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Advice for helping my unwell son with constipation before GP appointment

91 replies

NeedAPoonami · 06/06/2026 19:14

My son has come back home this weekend from Uni as he is unwell.

He has had abdominal pain, and hasn’t been for a poo in 2 days. He went to A&E where they did blood tests and examined him and found nothing. They did say he should get an ultrasound and he’s got a GP appointment on Monday.

He has come home and still has abdominal pain, and it is moving about from abdomen to pelvis. Monday is a long way off and quite frankly I think he could massively benefit from a big bowel movement.

He bought some laxatives from the chemist and took them. Said he hadn’t eaten, and then had some toast and fruit. He’s had a warm bath.

Any suggestions to help a bowel movement.

TBH, he has always had a sensitive stomach. During his A’levels he ate a frozen pizza and was violently ill. My DH is like this.

I’m really worried about him, but feel reassured A&E said they could find nothing! He has no temperature, and not been sick.

Since starting Uni he has eaten crap, ordered in regularly, drunk loads and started smoking whereas before that he had a very healthy diet at home.

Any suggestions? Of course I am keeping an eye on him and any vomiting or temperature I’m going to A&E.

OP posts:
permanently · 07/06/2026 21:33

Any updates OP?

SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 07/06/2026 21:43

I would suggest.

Walking
Gentle clockwise massage
Warm bath
Sausages (works for my kids and recommended by my friend who is a nurse)

As someone upthread pointed out diabetic anything in a decent quantity will make you shit yourself violently. I wouldnt recommend it though.

NeedAPoonami · 07/06/2026 22:30

permanently · 07/06/2026 21:33

Any updates OP?

about 1/2 cup worth of diarrhoea about 44 mins ago

OP posts:

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Hohofortherobbers · 07/06/2026 22:32

2 pints lager? Always clears me out

Chimneyissues · 08/06/2026 12:04

Well that might be overflow as it’s not much. Has he been continuing to take the movicol, it takes more than you think to clear you out.

NeedAPoonami · 08/06/2026 13:45

He’s basically had to move into the toilet as it’s all happening now!!!

OP posts:
Washingforweeks · 08/06/2026 13:47

Lentilcakes · 06/06/2026 19:26

For now - can you get a glycerin suppository?

Came here to say this! He’d be sorted in 20 mins

glaciercherry · 08/06/2026 13:50

How long has he not been to the toilet for?

If he has taken laxatives, and still hasn’t been to the toilet for several days, go back to hospital. If they won’t see him or send him home, pay for a private colorectal surgeon.

WhosGotTheKeysToMyBimma · 08/06/2026 13:56

Great news!! 💩

Junejunejune · 08/06/2026 13:59

I was just seeing if there was a undate. This is good news. Hopefully he will see it as a wake up call to start looking after his health but we we’re all young and felt invincible once.

pinksavannah · 08/06/2026 14:00

Blended / blitzed kiwi , was recommended by a paediatrician

MiddleAgedDread · 08/06/2026 14:03

perhaps this is the wake up call he needs to improve his diet!!

Monty36 · 08/06/2026 14:12

Drink lots of water. Ask him what used to make him go by way of food. Usually for people apples, prunes etc but he will know.
Very unpleasant for him.

Pinkchickenwine · 08/06/2026 14:15

pinksavannah · 08/06/2026 14:00

Blended / blitzed kiwi , was recommended by a paediatrician

He’s an adult, at uni …

Junejunejune · 08/06/2026 14:32

Pinkchickenwine · 08/06/2026 14:15

He’s an adult, at uni …

It will also work on adults. I imagine blending it would the skin easier/nicer to eat.

CaptainBeefheartspal · 08/06/2026 18:45

Wonder if he has IBS?

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