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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to go back to the GP again? (*TMI*)

40 replies

pyjamas89 · 21/10/2019 16:00

I'm sorry this is a bit TMI but I feel quite embarrassed about asking anyone about it IRL.

I'd been unwell and in hospital for around 5 weeks and during this time had very little appetite and lost a lot of weight. I've been home for a couple of weeks now and during that time have been managing to eat small amounts and taking in supplement drinks. Last week I saw my GP because I was feeling very sick (sometimes being a bit sick when I ate) and had a pain in my side. That's when I realised I hadn't been to the loo for almost two weeks....GP prescribed medication which I'm now on the 4th day of taking. It's not worked so I think I have now not been for 16/17 days. I feel sick which is putting me off eating (and I really, really cannot have more days of no intake) and the pain in my side is still there.

When do I go back? (GP didn't say and I just assumed medicine would work so didn't think to ask). The leaflet says medication usually takes 1-2 days to work but can take longer. I don't want to waste an appointment if I just need to give it a couple more days but also am mindful that another 4 days seems quite a lot already...

Help please?!

OP posts:
Dottysmum18 · 21/10/2019 16:03

If it is mocicol up ur dose and add senna ds has issues with long term constipation

Chupchup · 21/10/2019 16:06

Ring gp and explain this to them now before they close. Or id be speaking to a pharmacist or 111. I don't think I'd leave it.

FelixFelicis6 · 21/10/2019 16:08

Ring and ask - I wouldn’t wait any longer. So sorry you’re struggling, sounds awful Flowers

Ponoka7 · 21/10/2019 16:08

Have you been put on an impactation dose, or one for constipation?

I'd up the dose. I had similar and needed glycerin suppositories as well. So I'd also get them or it's going to be painful.

So either a chat with the chemist, you can phone ahead to see if they've got them, or back to the doctors.

Greywalls12 · 21/10/2019 16:12

Check what dose your on, you'll likely need to up it

savingshoes · 21/10/2019 16:20

Copied from NHS website:
Most laxatives work within 3 days. They should only be used for a short time.
Faecal impaction may be treated with stronger laxatives – prescribed by a GPS
Call your GP, ask Dr to call you back today and discuss options. May prescribe something different or send you for something.

Original poster
pyjamas89 · 21/10/2019 16:27

Thanks all. I just wanted to be sure I wasnt being overly dramatic! It's just a constipation dose I think.

I should have said in my original post I am autistic and currently non verbal which means I cant call GP or 111. I also try to see the same GP as they know my history and how I communicate (+they are nice and really patient!) They dont work today anyway so I will try to get an appointment in the morning.

OP posts:
Chupchup · 21/10/2019 16:30

Can you write it down and pop to the pharmacy or ask someone else to? As p.o. said it's probably just a matter of increasing the dosage.

Original poster
pyjamas89 · 21/10/2019 19:10

@Chupchup thanks for the idea. I find it quite stressful communicating in public using my tablet so unfortunately going to a pharmacy is not a very viable option. I will definitely try and be in touch with my GP in the morning.

OP posts:
gingersnaps01 · 21/10/2019 19:20

No advice, but hope you feel better soon.

Original poster
pyjamas89 · 21/10/2019 20:13

Thank @gingersnaps01

OP posts:
RosieLynn · 22/10/2019 11:42

You could have a twisted bowel - do you have any abdominal pain?

If you do, it needs to be treated ASAP. So either GP appointment today or A and E.

Original poster
pyjamas89 · 22/10/2019 15:20

Thanks.
I've been in touch with GP first thing who has prescribed something else so really hoping that works...

OP posts:
Original poster
pyjamas89 · 23/10/2019 21:58

Sorry I'm back with more TMI.
Still no joy, I'm not in agony but definitely in more pain and my tummy is looking more bloated. I think I'm on 18/19 days now.
Would it be reasonable to try and see GP again tomorrow? I didn't see her yesterday, just had contact with her. Basically I really don't want to end up in a situation where I'm in predicament/agony over the weekend when it will be very difficult for me to access services (non-verbal). I can't help but feel anxious about wasting appointment time if I just need to wait it out?

Ugh

OP posts:
Loveislandaddict · 23/10/2019 22:00

Definitely go back and see the gp.

DaisyDreaming · 23/10/2019 22:01

I would ask your gp for enemas and/or suppositories so you can work at it from both ends

TigerJoy · 23/10/2019 22:04

Go and see the gp, definitely.

sleepymummy2019 · 23/10/2019 22:25

Unless they specifically said that the treatment they prescribed yesterday would take 2-3 days to work, I think you should get back in touch and book an appointment.

Can you prepare some notes on your tablet? In particular I think it would be helpful if you could ask how long the treatment they prescribe will take to work, and also what to do next if it doesn’t work, and when they would like you to come back if things don’t improve.

I think they’ll either prescribe you an enema or a big dose of something like movicol, which should work.

I’m glad you’ve got a nice GP 🙂

Hohofortherobbers · 23/10/2019 22:32

Are you passing wind? It's important to know as your bowel may be obstructed. I think you can answer a flow chart on nhs 111 website which may avoid a phone call. Are you with anyone at home?

slipperywhensparticus · 23/10/2019 22:37

Are you keeping hydrated? You might need suppositories as well

simplekindoflife · 23/10/2019 22:42

Is there anyone that can call for you? Can you send the GP an email?

IamtheDevilsAvocado · 23/10/2019 22:51

You are NOT wasting doctor's time!

It's what they are there for,

I have no advice save asking for more advice from GP /pharmacy.

Please don't put this off. It sounds really uncomfortable for you!
(I once went 12 days without a poo... In hosp, bed bound and loads of codeine... Think they gave me movicol? And suppositories.... I felt loads better once it started working... Think 12-24 hours later...)

Tolleshunt · 23/10/2019 22:55

You would absolutely NOT BU to go back tomorrow. You definitely can’t leave this all weekend.

Poor you, it sounds absolutely awful.

switcharoo · 23/10/2019 22:58

In the meantime have a v strong coffee, hot bath and massage your bowels/ stomach area with your hands

ElizaDee · 23/10/2019 23:03

Try prune juice too.