Anyone awake? I’m in agony and worried

[TigeToo]

I havnt been to toilet properly for about 2 weeks. Not all that usual for me as I do suffer from chronic constipation but it was getting really uncomfortable this time, my stomach was swollen and although I was passing bits and pieces here and there, it was tiny little stools.

I bought some constipation tablets yesterday (Asda own brand dulcolax). Put off taking them but we got a takeaway and my stomach was so bloated. Before bed I fell asleep on the sofa then woke up around 11:30, I was so tired and groggy I went to take 2 tablets before bed but whilst I was taking them I was distracted, came back to them, couldn’t remember if I’d taken one or 2 so as I was groggy I just took another ri make sure. In hindsight I took 3.

woke up at 4am with horrendous stomach cramp which turned into excruciating pain all around my abdomen, so bad I considered calling an ambulance as I was pretty sure something was very wrong. Worse than labour pains. This went on for half an hour before I get the urge to go to toilet. Normal stool at first, then 5 minutes later a softer stool (accompanied by nausea and hot sweats, intense cramping) now explosive diarrhoea. The pain has eased up but the diarrhoea is constant. I have health anxiety admittedly but I’m really worried I’ve caused some serious damage. No longer considering an ambulance but am considering driving myself to A&E for accidental overdose?!

YABU - you’ll be fine
YANBU - Something is wrong

It sounds to me like you had a lot built up in there and your body is just working on expelling it all.

I don’t think you need A and E, just drink plenty of water, take some paracetamol and try and sleep. If you ever have a colonoscopy they give you a med to clear your bowel and I went to the loo (diarrhea) 17 times in 24 hours so you’ve probably just done that to yourself!

When you’ve recovered you should look at what you can do about your long term constipation, two weeks is a long time!

You should be just fine! But in future, take in plenty of fiber and drink plenty of water. That should make you much more regular so you don’t get so constipated.

You should start to feel better now it's sorting itself out. Maybe call 111 for advice if you are still concerned but no I wouldn't leap straight to A&E. What does it say on the instructions- does it mention what to do if you take too many?

yes up will be fine once your body had clearedig all. Can.you take movicol each day to prevent it happening again as prevention is definitely better than cure.

You'll be fine. It'll probably take your stomach a while to settle down but hopefully you'll feel better now things have got moving.

Are you feeling better now?

Aw lovely, that sounds like you're having a right time of it!
I'd the pain still easing as more "comes away"?
I wonder (not a doctor!!) If you've been so badly constipated it's been starting to impact, like a plug, and the meds have shifted that and let everything else out in one go?
was there any blood that you noticed? give 111 a call and see what they say,or get them to get you in at urgent care rather than waiting hours in A&E without knowing where the toilet is etc maybe?
Or if they think it serious they will send you to A&E.
What does the packet say about dosage? I appreciate you have anxiety but I don't think one extra dulcolax is going to do anything major to your insides in and of itself.
I would go to the docs though, if you don't go tonight, to see if they will investigate crohns/ibs etc if you're often having trouble.

Screenshot is from the NHS website.
Sorry you were in so much pain, it must have been frightening. Maybe take some electrolytes if you have any, and drink some water. But you should be OK.

Thinking about you. Hopefully you will start feeling better soon.

What your experiencing is normal when you clear your bowel of hardened stool.

Fwiw when I've taken those types of constipation pill it's caused me sever cramps too.

Have you considered ladixo daily or something else to keep atolls soft rather than have a clear out every few weeks.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4621791-to-think-dulcolax-are-the-work-of-the-devil

You will be fine, see this thread for similar dulcolax stories. It works!

I had the same on taking too much. This was in America and I didn’t realise the tablet was double the amount of the equivalent product back home. Your bowels will eventually calm. I also think regular meds can only be better than going through this!

My recollection of when I had a colonoscopy is that I had to take more laxatives than that. It seems very unlikely it will do you any harm.

This sounds totally normal for a clear out as PP have said.

Hope the cramps are beginning to eat. I agree some paracetamol and a hot water bottle on your stomach can be comforting.

And in future, lots of fruit and veg to keep you regular. Kiwi fruit skin and all works magic for me.

eat. Sigh I meant ease.

Get some glycerin suppositories for constipation next time. Much less aggressive on your body attacking the constipation from bottom up rather than top down.

Yeah it hurts like hell and unfortunately they can cause a rebound effect and constipate you so go see your regular doctor get some movicol or something

Next time try the stool softener it's less aggressive

Also do you have any buscapam in?

Hello in the past I've been admitted into hospital several times with impacted bowels with varying length stays. Last time was 7 years ago as I've now learnt to see the signs and manage it. You need a stool softener called Macrogol it helps you to have a comfortable bowel movement even if you have been constipated for a long time and also works in faecal impaction.
Brand names: Movicol and Laxido. This can be bought over the counter at the chemist. Its what they'd give you in hospital anyway. Pain killers Naproxen I found was the best for the pain. You can get it on percription but if you need it now buy Feminax Ultra (blue box) from chemists. It has Naproxen in it and does the same job.

How to take Movicol

Constipation:
The recommended dose of Movicol is 1 sachet a day.

This can be increased to 2 or 3 sachets daily if necessary.

Faecal Impaction:
The dose is 8 sachets a day taken within 6 hours. You may need to take this dose for up to 3 days. If you have a heart condition do not take more than two sachets in any one hour.

Open the sachet and put the powder into a glass which is half full of water (about 125 mL). Stir well until the water is clear again then drink it. If you like, you can add a flavour such as orange squash to the drink.

If you are taking Movicol for faecal impaction, it may be easier to dissolve 8 sachets in 1 litre of water.

And Drink plenty of water.

Hope this helps xxx

Thanks everyone, I’m feeling better now, a bit wiped out but at least the pain has gone. I’ll get some movicol in and will try and remember to take it daily. I just hope it doesn’t bloat me up