Abortion last week and unpleasant problem

[pregnancywithouthim]

Hello, I apologise as I realise it is a contentious issue for some.

However, I made the difficult decision last week to terminate a pregnancy (I was 8 weeks) because my partner was no longer in the picture. I didn't need a general anaesthetic but I was put to sleep. I only had very slight bleeding afterwards and physically seem to have recovered very well, in fact I am feeling much healthier than I did when pregnant.

However I have become severely constipated. After 5 days I eventually passed an extremely large, hard stool yesterday - it was tremendously painful, and I am still constipated. I have little appetite and I'm not eating much but I am making sure my fluid levels are up.

Is this a common problem or is it something to be concerned about?

[RandomMess]

Probably hormonal. I did get some laxatives such as lactulose syrup.

[Thurlow]

Did you have the antibiotics afterwards? They do terrible things to your system. When I had a (medical) termination I found the anti-b's the worst thing and threw my stomach and bowels off for the better part of a week. Try something like Senakot and see if that helps, if not call your GP or whoever did the termination and ask for advice.

[pregnancywithouthim]

Thank you. I'm a bit worried about laxatives as (apologies for the graphic description) as far as I can tell, the stool(s) are already there, but too hard and large to come out comfortably (can 'feel' one now ) I'm just thinking laxatives might not necessarily help - they seem more of a preventative to avoid constipation than to help once the problem is there.

You are probably right about the anti biotics though, thank you.

[NorthernLurker]

Stress of any sort will throw your guts right out and yes plus hormones it's a bad combination. I would make sure you're drinking more than you think you need and earing fruit. Grapes can be helpful sometimes and are easy to eat. If it doesn't resolve then go to your GP.

[toucancancan]

Can you try going in warm water? The heat will relax your muscles and will make pooing much easier and much less painful.

[ChipAndSpud]

If I feel constipated or generally bloated and blocked up I find a hot bath helps, or a hot water bottle/wheat bag. Food wise, lots of fruit and veg, and some high fibre cereal, lots of water and I think fennel tea is meant to be good for digestion. Hope you're feeling better soon

[meditrina]

Any intervention into the abdomen can cause this.

Try a fibre supplement (such as psyllium) and snack on dried fruit. It will pass (sorry!) and probably in no longer than a week.

[pregnancywithouthim]

Thank you very much x

[RandallFloyd]

Glycerine suppositories.

They'll soften up what's backed up basically.
Just try not to 'go' for 19-15 mins to give it time to work.

[pregnancywithouthim]

Randall, thank you. Can I buy these from a pharmacy?

[Ledkr]

What did they use to "put you to sleep?" Did you have any codeine based pain relief? Drugs can bung you up.
Some good tips already but if say also to eat something as that gets everything moving.

[mineofuselessinformation]

Try a glycerine suppository. You can buy them off the shelf at most supermarkets. Also get some prune juice (usually with other long life juices, not in fresh) and have some - don't go wild with it!), but if none of that helps, sorry, but it might be time to get a fleet enema from the chemist or ring the ooh for some help. Don't leave it though, whatever you do, as the 'problem' will get bigger. Good luck.

[RandallFloyd]

Yep, chemist or even supermarket if that's easier. Doesn't matter what brand, they're all the same.

[optimusic]

Coffee from Costa.
The only time I drink their coffee is when I am bunged up. I take a coffee to go. Don't drink a drop, come home (store round the corner), don't manage half before things are ready to go.

[Floppityflop]

Don't forget to drink enough water. Grapes are good like someone said because fibre and water in one package. Not sure of cause but probably stress, hormones, antibiotics = constipation.

[pregnancywithouthim]

I hate coffee!

I really haven't felt like eating much at all and while I'm aware this is a contributing factor I also just can't face food at the moment. Mainly been having soup/porridge.

[beginnings]

Lactulose will help even if they're there already. Also, try going standing up. Weirdly that seems to help.

Good luck - horrible feeling.

[pregnancywithouthim]

Thanks :)

[wfrances]

ask your gp for movicol.

[orangeflutie]

Yes to movicol it really helps. It's almost certainly the GA that's bunged you up. It's a common side effect.

If you can't face food, keep drinking.

HTH