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

[pyjamas89]

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?!

GP here. I really don’t want to alarm you, but if you’re able I would go to A and E.

With the symptoms you’re describing, I’m concerned you could have a bowel obstruction. This can only really be confirmed by an x-ray. Your GP can only wait to see if the laxatives work, which takes time.

If it is a twisted bowel, and you leave it a few more days, it will only get worse, and the chance that it can be untwisted without surgery decreases.

Have you passed wind at all in the last 18/19 days?

If not, that’s a pretty big warning sign for an obstruction.

Have you been drinking enough water?

pyjamas89 Please take the advice given by ViaSacra, chances are you are ok, but theres a small chance its an obstruction. If that's the case it needs to be seen as soon as possible.
You wont be wasting anyone's time if you get yourself checked out - even if it turns out to be straightforwards constipation.

I have diverticular disease and when I get a flare up and bunged up I'm prescribed Movicol, like quite a few sachets at first then less so, and it really does move things. So if laxatives aren't working you really need to see somebody. Almost three weeks is a long time...

My DD had an obstruction. She was critically ill within 72 hours and vomiting brown liquid. Could someone really have an obstruction for so long?

OP I hope you get better soon. My DS is autistic and has selective mutism. He hasn't yet managed to speak to our doctor so I know how hard it is. Is there no one who can accompany you and be your voice, temporarily?

My DD had an obstruction. She was critically ill within 72 hours and vomiting brown liquid. Could someone really have an obstruction for so long?

If someone is still able to consume fluids (i.e. not vomiting like your daughter), then technically they could survive for a couple of months with an obstruction.

Have you been taking any opioid painkillers. I would try to drink as much water and coffee as you can and as others have said a&e if no better by tomorrow.

A partial obstruction may allow fluids and gas to pass, probably with some discomfort.

How are you feeling?

Thanks for all your helpful replies. Sorry I'm back with some more TMI and to ask for more advice!

Been back and forth to GP a few times. I thought it was problem solved with regime of a lot of movicol some suggested above, that gave me diarrhoea for a few days. Yesterday I felt like I needed to go but couldn't. Today I had to strain but when I did - more diarrhoea. I don't know what to do. I haven't taken any Movicol since the weekend. I still feel bloated and horrible and my gut is so noisy! Is this likely to be overflow and the Movicol didn't actually clear me out?

Would really appreciate any suggestions - the situation is really getting me down.

If you can't get help anywhere else, 111 now has an online service
digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-111-online

No experience - an ad came up on my facebook feed this morning.

Thanks @MereDintofPandiculation. I can see GP - but wondering if anyone else's experience might be able to help me a bit.

When you use Movicol on children you up the dose until it basically clears everything out and then often go down to a maintenance dose. The bowel stretches with constipation and and it needs time to go back to normal so stopping Movicol once you've had some movement is a bad idea.

I really don't think movical is the answer?!

Write down all your symptoms and show the GP. Then tell them you want to be referred for further testing. In the meantime, stool sample and blood test. Please please please do this!