the vitamin and I need to go to the bathroom. I would say that people don't like this product but are too embarrassed to talk about it.

Answer 4

I am truley and honestly srry for what is happening to u.

Answer 5

If you don't know why you're frequently constipated you should see a doctor.  It's not normal.  I take it because it's a convenient way to get extra fiber in my diet.  It doesn't make me go at all.

You may have IBS or some other gastric problems.   It really sounds like you do.  The Benefiber doesn't normally do that.

Answer 6

As the husband of this chick, I have to agree with what's-it directly above me: it's psychosomatic. She enjoys the attention. :)

Try Alka-Seltzer.

I just want to let you guys know that Playboy Mommy is verbally abusing me right now. :P hahahahahahaha...