Gallstones and constipation

[WisemansBridge]

Can anyone advise me please? I've got myself in a complete panic.

I've been having severe pain under my right rib and cramping across my abdomen. This lasts usually for a few hours and then goes - it started around 2 months ago and each episode is lasting longer and is becoming more painful.

Anyway, the thind concerning me the most is that I haven't had a bowel movement since Sunday apart from a couple of tiny rabbit poos (sorry tmi). I went to the gp yesterday and she's arranging for me to have blood and urine tests and a scan and said in the meantime it would be okay to use laxatives. I told her which laxatives I'd bought - senecol - and she warned they could result in violent diarrhoea.

I took one last night yet nothing. My stomach is so swollen and painful. Anyway, I've just terrified myself by reading something online about gallstones blocking the bowel and the bowel splitting!

So what im asking is, is 3/4 days a long time to go without a bowel movement? Ive never had constipation before, normally go at least once a day so I haven't a clue. Also, do laxatives always work? Has anyone ever taken one and not had a bowel movement? I could take another but wasn't sure as if the bowel is blocked could taking a.laxative make it worse? I will probably head to a and e when my dh gets home (or maybe I shouldn't?) but in the meantime any advice would be much appreciated.

[WisemansBridge]

Also, the doctor is pretty sure it's gallbladder related, so if anyone's had gallbladder problems, was constipation a symptom for you? Does anyone know if it can be a symptom? Everything I'm seeing online suggests diarrhoea is more likely which is making me panic even more.

[Polkadotpatty]

If you saw the GP yesterday and they agreed with your plan to use laxatives at home, I would give them a bit longer to work through your system (and follow the recommended dosage on the pack). In the meantime, drink plenty, as that will help the constipation, and if you like mint tea that also helped my gallbladder symptoms. Try taking gentle walks if you can as that will also help get things moving, but I appreciate you may be in too much gallbladder pain to feel up to that. Even just pacing around can be good though.
3/4 days is clearly a long time compared to what's normal for you, but it's not necessarily going to be completely unusual for someone else. If you're taking pain relief for the symptoms, make sure there is no codeine in it, as that will block you up even more.
I hope you feel lots better soon.

[summertimeandthelivingiseasy]

You could try movicol three times a day instead. I find anything with senna either does nothing, or an explosion with tummy pains.

Also, fruit, water and walks as above.

Also, hot drinks and warm baths help.

[Harry1603]

I had my gallbladder out a couple of weeks ago and was constipated after the op. I was given lactulose by the hospital but didn't fancy using it and I found apple juice and a few dried apricots did the trick.

I hope you feed better soon, gallstones are miserable without constipation as well.

[WisemansBridge]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply and for your good advice.

I did some more 'rabbit poos' (sorry ) last night and then took some codeine (before I read upthread that it can block you up, oops). It is the only thing that's even touched the pain so far though and I managed to get a few hours sleep last night.

Off out now to pick up some apple juice, dried apricots and movicol. Also a painkiller called buscopan, I found recommended to gallstone pain on a zombie thread, has anyone used this?

I know it sounds silly but I've found that not eating helps a lot. I know it's unrealistic to eat nothing but I'll survive picking at fruit and veg now and then I think. And I'm drinking lots. I normally love my food too :(

[RaptorInaPorkPieHat]

The trick to eating with gallstones is very low fat. I used to eat cornflakes with skimmed milk, vegetable soup for lunch and grilled chicken with stir fried veg (no added oil) and rice for tea. Marshmallows are fat free.

Also, caffeine used to set me off, so I cut that out too.

I'm afraid constipation wasn't an issue for me (quite the opposite), But I did take lactulose after I got home from the op after all the codeine I'd had. Maybe it was all the apple juice I was drinking beforehand (I'd read somewhere that it helped with gallstones)

[WisemansBridge]

Thanks Raptor, I might try some weetabix and skimmed milk. Caffeine sets mine off too, I'm a nightmare without my morning cup. Trying to get used to it. Marshmallows, rice and ingredients for soup added to my shopping list. Thanks again.

[KissMyFatArse]

I had my gallbladder out last yr and have suffered with constipation for a few yrs. have taken movical for this and this helps. Don't take codeine tho . Just bungs you up more. I now have IBS and it changes from constipation to diarrhoea! But movical has been my lifesaver when I've needed it x

[Mermaidlady]

I'm having gallbladder out in one week have pain and constipation but taking pain meds and milk of magnesia to get rid of constipation

[Lyingonthesofainthedark]

If you're having an active attack, not eating helps. Also water.

[Mermaidlady]

Yes I have noticed that but I cant starve till mon I have lost 15 pounds in a month from eating less often, but yea the pain is horrible right after I eat and it doesn't seem to matter what it is that I eat. I'm holding out for a particular doctor that my daughter had.

[Mermaidlady]

I'm using cold towels on my and stomach back