I haven't used my bowels for a long time. Suggestions?

[ImScaredShitless]

ok, before we start, please excuse my poor taste in namechange.

I take medication that 'slows me down' so not going to the toilet for 3-5 days is quite normal. When I do, it hurts, I have anal fissure(s) i suspect, but not diagnosed.

Anyway, I was sick earlier in the week. I went to the toilet on friday after about 6 days without going. I did not go again until yesterday, a really small amount, after eating some prunes. Not as much as there should be, not by a long shot so I know I am not 'empty'.

I took some movicol (version of, can't remember the name of it) last night, and nothing.

For the last couple of days, well, to be honest since I vomited for a few days earlier in the week I have felt sick, and today in particular I feel very nauseous. I am not eating much as I am have no appetite and hate this constant feeling like I am going to throw up, I guess it is because I am so blocked up.

Any advice? I feel a bit unwell now. Can it cause me harm to not go for so long, with it all stuck in there?

If you recognise me in my wonderful disguise, please don't out me, it's an embarrassing enough topic as it is. Thanks

There's always a chance. But if were me, I'd try the enemas at home first.

DH is back at around 11:30pm or so. oh blimey, I don't know if I can ask anyone to do that?! the only people I know who I could ask that from are out in the middle of nowhere for dinner, it would take them a long time get back.

I am mostly thinking it is isn't. but, i feel goddam awful, and there is no indication it wants to move, along with increasing leg numbness. But, it could also be that I am panicking as leg pain has been steadily increasing over a few days. And it is not bilateral pain.

What time is he due home? They will be able to advise you though as to whether you really need to to get him home, they might tell you that you can try xy and z and wait until the morning, but if you do need urgent attention now then you don't want to leave it until midnight and have them tell you to go to A&E, i'm not medically trained jut speaking from experience, you need to talk to a medic.

ok, so can you get phosphate enemas over the counter? or should I call OOH to get a prescription/see what they say? I can get DH to pick some up on way home from work (well, not really on way home, bit of a trek to 24hr pharmacy but you get me!)

no point worrying until you know what you need or don't need to be worrying about. Make the call... If it is necessary to go to A&E then you will find a way - I'm sure it is best avoided on a Saturday night though unless it is a true emergency.

ok, going to call now. Sorry, I am a ditherer at the best of times. but don't want to be a pain in the ass and have DH come home and take me to A&E/get someone to look after the children etc if it is nothing serious. but, then I don't want to leave it and risk something more serious happening.

Good luck with the call! :-)

Good luck x

you know it makes sense ;) Tell us what they say xx

I'm not sure, maybe, but I know there are over counter enemas.
Phosphate can be horrific. I've used (and didn't manage to open bowels) and caused agony. But it works on most people.

How's your weeing? Any different? Can you feel like need a wee?

I can't empty my bladder fully normally, But When I'm extremely constipated its stops me weeing completely.

How many children do you have?.

I know someone with what you describe and if you are her I can offer to help.
OT

Try drinking aloe? It's gentle yet also anti inflammatory - I know of a lot of people who drink it for digestive health. Drink first thing in morning before food and drink... Also coffee works on most people but aloe is healthier.

I am a coffee drinker. But, since being sick gone right off it. However, I have had 2 cups of double espresso today and it was after drinking those my feeling of sickness increased, but no movement.

chocolatespiders oh no have i properly outed myself like in rl oh hope not! i have two children, girl 6 boy 2. if you are the only person i know who would be on MN on a saturday, then you have one gorgeous little boy and live near a lovely park...

I have called OOH, they normally have someone answering taking details then getting doc to call, but this time a voicemail saying leave name and number someone will call back. So waiting.

I think I have over-reacted and panicked. I probably just need a crap. I do feel very sick though, have some water and am just waiting for it to return. But. I am tucked up in bed, sick bowl at the ready.

reeny my wee is dark/infrequent. But, I was sick at the beginning of the week for a good few days, and it has taken time to pick back up again after that. yesterday was better, today a bit dehydrated looking/not much coming out.

Oh dear, I really have opened myself up for intimate details haven't i?

Good luck with the call. By the way I have a friend who drinks the aloe daily otherwise she can go for up to 7 days without opening her bowels

I am dumb. I called the wrong number. luckily it is the same team as I left my contact detail!

called and spoke to a nice friendly young man 'so what seems to be the problem?' blimey that was difficult to say without going very red in the face, luckily he could not see that! anyway, gp going to call me back.

i shall get some aloe vera drink. Funny, I have looked at that before, just out of interest as DH bought me an aloe vera plant and I was interested in what you can use it for, I read about aloe vera being excellent for you. Shame I never decided to follow my faddish tendencies and didn't stock up on some!

If you can get some, the Forever stuff is the best as its full of live enzymes ( keep in fridge after opening) Holland and Barratt s is cheaper yet its not as strong I've heard? Mind you, it's got a higher quantity of outer leaf in it which is a laxative. Might be worth considering as a future preventative anyway?

Yup your probably are dehydrated with being sick and not keeping enough down.

I know with that condition it usually effects the bladder first, then bowels, but everyone different. And usually stops you weeing at all.
But I'm sure there are variations.

My regular movement with multiple laxatives etc is once every 3 weeks. It's still not right. And I know more will have to be done in the future.
I say my regular (what it has become).
So I know I'm constantly constipated.

Hope the call back from them goes ok.

I always try everything I can before going now because they just do things that I can try at home first.
Then if doesn't work after a few more attempts with different things, I contact them and then I'm admitted for further treatment, and also to help with pain, vomiting and keeping me hydrated.

No you are safe. It was when you mentioned Cauda Equina Syndrome that made me think I knew you. Through my work I have met a lady with this and if you had of been her I would have rushed out and got whatever was needed. As I would for you if I thought your were in close proximity to me

I have teenage dd so not me.

Have you tried a hot water bottle on your tummy?

Hope you feel better soon.

chocolatespiders thank god for that. I did think for a moment it was that person, as I went on to FB and there was a message from her, I clicked with some trepidation but it was about a plumber However, had I been that person you are friends with, would be a very lucky friend, you sound fab!

If went hospital or out if hours referred, they would ptob do X-ray, then offer suppository first, then administer the enemas to you.

Then if that didn't work, keep offering the enemas, while possibly doing more tests like checking your reflexes.

reenypip that is what I have been reading about CES too, and more usual to not be able to hold it in than the other way around. I think that is feeling less likely.

Can constipation make actually be sick? Is that why I am throwing up? I did think maybe that is why. I agree I don't want to go in to hospital for something I can sort out at home. I just don't want to feel so bloody ill.

It doesn't even hurt my stomach, that feels wobbly from feeling sick, but my lower back hurts, not just the usual back pain from my disc problems, but from the bowels, and it feels very uncomfortable, if that makes sense.