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Flippin lactulose!

9 replies

Junosmum · 04/01/2016 14:49

I busted wanted to give other new mummy's/ pregnant ladies a word of caution.

I gave birth on the second- midwife said my episiotomy made me look like I'd been kicked by a horse and as is normal, my bum was a bit swollen. I felt I needed 'to go' but I have ibs and going can be difficult at the best of times so they gave me some lactulose. Did NOT warn me it could cause explosive diarrhoea!

6 hours after giving it me, had terrible tummy rumblings. Was feeding new born son, and had to run to the loo (luckily I'd been given a private room). But it was too late. I have never been so glad to be wearing an adult nappy (maternity pad!).

Just a word of caution!

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Jibberjabberjooo · 04/01/2016 15:06

I've had lactulose and it's never caused this. It actually didn't do much at all and I had to have movicol which is disgusting stuff!

Not much fun for you OP though!

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Mslg · 04/01/2016 15:32

I've been using Lactulose and this has never happened to me. In fact, it's been a god send for my constipation. All its doing for me is softening things up - no diahhorea at all.

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Junosmum · 04/01/2016 17:34

I don't think it's a common reaction, I'd never heard of it before, everyone else said it was just easing things.

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whatsoever · 04/01/2016 17:40

I took lactulose for months whilst breastfeeding my DS (now 3) & I've been taking it for months now whilst pregnant (damn iron tablets ruined me).

I have found a few times that it's given me looser poo than intended so I've reduced the dose but never explosive!

Sounds like not one to mix with IBS though?!

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Me624 · 04/01/2016 17:45

I've been on lactulose too for piles and now constipation caused by iron tablets. I actually found it quite ineffective and the doctor prescribed me movicol instead last week which has been amazing! Maybe you just took a super large dose?

Movicol isn't great tasting but I prefer it to the lactulose which is so sweet it makes me gag!

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jorahmormont · 04/01/2016 18:05

Yeah it's not fab when you've got IBS (although I did end up practically living on lactulose for most of my pregnancy).

The explosiveness stops after a while but the tummy gurgles carry on for as long as you keep taking it, in my experience.

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laura825 · 04/01/2016 19:54

I had it in July when I gave birth to my daughter, I had a third degree tear and I was advised to take lactulose along with fybogel. They were a god send as i was really nervous about going afterwards especially as I had more stitches that end than the other. I didn't suffer any diarrhoea or anything just looser and much easier. Would definitely recommend for anyone that has had stitches!! Hope you recover soon Junosmum!

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BikeRunSki · 04/01/2016 19:57

I've never had that reaction and I've taken gallons of the stuff in my time, pregnant and not.