To take dulcolax every week?

[NoahsBark]

Chronic constipation - nothing else works and I’ve tried everything. Dulcolax works.

I last took dulcolax last Sunday and emptied my bowels later that night. I’ve not had a poo since.

the packet says not to take regularly but surely it can’t be more harmful than severe constipation?! I’m sure I’ve read on here someone taking them as a regular thing?

Go and see a doctor.

Have you tried a probiotic? I take meds which make me very constipated and I’ve recently tried a biotin probiotic which you take every day and been regular since.

I read a book by a gastroenterologist Dr Udi Schmueli who advised that following research, this was not a problem at all.

The bowel clinic nurse we spoke to about a family member’s issues said it’s fine. However, I imagine it really depends on the cause and not the symptom of constipation itself. She said during the conversation that a common cause in healthy people is lack of fibre and chia seeds often help in that situation, the others were dehydration and lack of exercise. My family member’s cause is neurological, so not the main ones, but still useful info. However, I’d try to work out the cause alongside managing symptoms. Maybe see if you can get a bowel clinic referral? If you’ve tried lots of things already, take a written list for your GP as that should help them decide on next steps. I do think a GP’s visit is important though as long term severe constipation can be dangerous if it becomes impacted and could point to a more serious problem.

I know you say you've tried everything but have you looked into Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth? This is only new to me as my sister has it and is seeing someone about it. As I have had issues for 30+ years I have started following a diet similar to what she's on (mostly doing low FODMAP) and it's making a big difference so far. I know she's been put on antibiotics so not sure whether I need those too to make a long term difference but the diet itself has made a huge difference to me already.

Perhaps you could change somethings in your diet? Eating more fibre and protein and drinking more water. Fruit, veg, brown pasta etc.
Google bowel training.

Have you tried the purée two whole kiwis then drinking it. I’ve struggled with constipation for year but now do this every 3 days and it works. I’ve forgotten over Christmas and now can’t poo at all. Mine is caused by Endo bizarrely

I suffered from constipation for many years and took dulcolax occasionally until it suddenly gave me the most excruciating tummy pain, despite being successful. I would spend most of the night in agony.
After checking the reviews on amazon, i discovered this is a common problem. I then discovered magnesium supplements and began taking the recommended dose every day and haven't had a problem since.
It worked from day 1.

I have to take them 2/3 times daily every day due to chronic constipation from the meds I’m on and even then I take senna, drink water .tried flax seed etc but I’m still constipated. Prune juice or stewed apple really helps naturally if you want to not be taking dulcolax every day

I take lactulose daily as I'm on strong painkillers that causes constipation.

You need to do what is necessary for a clear out!

I am on morphine which causes constipation
So I'm taking laxido 🤮 morning and evening, and will be doing so indefinitely. Neither the pharmacist nor the doctor said this is a problem

I wonder if they say not to take it in definitely because you might be masking a medical problem

It's fine to take it long term as long as you have ruled out any sinister cause.

Is it the same as dulcoease? I want to take this more regularly so am going to ask doc.

You would be better having a prescription of Resolor to take daily than having one BM a week.

Kiwi fruit (with skin on) are excellent for constipation. The advice is to eat 2 daily, and it can take up to two weeks for your bowels to get into the swing of going regularly. 30g of chia seeds in a small glass of water in the afternoon can also help.

I think Dulcolax have launched a laxative you can use regularly.

They have a new ad on the telly.

I do suffer from constipation but avoid laxatives.

Hi, dulcoease works in a different way, it's a stool softener. Dulcolax stimulates bowel contractions.

Are you on any meds by any chance? Especially painkillers containing codeine as these will constipate you no end. If you drink a lot of cows milk that also constipates too. I changed my whole diet to vegan and take a probiotic tablet daily and have never had an issue since. My urine is always clear too as I drink plenty of water related drinks. If you end up taking too much laxatives your bowel ends up getting too lazy and you may have problems down the line. Best to eat your way healthy like nature intended or you will end up eating medication for years like I did! Good luck. 🙏x