To think dulcolax are the work of the devil?

[Salamamca]

So I’ve been a bit constipated lately so on Saturday night I took a couple of dulcolax before bed.

Woke up Sunday morning with the most horrendous stomach cramps, I was sweating, nauseous, in absolute agony and felt like I was about to give birth. It was that bad I could literally see my lower abdomen moving around as though it was a baby kicking. I went to sit on toilet - nothing happened, just more pain and hot flushes. I splashed cold water on my face and went to try and make a coffee … doubled over in the kitchen, sweat pouring off my face I actually considered that I might need to go to A&E the pain was that bad. Suddenly felt the need to go to toilet, rushed there, sat down, had a normal poo and then OMG … I had a fart which I swear lasted about 15 seconds and then horrendous diarrhoea that was like water, it went on for ages. The cramping and diarrhoea went on all day and by the night time I was seeing bright red blood on the toilet paper. Started getting really concerned … googled … saw blood was a rare side effect … went to bed.

Woke up this morning feeling ok - had a coffee and the cramping has started up again.

Anyone else had such a horrible experience with these pills?? The rest are going in the bin!

AIBU to think this shouldn’t happen with over the counter medication??

I wouldn't trust a fart for the next few days! Or carry a clean pair of underwear with you!!

If everyone read the long leaflet then no-one would take anything! Every side effect from shitting yourself inside out to death is normally covered!

You think they are bad, try the co-op ones.

Jesus Christ, that stuff is like a grenade. what came out, looked like I'd emptied an old radiator!!

Never again!! 😩

Interestingly enough these were the Asda own brand ones. I said dulcolax as it’s the same thing and more recognised but they were actually the Asda ones … I wonder if they’re stronger??

It won’t get thick as long as you drink it immediately. I put one sachet in a pint of water and down it. If you can bear to, the starting dose of dulcolax as well, in the same water. Much much gentler

I can’t handle them either. I have to be very precise with the timing as it takes exactly 8 hours to go through and I end up simultaneously pooing and vomiting every time. Have to be utterly desperate to take them and haven’t for about 10 years now.

The most memorable time was while young and still living at home. My mum sat me down to discuss “my unplanned pregnancy” as she was convinced I had horrendous morning sickness. Had to explain I was just shitting myself to death after a dulcolax.

Lactulose is the one for me now. Much more civilised.

Anyone else getting fybogel adverts popping up now on here? 😂

“Shitting myself to death” 😂😂

I do but that’s because I’m a massive shitty pants and worry too much 😂

You took too much, man, you took too much!!

One would have done the job.

Still, as awful as it is, it's over now, and it's better than being constipated which is hell on earth.

Dulcolax is horrendous, I think I must be allergic to it as I was exactly like you when I took it only the once. Never again, I was so poorly!

I was told by a friend with a disabled child that their paediatrician advised a few spoons of linseeds stirred into the child's food as a stool softener. Post menopause, my innards seized up. I remembered the linseeds, and now take two dessert spoons a day with water. Or in soup. Or porridge (you get the idea). No pain, no cramps, no constipation.

The only time I have taken these I had the exact same! Horrendous. Much better to just eat some prunes or something! A few strong coffees can get you going anyway.

Please get some medical advice @Salamamca these could be symptoms of something more serious. Hopefully it won’t be but early detection is best.

I had bad constipation after a csection. We were in hospital for a few weeks and the loo was right opposite the nurses station. Every time I tried to go I got so hot and sweaty and grunty. I thought they were going to think someone was in labour in the loo. Tbf it felt like it! I had to get some laxatives in the end, I was over the moon when I actually got to poo!

I tried some lactulose once. Once. My stomach was growling after about half an hour and then over the next few hours I evacuated my enture digestive system. I found a new respect for DS who was about 8 at the time and on 3 times the amount I took and was totally unaffected by it.

These are great. No pain. Never fail.Drink lots of water after you chew one. I only ever take half a one. Chewy, fruity cube. Holland and Barrett sell them.

Maybe one would have been a better idea to start with. They have done their job though

Years ago me and oh were in New York and both constipated so got some of these. I think it said to take 1-3. We were flying on to Florida the next day and luckily I only took 1 as I had to poo in JFK airport, luckily made it through the flight and on to the Florida Hotel and then made full use of the toilet there (with accompanied fart noises). OH thought it was hilarious, they didn't really affect him, think he took 2!

It's bad enough shitting through the eye of a needle, but why do fart sounds get thrown in as well.

Talk about our bodies mocking us!!

I use dulcoease too, also on lots of painkillers. I used to use senna and that was not fun.

Movicol is actually pretty OK, it doesn't make me feel like I'm going to die on the toilet anyway. I guess the bar is quite low. 🤔

During a particularly severe bout of constipation, I took dulcolax once.
Never again!
Following the instructions, I went to bed straight after taking them, and went to sleep, hoping for gentle relief in the morning.
I was awoken in the early hours by the most excruciating stomach pain I have ever known. It was much worse than any of my labours. I was clawing at the sheets, sweating profusely, felt violently sick with the pain, writhing around on my bed, and honestly went past caring about anything but ridding myself of the agonising pain.
I quickly got to the point where I genuinely didnt care if I shit the bed, so long as the pain eased.
I managed to get to the bathroom, almost passed out, half pulled down my knickers and then had horrendous diarrhoea, that I slipped over on and banged my head on the basin, resulting in me passing out.
I came round shortly afterwards and spent a good 40 minutes showering the shit off of me.
I checked the amazon reviews later that day and discovered that it is very common to experience such a violent reaction.
Never ever again!
I have used a number of constipation remedies in my time, but I will never subject myself to these again.
OP, You are not alone. 💐

This reminds me of how I was with something the hospital gave me to bring home after having surgery. I took ONE and was so ill for that full night and the next day. Severe cramps, nausea, trying to rush to the bathroom multiple times (after major surgery) before full on liquid started escaping! After this part was past, I ended up with the headache from hell.

I've got a second surgery coming up and I'm so worried about what to take next time but I won't be touching those, that's for sure.

Regarding the Senakot being gentle and predictable.. over 20 years ago I tried them after not shitting for almost a week. I took them and nothing happened so off I trotted to work. An hour after arrival I was gripped by the most horrendous pain and urge to 'go'. Trouble was the only toilet was next to the Reception desk of a holiday complex I was a rep at.
I managed to compose my facial features enough to ask the receptionist for the key to a bungalow (vacant) to 'check it'. I clenched all the way there but had to sprint back to reception to get a sodding toilet roll as the cleaners had not replenished it. There was no hiding my distress at this point.
I ran back to the bungalow where I spent the next two hours sweating to what sounded like a running tap but was actually my arse. I missed my next hotel visit and got a huge bollocking from my supervisor who had zero sympathy. So there was nothing gentle or predictable about that experience and I've stuck to lactulose ever since.

Totally agree with @LuluBlakey1. I have suffered from constipation since I started perimenopause about 6 years ago which have caused piles 🤦‍♀️. Have tried everything over the years….fybrogel which is like orange squash with a handful of sawdust, ducolax which is unpredictable and can be violent. Lactulose doesn’t seem to do anything and laxido did a great job, but one of the side effects is a sore bum hole which I got!
Invested in these magic cubes and they really seem to be doing the trick…only been using them for the last few days. Take one about 6pm with a load of water and within 15 minutes of getting up am able to ‘go’ and it’s just normal.
Now I’m cleared out after a 2 week holiday where I spent most of it constipated and in discomfort from piles, I will try half a cube daily.
I have been in your position OP, it’s not funny at the time, but in hindsight 😂