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Laxative abuse tw

8 replies

Upthebridges · 28/03/2025 13:01

Hello, sorry I am writing this in such a state. I would appreciate messages on the kinder side although I know on mumsnet this isn't always possible.

I have been abusing laxatives for around 9 months now. Despite what you may think this is honestly not related to weight loss. I had never touched laxatives before this time, and I only got them as I was slightly constipated once. They worked very well, and I felt so much better afterwards. A 'light and empty' feeling. After that I kind of got obsessed with taking the laxatives, I get stressed out if I think there is poop in my stomach and I want it out immediately. So I kept on taking laxatives every day even when I did not need them, as I hated that the thought of knowing I had waste festering within me.
I am mid 50s and both children have left home years ago. I thought this was hidden but DH has pulled me aside this morning and confronted me. He knows exactly what is happening...I don't know how but he does. He had told me I need to book a GP appointment, but I am terrified about this.

For a bit of background, I have always had traits that could be seen as a symptom of OCD. No diagnosis, I've never even spoken to a medical professional about it. These presented when I was younger then seemed to go away for a while. It seems lately they are back stronger than ever, and I think this laxative issue and feeling the need to 'get the waste' out may be a symptom. DH wants me to bring up possible OCD at the GP. I honestly do not think I can. I am writing this through tears if I am honest, I can't see the woods through the trees.

OP posts:
Upthebridges · 28/03/2025 13:03

I know this sounds silly but if anyone can related I can appreciate it...once I have eaten I can only think about the food rotting away in my belly. I then take laxatives to get it out completely. As you can guess this has taken its toll on my digestive system which is now a mess

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MissMoneyFairy · 28/03/2025 13:14

Your dh is right, speak to your GP, you have a fear of the rotting food which is out of control and damaging your health, it's irrational and you will get the help you need from the doctor, please make an appointment, they won't judge you and will signpost you to the right specialists.

Weddingbutterfly · 28/03/2025 13:20

Take dh with you , he can speak up if you struggle with the right words , would that be an option ?

Devilsmommy · 28/03/2025 13:32

Oh darling you need to see a GP asap. Would you be comfortable with DH going with you so he can tell the GP if you can't get the words out? Definitely explain your history of OCD like symptoms. They won't judge you, they will just want to help you. Hope you get the courage to see it through 😊

Upthebridges · 29/03/2025 04:19

I rang up today and I have a GP appointment booked Monday. I don't want to take DH with me....I am a grown woman and I hate the the way I am struggling, I am going to be embarrassed if he has to speak for me. But If it helps me get better then I may need him to

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DaleyDerDrache · 29/03/2025 04:26

So sorry you're going through this, it sounds very distressing. Definitely sounds like it could be OCD related. Could you write everything down that you want to say and take it with you to the doctor's appointment? Maybe even write a letter that you can just hand to the doctor, if you find it too hard to speak about it.

Upthebridges · 29/03/2025 04:38

Sorry I can't work out how to reply to posts...but yes I have written down exactly what I am going through and plan to give that to the GP. It's 4am and I've spent another night not sleeping sat on the toilet as I need to 'get everything out'. I can see from and outsiders perspective how crazy this is, and I know it is irrational, but yet I can't stop these thoughts and doing this. I'm seeing the GP on Monday I hope this is the beggining of me getting better.

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Upthebridges · 29/03/2025 05:59

Obviously I am not diagnosed with anything, but when I was a teenager these weird 'quirks' I had almost ruined my life. I had my children young and for around 15 years i was fine, I obviously still had them but I just didn't think about it all as much. I had a HRT patch for around 3 years and all this started again when I came off it. I'm now thinking is this all just related to hormones?

This is why I don't think I actually have OCD. Surely if I did it would be a lifelong thing and I wouldn't have been able to switch it 'off' when I was raising my children. But then I also know this way of thinking and my obsessive thoughts are far from normal and they are irrational

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