Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention; if you think your problem could be acute, do so immediately. Even qualified doctors can't diagnose over the internet, so do bear that in mind when seeking or giving advice. If you need to talk to someone in confidence, please contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.
Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention; if you think your problem could be acute, do so immediately. Even qualified doctors can't diagnose over the internet, so do bear that in mind when seeking or giving advice. If you need to talk to someone in confidence, please contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.
Eating disorders
This is embarrassing, but can laxatives cause mucus in bowel movements
PrincessandthePeach · 12/10/2019 19:46
Sorry for the TMI topic. Posting here for traffic. Just to provide a background I'm currently suffering with an eating disorder not eating a lot, and vomiting up meals. Anyway, this morning I took 2 dulcolax laxatives as I haven't had a bowel movement for a couple of days. I have had abdominal pain and watery diarrhoea since about 3pm. The thing is dulcolax always makes me have a couple of accidents 
and I had one about 30mins ago. When I was getting cleaned up I noticed some mucus in my pad and when I wiped. It's definitely coming from the bowel. Is this normal for taking a simulant laxative?
ChristmasFluff · 12/10/2019 19:52
Well no, not if taken as directed. But you aren't doing that.
I had IBS, and often had mucous. So yeah, your bowel is acting like an overactive/abused bowel would do. Just as you are acting like an abused person would.
Please seek help for your condition. You will not poo if there is nothing to poo out due to lack of eating and/or vomiting. You are taking laxatives for eating disorder reasons.
Mucous is the least of your worries.
Babynut1 · 12/10/2019 19:53
Yes I often have to take laxatives as I get constipated from medication. I often get mucus x
Idontneeditatall · 12/10/2019 19:53
Agree that you’re not pooing because you’re not eating. This is the problem, please seek help op
PrincessandthePeach · 12/10/2019 20:16
Thanks for replies so far, I mentioned to my GP and psychiatrist about purging and weight loss a while ago but I downplayed it and told them I was only purging a few times a week when in reality it's a few times a day. I booked the GP in for Wednesday morning to talk to them more about it as I'm miserable at the minute and don't really want to be alive anymore
Bloodless · 12/10/2019 20:19
I may be wrong but noticeable mucus is caused by inflammation in the digestive track, which would probably happen if your purging.
I suffered with bulimia in the past & while I don’t do that anymore (not for years), I’m still suffering the physical consequences of actions. Please get help OP, before your like me. Always here if you want to talk xx
Bloodless · 12/10/2019 20:21
Just read ur last post OP, things will get better, I promise ❤️❤️❤️ Xx
tobedtoMNandfart · 12/10/2019 20:23
@PrincessandthePeach you are wonderful & special and precious. Please get help and learn to value yourself more.
Agree with PP don't use laxatives. You will only pop if you eat enough.
Mucous would indicate inflammation or infection. Mention it to your doctor particularly if there is any blood there.
Pringlesfortea · 12/10/2019 20:28
The bulimia help method ..it’s a book ,it’s on amazon ..it might help
I had bulimia for 30 years ,I only managed to stop because I was constantly bringing up blood ,it got quite frightening when it came out of my nose.
I thought I would have bulimia for the rest of my life,it’s been the hardest thing I’ve had to do ,stopping I mean x I do understand how hard it is x feel free to pm me if you want a chat x
PrincessandthePeach · 12/10/2019 20:53
Thanks everyone, just can't see myself getting through this. Life is all about waiting for death with obsessing about my weight in between. Everything is so messed up
EstherMumsnet · 12/10/2019 21:36
Hello OP, we are really sorry to hear you are feeling this way.
We hope you don't mind, but when these threads are flagged up to us we usually add a link to our Mental Health resources. You can also go to the Samaritans website or email them on [email protected] Support from other Mumsnetters is great and we really hope you will be able to take some comfort from your fellow posters, but as other MNers will tell you, it's really a good idea to seek RL help and support as well. The Mind website is a good starting point - they have lots of information on treatment and support for people coping with eating disorders.
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