AIBU to worry about long-term bisacodyl use for chronic constipation?

[Greyblankie]

Chronic constipation for years - any type of osmotic laxatives makes me bloat up and be in constant pain (and doesn’t seem to do much to help me go bog). I’ve tried movicol, lactulose, fibergel, docusate - the lot
The only thing that works is bisocodyl. A few hours of diarrhoea and then I feel fine for a few more days.

Dr says taking bisodyl a couple of times a week long term is fine but this is contrary to all over internet advice.

Anyone any words of wisdom much appreciated

What are your options? What is the risk of untreated constipation? Have you tried senna?

Have you tried high dose vitamin C and high dose magnesium citrate? This is what i rely on!

What magnesium citrate do you use? The ones I’ve got from H&B are absolutely huge and I’m frightened to death I choke on them

but yes I have found they do work occasionally to help me go, I didn’t know about vitamin c though! I’ll get some in

Do you know why you are constipated? Do you take any opioid medication? How is your diet and fluid intake overall?

I don’t know what the long term risks would be, taking bisacodyl. As PP asked, what is the risK of untreated constipation? Bowel blockage?

I guess at some point, the body might just get used to the laxatives and your body won’t be able to work without them?

I use the vitabright magnesium citrate -they’re “normal” size capsules rather than massive Holland & Barrett ones. I take 2/3 every night.

Vit c tablets are 1300 mg (need two tablets a day 650mg each) and magnesium citrate is 1400mg (again, need two a day 700mg each)

I always take both tablets in the morning and then if i need it i take the second lot in the evening. I dont always need both doses.

Tablets are massive capsule type ones though. They make a massive difference though! I used to take so much movicol and now i barely need it at all.

Internet advice is often based on the need for people not to take laxatives long term without discussing it with a health professional.

This clearly doesn't apply to your personal situation where you have explored a lot of other options and your GP knows all about it.

They are giving advice specific to you which the internet (including us on Mumsnet) can't.

No I’ve had a camera up, they found nothing. My diet isn’t great but neither is my appetite. High fibre makes it worse

I was on iron tablets but I’ve stopped taking them due to this. No other medication. Caeliac test negative. Lactose intolerance to be investigated and going for an ultrasound soon.

had full bloods, nothing apart from anaemia. I even had the inflammation maker tests - all negative

@Greyblankie Maybe you just have a slow digestive system? What happens if you don’t take the laxatives? Are you able to go at all ? Maybe the u/s will reveal something?

I do eventually but it can be over a week between movements

Solidarity Op!
Same situation here (and awaiting a second colonoscopy under gastro)
Osmotics just mke me bloated but don't move anything so it's a daily glycerine suppository and bisocodyl if needed. I have a narrowed section of colon for no good reason and I wish they'd cut it out... I'd cope with a stoma if it meant not being in pain all the time.
I hate taking meds but nothing else works.

Chia seeds! Amazing for getting gut going. I stir a tbsp in my overnight oats but they can be blended in smoothies or just mixed with water and swallowed down.

Take the time to change your diet for the better though. It would be life changing and medicine should always be a last resort.

Psyllium husk pudding is meant
to be excellent for this, might be worth a try