To be too embarrassed too see the GP

[sawbucks]

I have a problem.

For the past 6 weeks I have been severely constipated. Prior to this I was regular but historically there have been periods where I've only pooed once a week. When I say severe constipation I mean pebbles once every 3 days and twice an impaction that I did clear but the size was just
I also have internal piles. Every time I do go, it's painful pebbles and then painful piles.

I have tried:

• taking magnesium
• taking hemp seed oil
• eating chia seeds
• eating high fiber fruits such as pears and apples

-drinking coffee

• natural laxatives

Things work for 3-4 days then, even though I continue to eat/take supplements I get backed up again. I am drinking a minimum of 64oz of water and exercising 4 times a week with yoga an additional 2.

I'm too scared to go to the dr. Partly because I'm worried it's something serious and partly because it's too embarrassing. Should I be worried? What else can I change diet wise??

Oh and with regards to the chia seeds...are you eating them as is or are you mixing with water? I use 1 tbsp chia seeds, half cup oats mixed with TWO cups water, stir together and leave overnight in the fridge. I'd never consume chia seeds as is (sprinkled over cereals etc) as they will literally absorb all the fluid in your body instead. I'd take a break from them altogether if I was you then if you want to try the method I just outlined.

A few life changing things that have worked for me....

Relaxation, the opposite to fight and flight is rest and digest. You can only do one at a time so get rid of your stress. I see a CNHC MTI registered massage therapist for regular abdominal massage. It's amazing, I get a bit of that, plus head and neck or back too, so it's relaxing but does the trick.

A nutritional therapist has cleaned up my diet and helped lots with other things I was not even bothered about until they went away!

Nelson's haemorrhoid cream, in and out does make a massive difference.

A squatty potty, or just a kids sink step does the trick for me.

Exercise...more running than yoga.

Hot water everyday with a spoon of turmeric and a spoon of coconut oil.

With all of the above after years of issues its manageable. But relaxation for me is a biggy

Quit the chia seeds for a start. My packet tells me as a caution that you're only meant to have 15g max of them per day. They are highly absorbent so will be taking an awful lot of water from you if you're having so much of them - which you definitely need.

No other advice but go see the doctor. Sounds horrible. X

Lactulose. Amazing stuff. Hope you get better soon

I have a sluggish bowel - same symptoms as you. They put me on movicol - it's amazing! Doesnt create the long term dependence that a laxative does, and I feel so much better! Also avoids longer term problems like piles and diverticulitis - I'm delighted I got it sorted! Good luck!

That's very low fat for paleo, I would up the fatty meats, olive oil, avocado etc

Protein shakes can cause constipation, so that may well not be helping. Though for now, I suspect what you need is movicol/laxido (2 different makes of the same thing) to get things moving gently but steadily, then see what your GP says.

Make an appointment, doctors deal with a lot of poo, genitals, and other things we get embarrassed about that they won’t bat an eyelid!

Whoever said to drink hot boiled water first thing was so right. It works.

Think I'll head to the grocery store as you've made some great suggestions. Thank you!

It is normal to go to the toilet less on a paleo diet as there is less bulk. I think probably upping veg would help, try and eat skins on your carrots, maybe make some stews with lots of veg in and minimal meat. Peanut butter makes me go - maybe almond butter would do the same. Yes to avacados fibre and fat in those, olives etc. I don't think you necc need to go to the gp until you have tinkered a bit with diet.

Fingers crossed something works/

Don't use laxatives. You may be eating too much fibre. You could buy LACTULOSE or FIBAGEL from a chemist. Your doctor will have seen and heard so much worse! He goes to the toilet too you know....

you may need to get some treatment for your piles.

I did care work for 20+ years, and I'd applied pile cream to people at times.. I never batted an eyelid, and nor will your GP

Re: piles. They've been there since I was pregnant with my 3rd who is now 4! I have always been too afraid to tell Dr so never have and internal suppositories have never made a spot of difference even when I was regular and poo was soft. They even pop out when I get diarrhea (odd occasion).

Sorry crossed posts with you yesterday and just seen boiled water update! That's a good tip.

OP look up soluble and insoluble fibres. I can't remember the details but insoluble fibres are often just too harsh (all bran, chia seeds etc.). The way you know is, if you eat those foods and they make you bloated and farty but you still can't poo (sorry tmi!), then they're not working for you. You should be aiming for the soluble fibres.

Also, processed sugar (but not fruit sugar) and any white bread/pasta type products are huge offenders for me. If you experiment with cutting those out completely for a while, you might notice a difference. You can phase them back in in small amounts.

Hope it gets better for you.

Don't be embarrassed to tell your GP about piles! I had to see mine about them, and I know him socially - he looked even more embarrassed than me

He told me that everyone has piles, it's just a matter of degree.

Just to update. I've been to my GP and have a script for lactulose, a fiber supplement and having bloods taken. The movicol has had zero effect on me despite taking it since Saturday 😔

I physically cannot drink more water or exercise any harder. If this doesn't work then next step will be a colonoscopy.

Hope the treatment sorts it for you sawbucks.

Lactulose for relief, then a large bowl of All bran every morning.
A few prunes as well. But, you do need to see your GP

@ozymandiusking gluten free so no bran anything for me.

Just to be aware when I had constipation the stuff the GP gave me made things worse. I wouldn’t take any fibre until you’ve got your bowels evacuating.

GPs spend their whole day looking up jacksies and helping people sort out problems down under.

Why exclude yourself from their help? This could be sorted quickly.

Sorry just seen your update. Hope things start moving soon.

I’m a bit disappointed as I was expecting something actually embarrassing .

I say this in a supportive way and I’m glad you’ve plucked up the courage to see the Gp. You can get those piles treated too you know like some PP mentioned.

Have you stopped the chia seeds?

I also find drinking alcohol; small amounts of wine bings me up.

@sawbucks Consider having your piles banded. Super easy, quick procedure. Basically pain free if they're internal. It has a very high success rate, and if you sort out the constipation, they are unlikely to return if they were pregnancy specific.

Don't ask me how I know...