Constipation- 5 days and counting

[DaysofHoney]

I’ve been quite unwell recently and I’m on my second round of antibiotics in a month. I noticed I wasn’t going to the bathroom as regularly as normal, and the last time was almost a week ago (which was awful, took a lot to get that one moving!)

Since then I’ve eaten really well, lots of fruit, water etc and I still haven’t been. I feel bloated of course, but don’t actually feel any need to go either. I haven’t had to sit straining if you know what I mean, just nothing moving.

Could it be the antibiotics? Is this common? Any other tips? I don’t like prunes but I’ve had dates, dried apricots, apples, smoothies, coffee, all the right stuff or so I thought!

Antibiotics mess with your gut so that's probably why.

fizzy drinks and junk food usually make me empty my bowels

Typical! I might go for the junk tomorrow then…!

Homemade apple sauce

Homemade lentil and veg soup

Kiwis

Strong coffee

Look up moo to poo

Just get some dulcolqx suppositories not particularly fun but they work. Just pop one up your bum and lie on your left side with your knees bent and wait 30 minutes. It will work.

I hadn't had a poo for 3 weeks (chemo related) and tried the suppository last night and it worked for my horrific impaction. Also if it painful to pass it get in the bath and use the hand held jet on your bum yes it's beyond gross to poo in the shower but you can clean it afterwards. I'm not ashamed that I did that last night and it worked.

I'm going to ask for some better laxatives for the next round of chemo because I can't go through that again! I did lose 6 pounds by having a poo though so small wins 🤣

Yes I second the suppositories. It's the gentlest way I find. Make sure you hold them in for about 30 mins or more - don't bow down to the first urge. I know what you mean about going past the point of needing to poo but imo it's at that point you should sort it out. Magnesium citrate works too if you have any (by mouth).

@MammTorr I hope they find you something that works! Constipation that bad is utterly miserable, you have my sympathies

I've now been prescribed 3 laxatives by my horrified cancer nurse who said I should have left chemo with a bag of them. Oops! I do feel better though not gonna lie!!

@MammTorr thank goodness! At least you can be prepared this time!