Please help - can you be constipated with diarrhoea? (TMI warning)

[InAllWeekend]

I've not been able to leave the house all weekend as I've had diarrhoea since Friday night - was awake all night with stomach cramping and running to the loo. Don't think it was a virus as no temp, felt ok otherwise except wiped out from no sleep. Really watery stools after eating or drinking anything.

Last night and tonight have woken up to go to loo but not constantly. I get only a tiny bit of warning and can't really hold it but I have loads to do this week.

Yesterday things felt like they were firming up a little, still soft and runny but also feels like there might be some blockage - but can't be sure. Felt like things were getting closer all day but don't think they actually are.

Do I need a stool softener, or dulcolax type of stimulant laxative? I really need to take my dc somewhere tomorrow (today) but dreading being away from the loo, let alone starting some laxative treatment! What will get this sorted asap?

I'm usually fit and healthy with no bowel issues - every day (or two) is normal for me. Had a stressful situation on Friday so assumed it was that causing diarrhoea but thought would be over that now.

Bit embarrassed as don't usually post on MN about my bowels!

Prune juice? That’s my go to for fast results without causing any other issues

Yes it sounds like you are blocked up and the diarrhoea is overspill.
You can take a laxative to soften the stool but it won’t work immediately. It won’t make you need to suddenly run to the loo. There are other natural things you can try like eating 2x kiwis, and do yoga focused on digestion (lots of twisting). You can also try massaging your belly where you feel the pain/stool to break it up manually.
Drink lots of water if you can, or fruit juice.

Thanks -I'll see if the prune juice works!

Yes you can absolutely have overflow diarrhea because of constipation/impaction - I've had it several times as I have ibs-C. A stool softener like laxido/movicol will help but as pp says it's not instant, takes a day or two to soften the harder stool and shift it. A stimulant laxative will cause stomach cramps unless combined with the softener first.

I've spoken to a pharmacist who says it makes no sense to take laxative while still having diarrhoea so I should treat the diarrhoea first and take dioralytes then if there is any constipation treat that after.

My immediate concern is the dia. as that's stopping me going anywhere and I'm not 100% sure that there is a blockage, it's possible I'm feeling something that isn't there iyswim so I am tempted to do that but hate not knowing what to do. Can't feel anything particularly by rubbing my tummy hard.

I did explain to him about it potentially being overflow but not sure he agreed.

You can but just because you don't have a temperature doesn't mean you don't have a stomach bug.

My experience of children with over flow is that is a slow dribble not what you're describing.

Overflow diarrhoea is usually leakage or a small amount of loose stool when you are straining to go - if you are having profuse watery diarrhoea multiple times a day like you get with food poisoning, it’s not that.

Tye ERIC website has everything you ever need on constipation and diarrhoea.

Thanks everyone, all views are appreciated as I tie myself in knots googling things.

I think you should phone your GP surgery and see if you can have a phone consultation. It’s better than googling.