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Original poster

Severe Constipation tmi

37 replies

geordieminx · 21/09/2009 10:01

I have never had frequent bowel movements - usually every 3 or 4 days.

Over the past few months it seems to be getting worse, 7-8 days sometimes. . I was prescribed Lactulose by the doctor, but tbh it didnt seem to make much difference, and I was having to take it 3 times a day just to go every 5 or 6 days..

Last week I was prescribed Movicol,twice a day but having been taking it for a week now I still havent been to the toilet, and have even tried the Lactulose too, as I'm starting to get desperate.

I feel so uncomfortable and bloated its unreal. I'm getting married in under a fortnight, and this is the last thing I need at the moment.... at this rate I cant even see my dress fitting.

Has anyone got any tips/suggestions/anything at all really. Like I said, I really am desperate now. Am thinking about colonic irrigation, but cant see that making a difference if its further up.

Please help.

OP posts:

ArizonaBarker · 21/09/2009 10:03

If you're getting married, chances are you are nervous and/or stressed, which won't help matters!

I think you need to go back to the doctors and make sure he/she knows how uncomfortable you are.

What's your diet like? Are you drinking lots of water?

Original poster

geordieminx · 21/09/2009 10:09

I could tell you that my diet is great, that I drink 3 litres of water a day and 10 portions of fruit and veg but I'd e lying.

Honestly, my diet is crap. Its a vicious circle, I am desperately trying to loose a couple of lb's, but constipation isnt helping, so I reduce food which makes it even worse, which means I try and diet even more. I'm sure you can imagine how swollen my tummy is after a week of no movements - I look pregnant

OP posts:

Scootergrrrl · 21/09/2009 10:11

Try drinking a glass of warm water with lemon juice very first thing every morning. And even if you don't like the taste, eat some fruit and veg, particularly kiwi fruit, which is good for constipation.

Carmel206 · 21/09/2009 10:12

I agree with Arizona - you really should go to the doctor as soon as you can and tell them in detail how sever this is - also try drinking a cup of boiled ( and slightly cooled) water with lemon juice first thing in the morning - and at intervals through thte day - i have no idea why this works but it did for me ( when pregnaant) but most importantly I really think you need to explain how bad things are to your GP first!!

Cakesandale · 21/09/2009 10:14

I know a bit more than I want to about constipation owing to medication I am taking periodically, which gunks everything up for a few days.

So I can honestly say that reducing food isn't helping you.

The three things I have been told by the hospital are the things you know already, really, but they do work (sorry):

at least five portions of fruit and veg a day (try making one of them very first thing - before anything else (escept maybe a drink. And not a banana. Something that you would expect yto have an impact - like grapefruit or apricots, or anything citrussy.

Two litres of water a day

A brisk walk or swim (doesn't have to be for ages, half an hour should do)

As you have been suffering for a while, it may take a few days to get a result, and you may feel a bit worse in the meantime, but stick with it for three or four days. (And stay near a toilet )

Original poster

geordieminx · 21/09/2009 10:20

Have started a wee chart, and am going to try and drink at least 5 glasses of water today, and for the rest of the week - I am bad with drinking - most days I have 2 1/2 cups of tea and thats in

I will do the lemon water thing too - cant taste any worse than movicol/lactulose.

Will also stock up on kiwi fruits as I like them - will also add fruit/veg column to chart, and try and do 5 portions a day!

OP posts:

Cakesandale · 21/09/2009 10:26

ooh, the lack of fluids thing on its own could be enough to do it!

I'd have a shocking headache with the amount you drink!

Give it all a go - and good luck.

JemAtTheParrotsTable · 21/09/2009 10:29

Prune juice is vile, but it worked for me- drink half a pint straight down.

Hope you get things moving soon.

Original poster

geordieminx · 21/09/2009 10:32

Prune juice doesnt sound good....

I know I am shocking with fluids... Its a standing joke in our house that I will dry up and blow away.

OP posts:

Scootergrrrl · 21/09/2009 10:34

Start drinking lots of water now and, as another plus, you'll have lovely skin for your wedding

Cakesandale · 21/09/2009 10:43

If water is just too dull, pretty much any fluids (except sadly alcohol, sigh) will work - although you'll have to factor in their calorie content if you are trying to lose weight. But for now, just drink whatever gets things moving.

Agree prune juice is truly vile - but it is likely to be extremely effective.......

Original poster

geordieminx · 21/09/2009 10:53

Have put a touch of hi-juice in with the water.

Will save the prune juice for when I have a day at home!

OP posts:

Cakesandale · 21/09/2009 11:01

Prob. v sensible ]grin]

ThingOne · 21/09/2009 11:04

What about peppermint tea? Or chewing gum with sweeteners in?

Original poster

geordieminx · 21/09/2009 14:36

On to glass 4 of water, have also been to tesco and bought 8 kiwis and 2 lemons..

OP posts:

Cakesandale · 21/09/2009 14:37

I predict a massive explosion at some point over the next couple of days...

Original poster

geordieminx · 21/09/2009 14:39

Hopefully it will lead to me being 1/2 stone lighter...although I doubt it

OP posts:

AnAuntieNotAMum · 21/09/2009 14:47

In the short term, return to the GP. In the long term, another voice here for more liquids. It's the simplest and safest way to keep things moving. You are building yourself up to some possible very serious bowel problems with constant constipation. 2 1/2 cups of tea a day as an intake of liquid (which is a diuretic due to caffeine and will drain your body of much needed water), is not enough.

Theteathings · 21/09/2009 14:59

I always get bunged up on holidays and I was once in Germany and hadn't been for 10 days - so in total desperation I wolfed a large jarful of cooked sauerkraut. It was a bit to taste but by golly 24 hours later it did the trick.

In these circumstances I highly recommend this approach to you.

Original poster

geordieminx · 21/09/2009 15:00

On the plus side... i am pissing like a racehorse!

OP posts:

Vigilanteawarenessraiser · 21/09/2009 18:59

Hi Geordieminx,
I think you really need to be seen quickly - I remember you asking about endometriosis a couple of months ago. Have you got any further with that? Are you being referred to a bowel specialist/gynaecologist who specialises in endometriosis? The problem is, many GPs and even gynaecologists don't know much about endo - but it's a bit worrying if you're having these symptoms as severe endometriosis can constrict the bowel, causing constipation, and eventually block it. It's very rare but it needs to be checked out. It's also complex to deal with, which is why you really need to see someone who's very specialist.

Don't want to worry you. I just don't want to say nothing if there's a chance that you could end up rather ill.

Original poster

geordieminx · 21/09/2009 19:45

Apart from random bleeding, had no other endo symptoms, I still havent had appointment through from hospital, although I went back to GP last week, and she has sent another urgent one through.

OP posts:

Vigilanteawarenessraiser · 21/09/2009 20:13

ok.

But you don't necessarily have symptoms that are overtly gynaecological - when I needed bowel surgery I had chronic abdominal and back pain and bowel pain/symptoms, but nothing that was specifically linked to my cycle. I had all that when I was younger, but not so much later on.

If you ever get a bout of acute pain, you do need to be seen as an emergency, though it's probably unlikely it will come to that. Meanwhile, keep pestering, just because it's very unpleasant for you even if it doesn't mean anything at all.

Original poster

geordieminx · 21/09/2009 20:38

Thank you, I really appreciate all the time and help you have given me.

Of course sod's law will mean my appointment comes through the day before the wedding or when I am on honeymoon

OP posts:

cocolepew · 21/09/2009 20:40

Another vote for more fluids, I also have to have a glass of pure grapefruit juice in the mornings, it gets things, erm, moving.

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