Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Chronic constipation ruining my life

213 replies

Puel · 16/09/2025 22:04

Had CC for years. I’ve had all the blood tests, had the camera up the bum - no reason ever found. If I take movicol I end up looking 9 months pregnant and passing small amounts of diarrhoea. I’ve upped fibre - this causes bloating and no result. Drink shit loads of water - no difference. The only thing that works is bisocodyl which I have to take once a week just to make sure I have at least one poo a week - however you’re not supposed to take it regularly so I worry I’m doing even more damage to myself. I’m so fed up. Dr isn’t interested, says all tests are clear.

Anyone else had CC with no cause??

OP posts:
Breadpool · 16/09/2025 22:19

Have you ruled out non-ige allergy to dairy? It won't show up on tests and can only be confirmed by an exclusion diet and then 'challenge' protocol.

user1476277375 · 16/09/2025 22:18

Underactive!

NuovaPilbeam · 16/09/2025 22:17

Why don't you eat fruit? Surely as someone with chronic constipation you've been advised by now to eat fruit!? The sugars in fruit help draw water into your stool which softens it and helps it pass. Its extremely effective.

Go for "p" fruits - ripe pears, plums, peaches.

Kiwi is brilliant for constipation

user1476277375 · 16/09/2025 22:17

I had the same for years. Was caused by a mildly underachievers thyroid.

The only thing that works for me is regular Movicol. You can buy it over the counter. You need to rake regularly and drink lots. Brilliant stuff.

DavidKeanu · 16/09/2025 22:17

Puel · 16/09/2025 22:12

This is the only thing I’ve not tried - does it really make that much difference?

Show quote history

It won't cost you anything - just try it! IME it helps significantly.

NuovaPilbeam · 16/09/2025 22:15

Have you tried things like califig and other dietary changes eg:

  • prune juice
  • masses and masses of water - pints
  • raw carrot
  • kiwi

Avoiding things like rice, eggs, too much protein etc which can cause constipation.

Do you eat enough carbohydrate generally?

MTauditons · 16/09/2025 22:14

Definitely try magnesium - I also take it for migraines and have noticed an improvement in constipation. More fibre doesn’t help me at all, just ends up backed up I think. I’m actually better with a fairly low fibre diet.

Original poster
Puel · 16/09/2025 22:14

MigGirl · 16/09/2025 22:10

Have you ever tried taking magnisum citrate. I take magnisum for migraine and last year was put on a drug that made me constipated (I've always had a slow digestion anyway so the meds really didn't help). It's the only thing that helps keep me regular as well as plenty of fluids and fruit.

Yes I’m taking 300mg a night from Holland and Barrett. Slight improvement in that I now have a few rabbit poos mid week inbetween the weekend bisocodyl treatment. Which ones do you take?

I don’t eat fruit, I eat plenty but of veg but no fruit. I’ll try adding fruit to my diet.

OP posts:
ItWasTheBabycham · 16/09/2025 22:14

Have you upped fibre gradually? Or all at once? I find sometimes when I go 0-100 as it were it doesn’t work at all! If I eat dried fruit as well it just makes everything stinky

HundredPercent · 16/09/2025 22:12

I’ve had success with the low fodmap diet, not permanently but to identify diet triggers. Laxatives, fibre and water didn’t work for me either, plus caused bloating, but low dairy helps.

Original poster
Puel · 16/09/2025 22:12

JDM625 · 16/09/2025 22:07

Do you use a squatty potty or anything to raise your feet when pooing? A change in position can make FAR more of an improvement over diet alone.

This is the only thing I’ve not tried - does it really make that much difference?

OP posts:
MigGirl · 16/09/2025 22:10

Have you ever tried taking magnisum citrate. I take magnisum for migraine and last year was put on a drug that made me constipated (I've always had a slow digestion anyway so the meds really didn't help). It's the only thing that helps keep me regular as well as plenty of fluids and fruit.

JDM625 · 16/09/2025 22:07

Do you use a squatty potty or anything to raise your feet when pooing? A change in position can make FAR more of an improvement over diet alone.

Chronic constipation ruining my life