I haven't used my bowels for a long time. Suggestions?

[ImScaredShitless]

ok, before we start, please excuse my poor taste in namechange.

I take medication that 'slows me down' so not going to the toilet for 3-5 days is quite normal. When I do, it hurts, I have anal fissure(s) i suspect, but not diagnosed.

Anyway, I was sick earlier in the week. I went to the toilet on friday after about 6 days without going. I did not go again until yesterday, a really small amount, after eating some prunes. Not as much as there should be, not by a long shot so I know I am not 'empty'.

I took some movicol (version of, can't remember the name of it) last night, and nothing.

For the last couple of days, well, to be honest since I vomited for a few days earlier in the week I have felt sick, and today in particular I feel very nauseous. I am not eating much as I am have no appetite and hate this constant feeling like I am going to throw up, I guess it is because I am so blocked up.

Any advice? I feel a bit unwell now. Can it cause me harm to not go for so long, with it all stuck in there?

If you recognise me in my wonderful disguise, please don't out me, it's an embarrassing enough topic as it is. Thanks

[Eurostar]

It sounds like you need to speak to a medic, you could try nhs direct? When you say you take meds to slow you down, are they for a different condition? Who prescribes them? Can you consult with them?

According to NHS website, there can be complications.
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Constipation/Pages/Complications.aspx

[Marrow]

Have you any abdo pain? I think it would be worthwhile speaking to a doctor now that you're feeling unwell.

[Whatnowffs]

I think you need medical attention, please don't be embarrased. I got horribly consitpated when i was pregnant with DD and i had to go to the OOH, i was given a micro-lax enema to do myself at home (i was very pregnant so had to get DP to do it - oh the romance!). It did help things along. It could be that all the straining that you have been doing in the past has weakened your muscles. Poor you, it is uncomfortable at best x

[BiteTheTopsOffIcedGems]

Don't be embarrassed. I can't do links on my phone but someone had this problem and posted in a different topic about this they made it all quite funny (I know it is not funny and is painful) but if you read it then it might help you not be embarrassed and get it sorted out IYSWIM.
The other link also had practical advice too - will try and find it and post the link.

[Mintyy]

Glycerin suppositories seemed to come highly recommended on the other recent thread about chronic constipation. I think you can get them without prescription at the pharmacy.

[Mintyy]

another very recent constipation thread which will hopefully help you

[Reenypip]

Hello! Say hi to the constipation queen! Lol.
My record is nearly 3 months with no bowel movement what so ever, obviously I ended up in hospital. And have a few times. Once I reach 4 week mark of not going, it usually means admitting me to hospital to get me going.

When I'm really bad, the first step for me (other than diet and keeping to liquid food if can keep down), 8 movicle in 4 hours, to be repeated once every day for 3 days (is standard, but from medical advice I can take this amount longer. But I do struggle to drink that much and keep it down)
Along with, senna, magnesium and lactose 3 times a day. Then from other end glycerol suppositories, micro enemas. If these all dont work (I take all this is one day), onto the stronger enemas.

I also have a peristeen a bowel catheter, and given a new drug prucalopride (which I've now stopped as pregnant)

[ImScaredShitless]

eurostar meds for something else.

I have just thrown up. Tried to drink some water to keep liquids up, and took another two other movicole equivalents, and it all came up again.

thank you for all your advise and links, going to go check them out now I have kids settled.

[Tallgiraffe]

Get your OH to massage the base of your spine in a circular motion while you sit leaning forward. Sounds wacky but it works.

[ImScaredShitless]

tail he is at work til very late but will get him to do that when home.

thing is. I don't feel like I need to go. It does not feel like anything is stuck. I have no urge to go. But I feel blocked.

[amillionyears]

Try some All Bran every few hours.
Might help.

[Eurostar]

If you are in the UK, do ring NHS direct.

[Whatnowffs]

Strong coffee? and go to the book shop - seriously, go and browse in waterstone (just make sure you know where the toilet is) and go to their coffee shop and have a double espresso. This would always work for me (im not alone there has been more than one thread about people needing to go in bookshops and libraries). If you are vomiting, you need to see a doctor, id not leave this, call NHS direct now, they take AGES to call back but you really need medical advice about this rather than anecdotes.

[ImScaredShitless]

oh shit. excuse the expression. I don't know what to do now.

someone mentioned 'muscle weakness'.

Sorry to drip feed but, at risk of outing me. I am worried I have Cauda Equina Syndrome. I have a slipped disc, just gone again, increased nerve pain in leg. one of the symptoms is inability to retain/release waste due to nerve damage.

But, it might just be constipation. Do you think I should go to A&E? DH is at work. It won't be easy for him to come home. Already disturbed him for a silly reason.

fuck.

[RainbowsFriend]

Yes go to A&E, better safe than sorry.

[ImScaredShitless]

I thought vaguely about it, but dismissed it without giving it much more thought, but muscle weakness is one of the signs.

I thought/hoped it was just constipation. I still think it is, but now I am a little worried.

[ImScaredShitless]

I had thought it related to not being able to hold it in, so I have googled and it is not being able to control it either way.

Bloody hell. I am going to be really embarrassed once I come away with some glycerine suppositories...but, i might actually have to go to A&E .

I might call the OOH instead/first. Just to get a medical opinion.

[Badvoc]

Call ooh

[Whatnowffs]

Yes, call them - they are the experts, you dont want to go to A&E and wait ages if you don't have to, rather go to OOH with an appointment. Give them a call now x

[Reenypip]

By the way, I'm a constipation queen due to a spinal injury (nerve damage) strong pain meds and long term use of laxatives etc made vowel lazy.

Micro enemas don't touch me ever, but might work for you. If not, a phosphate enema.

[ImScaredShitless]

I am going to call. In a minute. I need to think calmly about this for a moment. If they say what I think they might say, I need to think about we will manage it. DH is at work, two children fast asleep. I need to be ordered about it.

[Reenypip]

Glycerine suppositories don't work for me either.
Maybe try an enema?

[ImScaredShitless]

reeny we 'know' each other. Do you think it can be a symptom of CES? hope you are ok too, and 4 months that is a long time!

[Reenypip]

When is your DH back?
Can you get someone to go out and get some suppositories/enema for you?

[ImScaredShitless]

whatnowffs even if I call OOH, I haven't got any way of getting their without DH home. that is going to take some doing.